2009 Golf Rules Changes

A MESSAGE FROM THE USGA

The USGA is contemplating sweeping rule changes scheduled to take effect sometime after January.

This is only a preview as a complete new rulebook is being written now. Here are a couple of basic changes:

Golfers with handicaps:
- below 10 will have their dues increase by 35%
- between 11 and 18 will see no increase in dues
- above 18 will play for free or get a check from the club for each round played

The Nassau $ amounts will be changed as follows:
-handicaps below 10 pay an additional $10
-between 11 and 18 - no change
-above 18 you will receive the total amount in the pot even if you do not play


The term “gimme putt” will be changed to “entitlement” and will be used as follows:
-handicaps below 10 - no entitlements
-handicaps above 11 to 17 - entitlements up to one putter length
-handicaps above 18 - if on green, no need to ever putt, just pick it up

The goal of these entitlements is to ensure that everyone’s final score is about the same.


In addition, a player will be limited to a max of one birdie and/or six pars per round. Any in excess must be given to those fellow players who have not yet made a birdie or par. Only after all players have received a birdie or par from the competent player can that Player begin to count his score again.

The concept of a "net score" will be used only for scoring those players with handicaps 18 and above. This is intended to "redistribute" the success of winning by making sure that in every competition the above 18 handicap players will post only net scores against every other player's gross score.

These new rules are intended to CHANGE the game of golf. Golf must be about FAIRNESS only; it should have nothing to do with ABILITY.