2016 changes to the USGA Rules of Golf and USGA Handicap System Posted January 18, 2016

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The 2016 Rules of Golf took effect Jan. 1st. The new Rules book are the changes culminating from the normal four-year cycle of review by USGA. The most significant changes in the 2016 Rules are as follows:

  • Withdrawal rule on ball moving after address: A one-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2 will be applied only when the facts show that the player has caused the ball to move.
  • Limited exception to disqualification penalty for submission of incorrect score card: Instead of disqualification, a 2-stroke penalty for score card errors resulting from failing to include penalty strokes that were incurred without the player knowing before handing in the scorecard.
  • Modification of penalty for a single impermissible use of artificial devices or equipment: The penalty for the first breach for Rule 14-3 has been reduced from disqualification to loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play.
  • Prohibition on anchoring the club while making a stroke: This was announced in May 2013, and results in loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play.

Along with modifications to the Rules of Golf for 2016, USGA has made six significant changes to the USGA Handicap System for 2016:

  • Definition of a tournament score: “Significant events” only are to be posted as “T” scores . . . league scores are no longer considered “T”.
  • Adjusting hole scores: not sure – see Dave Twohig PGA on this one!
  • Posting scores when a player is disqualified: Certain scores are acceptable even when a player is disqualified, depending on an advantage for the player was gained due to the breach.
  • Anchoring and posting: Anchors Away! Don’t post the score if you anchor.
  • Playing alone and necessary peer review: One can no longer post a score made while playing alone – this promotes golfing with others 🙂
  • Committee responsibilities: An allowance is for a modified Handicap Index for players with disabilities.

More on the 2016 USGA Rules of Golf changes: http://www.usga.org/articles/2015/10/usga–r-a-release-2016-edition-of-the-rules-of-golf.html

More on the 2016 USGA Handicap System changes: http://www.usga.org/articles/2015/11/key-changes-to-handicap-system-for-2016.html