Next year starts another rules cycle. Every four years, the USGA and R&A get together to iron out changes to the rules and to the decisions on the rules. New changes will be in effect on January 1, 2008.

You can access documents comparing the 2008 changes to the rules and decisions against the current rules and decisions here.

There aren’t any significant changes this cycle. Yes, out of bounds is still stroke and distance. Most changes are simply revisions to clarify and strengthen wording.

Here are some highlights:

• Distance is explicitly listed as information not constituting “advice”.
• Under rule 12-1, there is now no penalty if a ball that is in or on an obstruction is moved during search. Previously, this only covered abnormal ground conditions.
• It is now permissible for a player under rule 14-3 to use artificial devices or unusual equipment or equipment in an unusual manner, provided it is medically necessary and the Committee decides that it does not give an unfair advantage over other players.
• Allowing no penalty for making a stroke at the wrong ball in a hazard according to rule 15-3 has been revised. Now, it applies only to water hazards or moving water. Bunkers are no longer included.
• The penalty for accidentally deflecting or stopping a player’s ball has been lessened to one stroke in both match and stroke play.
• In several circumstances, the phrase “reasonable evidence” has been replaced with “virtually certain”. For instance, when a ball is lost in an abnormal ground condition or obstruction it must be a virtual certainty for relief to be allowed. This applies to the procedure for handling balls lost in water hazards too.
• A player winning a cash prize for hole in one in a competition will retain amateur status, even if the prize is greater than the normal set limit.

As you can see, there are no terribly exciting changes. However, some of these are things you really should be aware of if you play in serious competition. Check out the complete document for the comprehensive list of changes.

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Further Reading:

Rules at the USGA
Comparison of Principle Rule Changes (PDF)
New Decisions for 2008 (PDF)
Revised Decisions for 2008 (PDF)
Minor Revised Decisions for 2008 (PDF)
Withdrawn and Renumbered Decisions for 2008 (PDF)

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