Please ensure you are familiar with the rules and the changes coming into force. The first section of the rule book covers these changes in some detail.
The key changes include:
- That a ball is addressed when the club is grounded and taking the stance is no longer an element of addressing the ball.
- That if a ball moves after address and this is known or virtually certain to be not caused by the player that there is no longer a penalty (eg moved by wind or water)
- A new Appendix IV describing devices permitted to be used whilst playing, please note section 5 of this appendix with regard to Distance Measuring Devices (DMDs). This states smart phones may only be used as DMDs if they do not contain any application which will give information other than distance to assist the player. Essentially this prohibits smart phones from use as DMDs as weather information is specifically banned from such devices and all smart phones have weather apps or web access as standard.
- Amateur status rules have been changed to permit prize vouchers to be used for any services at a club therefore you may now use vouchers how ever you wish within your club.
