St Andrews, Scotland and Far Hills, United States: The R&A and the USGA have received comments on the proposed new Rules from more than 22,000 golfers in 102 countries, as well as representatives of golf organisations throughout the world, providing valuable feedback as the organisations work toward their implementation on January 1, 2019.
With the worldwide survey and evaluation period now complete, The R&A and the USGA and their respective committees will continue to review all comments received with the goal of finalising the new Rules next spring and beginning a comprehensive education programme later in 2018.
The R&A and the USGA began an extensive review of the Rules starting in 2012, with the intention of making them easier to understand and apply. A draft of the new Rules – reduced from the current 34 to a proposed 24 Rules – was released in March, beginning the six-month feedback period that was open to the entire golf community.
David Rickman, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A, said: “It is pleasing to see that so many people from different parts of the world have taken this opportunity to engage with the process of modernising the Rules. We have received insightful comments and suggestions from throughout the professional and amateur game and will take time to consider the feedback in detail. We will then work on finalising the changes ahead of their implementation in 2019.”
Thomas Pagel, USGA Senior Director of Rules and Amateur Status, said: “After listening to golfers and reviewing the extensive comments, one thing is very clear – we all share a passion for the game and are eager to be a part of this process. We appreciate everyone who took time to provide their thoughts and insights. They have been very helpful and encouraging.”
While the feedback will continue to be analysed over the next few months, several common themes emerged, including:
The current 2016 edition of the Rules of Golf remains in effect when playing, posting scores or competing until the January 1, 2019 adoption of the new Rules.