I've been talking about this for a couple of years - the rules of golf have undergone a fundamental and complete rewrite. Why was that necessary, you may ask?
There are a number of contributing reasons, but in my mind, the perception (at least in the minds of people who don't play the game, and by many who play the game) was that some rules were archaic, silly, unfair, and hard to implement. I've been on the other side on most of the rule changes, but for the "betterment" of the game, I'm willing to continue to play the game I love - it just may take some getting used to. Anyway, back to the argument. Since the rules are going to be easier to understand, the USGA and R&A believe (though they are probably dead wrong), that more people will play golf. More golf leads to a more healthy sport and will (they hope) guarantee that the sport will survive. I'm a bit pessimistic, but maybe they're right.
In the next few months (before our season kicks off), I'll attempt to address many of the changes that affect play in our league. I'll also be writing up a new "rules card" that each one of us can take out to the course (similar to the laminated card that I made up a few years ago that may or may not still be in your golf bag).
Where to start? The rule book. My first point of advice is to get one and read it! For a one-time $25 fee, you can become a USGA member. With membership you'll get a free US Open Pebble Beach hat, a bag tag, a membership card AND the rule book. Actually you'll be getting the Player's Rule Book (it's abbreviated and written for you - the player).
I will say that the new Player's version of the rule book is a really good resource. The USGA has embraced diagrams and the entire thing is written in second person.... "Once YOU put YOUR ball in play"... etc. It's much easier to read and understand. I haven't read the thing cover to cover, but I'll give it a big thumbs up.
So, I wrote that last paragraph almost 2 weeks ago. I was making sure I had some of the terms right and went to look for my rule book that I swear I stuck in a jacket pocket right before Christmas break. I've now turned out every jacket I own and still haven't found it. Desperate, I got on the USGA website to see how I could obtain a replacement.... If you search "USGA Publications", you've find out that at least for this year, you can have a rule book for FREE! (just pay the shipping, which for me was $3.21)
One other great addition is that there is a guidance tab on the top of every page (things like "Rule 3" or "Definitions" or "Contents" can be viewed as you flip through the book. There's also a nice Index which quickly hones your search to a specific rule and page number. The Player's Edition doesn't have it all, but for each and every rule, there is a flag that says "See Full Rules" that will allow you to get clarification or background on the implementation of a specific rule. The Full Rules are available on the USGA website and are probably also kept in the office of each PGA Professional.
Another item of note - the 24 Rules have been grouped into 9 categories or segments:
I. Fundamentals of the Game (Rules 1-4)
II. Playing the Round and the Hole (Rules 5-6)
III. Playing the Ball (Rules 7-11)
IV. Specific Rules for Bunkers and Greens (Rules 12-13)
V. Lifting and Returning a Ball to Play (Rule 14)
VI. Free Relief (Rules 15-16)
VII. Penalty Relief (Rules 17-19)
VIII. Procedures for Players and Committee When Issues Arise in Applying the Rules (Rule 20)
IX. Other Forms of Play (Rules 21-24)
I'm looking forward to talking about the changes to the rules - and I hope you look forward to reading these upcoming blog entries.