2012 USGA Rules of Golf

A Summary of Revisions

by Mary Lucas, SAWGA Rules Chair

Principal Changes Introduced in The 2012-2013 Rules of Golf

These changes may be found in the 2012-13 Decisions on the Rules of Golf, pages v-xi4.

There is one change in definitions, 7 rule’s changes and an added appendix, appendix IV.

There are new decisions, revised decisions, renumbered decisions, decisions revised due to rules changes and decisions with minor revisions, and withdrawn decisions.

Following are the changes in the definition, and rule’s changes.

Definition change: Addressing the Ball: the definition is amended so that a player has addressed the ball simply by grounding his club immediately in front of or behind the ball, regardless of whether or not he has taken his stance. Therefore the rules do not provide for addressing the ball in the hazard.

Rule: 1-2. The rule is amended to establish more clearly that, if a player intentionally takes an action to influence the movement of a ball or to alter physical conditions affecting the playing of a hole in a way that is not permitted by the rules, Rule 1-2 applies only when the action is not already covered in another rule.

Rule: 6-3. Time of Starting. This rule is amended to provide that the penalty for starting late, but within five minutes of the starting time, is reduced from disqualification to loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Previously this penalty reduction could be introduced as a condition of competition. This penalty, also, applies to starting early.

Rule: 12-1. Seeing Ball; Searching for Ball. The rule is reformatted for clarity. In addition, it is amended to (1) permit a player to search for his ball anywhere on the course when it may be covered by sand and to clarify that there is no penalty if the ball is moved in these circumstances, and (2) apply a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a if a player moves his ball in a hazard when searching for it when it is believed to be covered by loose impediments.

Rule: 13-4. Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions. Exception 2 to Rule 13-4 is amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard (bunker) at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 12-2 is not breached.

Rule: 18-2b. Ball Moving After Address.  A new exception is added that exonerates the player from penalty if his ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that he did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position. If the ball is moved by gravity, there is a penalty, and the ball must be replaced.

Rule: 19-1. Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped; By Outside Agency.. The note is expanded the various outcomes when a ball in motion has been deliberately deflected or stopped by an outside agency.

Rule: 20-7c. Playing from Wrong Place; Stroke Play. Note 3 is amended so that if a player is to be penalized for playing from a wrong place, in most cases the penalty will be limited to two strokes, even if another rule has been beached prior to his making the stroke.

Appendix 1V.  A new Appendix is added to prescribe general regulations for the design of devices and other equipment, such as tees, gloves and distance measuring devices.

Another excellent reference for the revision of the rule changes may be found in Through the Green. Org

I hope this helps, and will be happy to help anyone who has questions.

Mary Lucas, SAWGA Rules Chair