New Golf Rules – 2013

While all golfers are aware of the USGA proposed rule changes limiting the use of anchored putters,  sports columnist Wade Holdraker has written a column detailing the following rule changes for 2013. They include the following:

Friends who have spent thousands of dollars on the latest clubs to help their game rather than spending the money on lessons are penalized one stroke anytime they complain

There shall be no such thing as a lost ball. The missing ball is definitely still on or near the course and will be pocketed by someone else, making it a stolen ball. The player is not to compound the felony by charging him or herself with a penalty.

If a putt passes over the hole without dropping, it is deemed to have dropped. The law of gravity supercedes the law of golf.

When a shot must carry over a water hazard, you can either hit one more club or two more balls.

Divots must be replaced after every shot, not just after a great approach shot.

You’re not allowed to purchase a new putter until you have the opportunity to throw it.

Putts that stop close enough to the cup to be blown in may be blown in. This does not apply to balls more than three inches from the cup. No one wants to make a mockery of the game.

If you’re afraid a full shot may reach the green while the foursome ahead of you is still putting, you have two options: you can immediately shank a lay-up and complain that you should have waited or you can wait until the green is clear and top the ball half-way there.

There is no penalty for so-called “out of bounds”. If penny-pinching golf course owners bought sufficient land, this would not occur. The golfer deserves an apology not a penalty.

If the ball strikes a tree, rather than playing the ball from where it landed (usually directly behind said tree), you may place the ball at the distance you believe it would have traveled had the tree not gotten in the way.

Foursomes who do not offer to let a pair of golfers play through and just pretend they aren’t there, when no one else is playing ahead of them, have given that pair permission to hit into them on the next hole.

If it ain’t broke, try changing your grip.

Every time a golfer makes a birdie he must subsequently make two triple bogeys to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the universe.

It’s not a gimmie if you’re still away.

No matter what causes a golfer to muff a shot all players must chant, “You picked up your head”.

If your opponent has trouble remembering whether they shot a six or a seven and looks back to the tee and starts counting their shots, put them down for an eight.

Happy golf season everyone!

V.