Page 14 - GBC Summer 2019 Eng

LOST BALL
Time Limit in Searching for Lost Ball (Rule 18.2)
The time limit in searching for a lost ball is now 3 minutes, where it was previously 5 minutes. IMPACT
Speeding up play is a positive. Typically, a lost ball is going to be found within 3 minutes. Furthermore, the process involved in dealing with a lost ball takes signi cantly more time than this considering that the golfer may be required to play under a stroke and distance penalty.
SCORING
Maximum Score (Rule 21.2)
Maximum score is an alternative, optional scoring method where a player’s or side’s score for a hole is capped at a maximum number of strokes set by the committee, such as two times par, a xed number or net double bogey.
IMPACT
Using the maximum score option will certainly help to speed play and might be particularly useful during junior golf competitions.
LOCAL RULES
One local Rule, in particular, is now available that provides an alternative to playing the next stroke using a “stroke and distance” penalty.
Option Instead of Stroke and Distance (Local Rule E5)
An option is now in place that allows a golfer who has hit a ball out of bounds, or has lost a ball, to take a 2-stroke penalty and play from the fairway or a nearby area. If the ball is hit out of bounds, the golfer follows the following steps: 1) nd the point where the ball last crossed the margin of out of bounds; 2) nd a point equidistant to the agstick on the edge of the fairway (note this reference point may be marked and the relief area measured two club lengths into the fairway from this point); 3) the ball may be dropped and played anywhere between the area encompassed by drawing a line from the point where the ball crossed the out of bounds line to the agstick, and the reference point on the edge of the fairway to the agstick. A similar option, including the 2-stroke penalty, is available for a lost ball.
IMPACT
This is an option that could signi cantly increase pace of play when in place. Like many of the other new Rules, educating the golfer on the process for proceeding with this local Rule will be important.
“An option is now in place that allows a golfer who has hit a ball out of bounds, or has lost a ball, to take a 2-stroke penalty and play from the fairway or a nearby area.”
RULES ARE MADE TO BE FOLLOWED
For those involved in course management, there are a number of Rules that changed this year that will impact operations. In particular, and probably of most importance, is the way that penalty areas are marked on the course. The pace of play of golfers will, of course, also impact operations and the golfer. A few of these changes were highlighted herein, but there are more that those who have an interest in golf should be familiar with.
Adam Helmer, Director of Rules and Competitions, Golf Canada, said, “There are a number of signi cant changes to the new Rules that will impact golf operators and we are very pleased thus far with the level of engagement around Rules education and application at the club level. As part of our Rules education strategy, we are also offering valuable resources to club committees outlining new language, Local Rules and options to mark a course.”
To access the Rules, download the Rules app, visit golfcanada.ca, or get a hard copy of the Rules. It’s all about a game, and the Rules to the game are important whether you’re managing the playing eld, or putting your ball into play!
Golf Business Canada
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Golf Business Canada