The Rules of Golf is a three part series. (Editor’s Note: This third installment is part of the three-part series.) The first part looked at the top five rules searched in 2023, and the second covered the USGA rules hotline.
Rules of Golf are the basis for every shot in a professional game or even a friendly outing, but you don’t think about them when you line up a tee or 10-foot putt.
A round of golf can bring up many questions. You may need to know where you can rest, how you mark the ball on a putting green or how to handle ground that is under repair. The rules of golf are always changing and it is sometimes difficult for weekend golfers to keep up.
The United States Golf Association and other leaders in the game are constantly evaluating their rules to ensure they meet today’s standards.
Craig Winter, senior director of Rules of Golf at the USGA, said: “Rules will continue to change as long as there are golfers playing the game.” This is true for any sport or society. “Rules help golfers to understand the game.”
Winter stated that the USGA is always open to feedback and changes in rules.
Winter explained that a committee meets three times per year to discuss Rules of Golf. The committee will discuss the Rules of Golf, and whether or not they believe some rules need to be amended. They will also try to answer any questions submitted.
Since 1952, the USGA and R&A have partnered to form a joint governance. New rules are announced every four years. The modernized rules update was released in 2019. This means that the new four-year rule cycle will see changes to the rules at the start of the year, with the next in 2027.
Winter stated that the joint meetings were a great opportunity to discuss what you are looking for in this specific item or reason for change.
You can also get quarterly clarifications on the rules. One of these was released in July.
Winter stated that the USGA receives almost 15,000 questions per year about the Rules of Golf. The USGA does not discuss every question amongst the committee. However, those that provoke thought and spark a discussion about whether changes are needed will be brought to the larger stage.
Winter stated, “We are a team that lives and breathes the rules.” Winter said, “Our job as staff is to live and breathe the rules.” We are always thinking of the rules. You’re always thinking of how things are, were, and could be. “That process feeds on itself.”
