Summary of
New Rules of Golf 2014
and
Revisions to Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2014-2015
At the PWGA workshop in February, there was a brief presentation on new rules and revisions
to existing rules of golf.
Detailed rule changes and additions are in separate documents. However here are the
“translations” of the 3 new rules:
New Rules 2014
14-3/18 You may use a device, (such as a smart phone), to access local weather information
(wind, temperature, humidity), but you may not use a device (anemometer or a thermometer)
that specifically measures wind speed or temperature that would affect your play.
18/4 If you observe a slight motion of your ball, but believe that it has only oscillated (to move
to and fro) and has returned to position, your determination that it has not moved will be
deemed to be conclusive. This is valid, even if it is later shown to be incorrect through the use
of sophisticated technology (instant replay). However, if a committee determines, based on all
evidence, that the ball has moved an amount “reasonably discernible to the naked eye”, then
the ball is deemed to have been moved. Therefore, seek guidance from nearby witnesses or a
referee if available.
18-2b/1 You have addressed your ball and it subsequently moved. There was no wind, no
water, and no outside agency. Bottom line—you can’t blame gravity for the move and you
incur a penalty of one stroke. Gravity is not considered to be an exception.
(Continued)
Revisions to Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2014-2015
There were several modifications to the rules (see the attached document.) The only one that
the PWGA Rules Chairman pointed out is the following:
27-2a/1.5 This modification basically tries to define “short distance” when you have gone
forward to look for a ball.
It states: “A player will be considered to have gone forward to search when he has proceeded
more than a short distance towards the place where his original ball is likely to be. As the
purpose of Rule 27-2a is to save time, the player is permitted to go forward a short distance
before determining that it would save time to return promptly to play a provisional ball. As a
guideline, a player should be considered to have proceeded more than a short distance and
therefore to have gone forward to search, if he has proceeded more than approximately 50
yards. However, this guideline does not preclude a player from playing a provisional ball when
he has proceeded more than a short distance for another specific purpose, such as to retrieve a
ball or a different club to play a provisional ball, or to confer with a referee.”
My opinion, as Rules Chair--if you think you might not be able to find your ball, then declare
and play a provisional. Do not go forward 50 yards, and then go back 50 yards. Playing a
provisional ball saves time searching and then returning to the original place. It also helps keep
up with pace of play. You can play your provisional ball up to where you think your ball would
have landed. If you still have not found your ball, then your provisional ball becomes the ball in
play. Many people think it is automatically in play after the 2nd shot. This is not true. Note—
you do not play a provisional ball if you are reasonably certain your ball when into a hazard.