THE R&A and the USGA have unveiled the new Rules of Golf, to be implemented on January 1, 2019. Golfers can now access the official 2019 Rules of Golf by visiting RandA.org or usga.org\/rules.<\/p>\n
The process to modernise the rules was initiated to ensure that the rules are easier to understand and apply for all golfers, and to make the game more attractive and accessible for newcomers. The changes that we will notice most are:<\/p>\n
Dropping procedure: When taking relief (from an abnormal course condition or penalty area, for example), golfers will now drop from knee height.<\/p>\n
Balls Lost or Out of Bounds: Alternative to Stroke and Distance: A new Local Rule will now become available allowing golfers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty.<\/p>\n
Tuesday April 3, Men\u2019s Stableford Multiplier<\/strong> Wednesday April 4, Doris Chambers Ladies\u2019 Stableford Foursomes<\/strong>
\nA field of 144 men entered the lottery of this event, where each member of the pair multiply their stableford points together to an aggregate at the end of the round. Rob Atkinson and Kevin Wilson got their act together best, scoring 86 points to win on a countback from Ken Latta and John Cormack. Other voucher winners were Rob McIntosh and Graeme Wren with 85, and Max Gregory and Rob Parry with 84. NTPs went to Paul Brewin, Stephen Steele and David McCutcheon, and Josh Kent collected the ProPin.<\/p>\n
\nA good field of 68 ladies participated in this event, and an amazing five pairs scored 37 points, the placings being decided on countbacks. Jeanette Johnson and Sandra Paddle had the best 2nd nine to take out the top placing from Helen Boyle and Kath Wright, next pair being Cathy Strachan and Pat Worsley. Winners of the Doris Chambers award were Jill Barker and Marilyn Mooney.<\/p>\n