New Local Rule for Ball Moved on Green

The R&A and USGA recently announced the introduction of a new Local Rule that eliminates the penalty when a ball is accidentally moved on the putting green.  The new local rule is as follows:

“Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1 are modified as follows:

• When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, their partner, their opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.
• The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.
• This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental.
• Note: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced.”

On the recommendation of Golf Australia, Strathfield Golf Club will implement this new local rule with effect from 1 January 2017.  Players are always encouraged to consult these notice boards and to note any local rules prior to commencing their round.

It is important to note the application of this new local rule:

• This is not a new, or amended Rule of Golf.
• It only applies to a ball, or ball marker, at rest on the putting green being played, not anywhere else on the course.
• It does not matter how the ball or ball-marker was accidentally moved, e.g. with the head of a putter, kicked, or as a result of a glove being dropped on it.
• It only applies when a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved; it does not apply to a ball that is purposely touched or moved, e.g. a ball that is lifted without being marked.
• It applies to the player, their partner, their opponent(s), or any of their caddies or equipment.
• The ball or ball-marker that was accidentally moved must be replaced, as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.
• If a player does not think that they caused their ball to move in any way, they must play it from where it came to rest, e.g. if it was moved by wind, water or gravity.

Of interest is that decision 20-1/5.5 will need to be removed from the next publication of the Golf Decisions Book. (Members please look that one up).

Some circumstances in tournament golf that resulted in penalties being applied would now not be penalised with this new local rule in force:

–          Dustin Johnson grounding the toe of his putter next to the ball, which subsequently moved, in the 2016 US Open.

–          Ian Poulter dropping his ball onto his ball marker (causing the ball marker to move) in the Dubai Championship in 2010.

–          Mike Clayton throwing his putter in the air, only to drop it and have the putter fall into and move his ball.

Please consider the following explanation from the R&A and USGA:

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