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After receiving tens of thousands of feedbacks, R&A and USGA accepted and stabilized the new changes to the golf rules in March 2018. Accordingly, the new golf rules will be applied on January 1, 2019 with the aim of bringing positivity to golfers, helping them focus more on the competition instead of worrying too much about the complexity of golf rules. Here are the most important changes you need to know.

(Part 1)

1. Time to search for the ball (Law 18)

Previously, you had 5 minutes to find the ball.

Now the maximum time has been reduced to only 3 minutes.

Note: Previously, most balls were always found in the first 3 minutes and were often not found in the last 2 minutes. Therefore, this change is unlikely to cause too much disadvantage for players.

2. Ball moving while searching (Law 7)

Previously, a player would incur a penalty if he moved his ball while searching.

Now, this risk is not penalized.

Good to know: You can use your feet and club while searching for your ball without incurring a penalty.

3. Identifying the ball (Rule 7)

Previously, if you wanted to lift the ball to determine whether it was yours, you had to notify your partner in advance so they could monitor the process.

Now, you don't have to notify your partner before you lift the ball.

Good to know: However, you should still notify your partner if necessary to show courtesy in the game and avoid misunderstandings.

4. Club Length (Definition)

Previously, players could use any club they owned to measure club length.

A club length is now defined as the longest club in the bag, excluding the putter.

Please note: Long putters will no longer be allowed to be used as a club length.

5. Dropping the ball (Rule 14)

Previously, the ball had to be dropped from shoulder height.

Now, you have to drop the ball from knee height.

Good to know: If you accidentally drop the ball from shoulder height out of habit, pick the ball up and drop it again correctly according to the new rule and there is no penalty stroke.

6. Ball subsiding (Rule 16)

Now: Players are free to drop when their ball is embedded in regular areas, including semi-rough and rough.

Need to know: When a ball is embedded in a bunker or other penalty area, the player must continue play from that spot.

7. Wrong Green (Rule 13)

If the ball lands on the wrong green, you will not be allowed to play from it, as this is likely to affect the green.

If the ball lands near the green, you were previously allowed to stand on the green to play your shot. You now have one free drop to position to make a stroke outside that green.

Note: The drop position is therefore usually further from the green.

8. Ball hits player or equipment (Rule 11)

Previously, you would receive a 1-stroke penalty if you hit yourself or your equipment.

Now, you will not receive a penalty stroke if this happens unintentionally

Please note: As a result, you will no longer be allowed to use equipment or your foot as a ball blocker.

9. Double Hit (Rule 10)

Previously, you would incur a penalty stroke if you double hit.

Now, there is no penalty stroke for such a mishap.

Please note: A double hit therefore counts as only one stroke.

10. Touching the Sand in a Bunker (Rule 12)

Previously, you were not allowed to touch the sand in a bunker before making your stroke, with very few exceptions.

Now, accidentally touching the sand is basically allowed, you are allowed to lean on your club. However, you are still not allowed to check sand conditions, improve your line, etc. before hitting

Good to know: You don't need to be too careful in bunkers, especially if you're not close to the ball.

(expertgolf.com)