Over the decades golfs rules have changed and adjusted. Often times, new players are surprised that there are rules to the game of golf: beyond simply hitting the ball in a certain direction. However, there are many rules to this wonderous game. Many have been adjusted over the years due to improvements in technology or items being out of date.

In 2019, there was a significant change to various rules throughout the game of golf. This is obviously prior to the 2020 Pandemic. Now, due to when the rules were updated and to the fact that many picked up the game of golf during 2020 as a way to go outside, it would be wise to revisit these new rules. Most are simple adjustments, while others, are significant changes. This article will focus purely on the putting green. To better differentiate the sections: the old rule will be listed first, then the new rule, and finally the reason for the change. With this clear, let’s begin.

Flagsticks

These markers are one of the primary symbols of golf. Not much has changed since their invention: except for how they are played around.

• Rule: Putting With the Flagstick In the Cup
• Old Rule: Originally, if you were to play a putt on the green and the ball struck a flagstick that was unattended, meaning no one was there to lift it, you would have been penalized.
• 2019 Rule: There is now no need to remove the flagstick if you are putting on the green. You will no longer be penalized.
• Reason: This was possibly changed to speed up play. When you have two people playing on the green, it can be quicker to putt with the flagstick in rather than waiting to have each player remove the flag for the other. It can also have been to assist with maintaining the green itself.

Moving A Ball

This next rule is centered around the accidental movement of the ball. In golf, purposeful movement and accidental movement, outside of a golf stroke, is considered to be the same.

• Rule: Movement of a Ball
• Old Rule: If anyone, caddie, player, or group move the ball, on the course you would be penalized. It does not matter if the movement was accidental or purposeful.
• 2019 Rule: If the movement is accidental, then the movement will not be penalized.
• Reason: This change is due to the modern game play. Greens have changed to increase the speed of the ball. Hence, it would be rather easy to accidentally knock or for the ball to roll when attempting to mark it. Due to the penalty seeming harsh, the Committee removed the rule.

Damaging the Green

Golfers are taught to repair the green from the very first game. It is not only etiquette, but it assists with maintenance. The green, in particular, is vulnerable to damage.

• Rule: Fixing Damage to the Green
• Old Rule: The only repairs you could make to the putting green were pitching marks or old hole plugs. This could be done if your ball was on the green or not.
• 2019 Rule: There is now varying levels of damage. These include shoe marks, damage from animals, a club, or the flagstick. You can now repair these forms of damage as well.
• Reason: This will help any misconceptions regarding what can be fixed. The prior concern of repairing the green was the idea that the player would only benefit themselves. Now, the understanding is that repairing the green is to be encouraged.

Line of Play

A Line of Play is the line between your ball and the hole. It is a vital part of putting.

• Rule: Touching a Line of Play
• Old Rule: The player is unable to touch their line of play unless they are removing impediments. These can be twigs or other moveable objects. However, this means the player is not allowed to use their club to flatten the green along their line of play: that is one example of touching the line. Doing so invoked a penalty.
• 2019 Rule: There is no longer a penalty for touching the line of play when preparing to putt.
• Reason: This was another strong penalty that gave no real benefit and could be confusing to a player. Hence, the change in removing any penalty or benefit.

Replacing the Ball

Replacing your ball in play is a tricky subject. There are several rules for the removal and replacement of a ball. This one is due to a natural element.

• Rule: Replacing the Ball after a natural element has moved it
• Old Rule:  When the wind, water, or other natural force moved the ball, then the ball would have to be played from its new spot. Even if it had been marked, lifted, and replaced before moving.
• 2019 Rule: This now a much more forgiving rule. Once a ball has been marked, lifted, and replaced, the replacement point is now a stop point. If it moves after, then you must replace the ball at that stop point.
• Reason: This rule is for courses with aggressive wind or for odd reason that has moved your ball drastically. If you were on the green and a gust of wind now moves it off the green, you can replace your ball back on its original line. The rule was adjusted to account for those unique weather changes.

2019 Golf is More Forgiving

When golf was first made popular, it was called a “gentleman’s game.” To set itself apart from the “less gentlemanly sports” it was given many rules to follow. By not following the rules, you were not considered a gentleman. Hence, the old adage that you can see a person’s personality through their golf game. Essentially, it was a way to test the integrity of a player.

Now, we are in a bit more forgiving time. We no longer have to test players, instead relying on their integrity. While there are certain rules and penalties still in place, the world of golf is much more understanding that outside forces or accidents occur on the course. The updated rules of 2019 have bettered the game overall.