The USGA and R&A, which maintain the Rules of Golf (the two organizations that manage it), make updates to the code every four years. Sometimes, the rule changes are major and sometimes they are just clarifications. The announcement of rule change changes that will be in effect from January 1, 2023 was made Monday by the USGA and R&A. This was a major focus for the USGA as well as the R&A on sustainability and inclusion.
The 2019 Rules of Golf updates were announced by the USGA and R&A. Two million copies of the rule books were printed by the USGA. There is no more. The USGA and R&A announced they would no longer print copies of the Rules of Golf. This will save the USGA and R&A significant costs and eliminate half a billion sheets of paper. The books can also be shipped and distributed without any additional costs. They hope that golfers will continue to use the Official Rules of Golf mobile application on their smartphones.
Craig Winter, senior director of rules and amateur status at the USGA, said that “we feel really good about how the digital means we have created to access these rules.” “We’re not going forward relying on the rule book being in every bag. Everyone has a smartphone and can download the app for free. We are continuing to innovate and move forward, just like we did in 2019. It connects us better to the golfer. We can keep them up-to-date with the mobile app, which is digital and real-time.
Cindy Lawrence hit her tee shot on 12th at the 2022 U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina. (Photo by Jeff Haynes/USGA).
The USGA and R&A have moved the Modified Rules For Players With Disabilities into Golf’s Rules of Golf a year after the first U.S. Adaptive Open took place at Pinehurst. The Modified Rules For Players With Disabilities, which were developed by the USGA, the R&A, and with input from adaptive organizations in 1996, provided guidelines for tournament committees and courses when hosting events for players with special disabilities. However, as Model Local Rules they had to be approved before they could take effect. The modifications will be available for all who need them starting Jan. 1.
Winter stated, “Right now that set of rules sits at the back of the oficial guide.” We know that there are millions, if not millions, of golfers out there who could benefit from this. By moving them into Rule 25, it raises awareness, much like the U.S. Adaptive Open. Individual rules can be modified, but they are very practical. This is possible because the committees don’t have to do anything. This makes the game feel more open.
On Monday, four other rule changes were announced:
