We want to thank MGA Director Fred Kostecki for taking the time to put this information together to help others understand changes in the Rules of Golf and Decisions effective January 1 by the R&A Limited and The USGA.

Together, The R&A, based in St Andrews, Scotland and the USGA, based in Far Hills, New Jersey govern the game worldwide, including writing and interpreting the Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status. While collaborating to issue this single set of Rules, The R&A and the USGA operate in separate working jurisdictions. The USGA is responsible for administering
the Rules in the United States, its territories and Mexico, and The R&A, operating with the consent of its affiliated golfing bodies, has the same responsibilities for all other parts of the world. The R&A and the USGA reserve the right to amend both the Rules and their interpretation at any time.

Follow this link to view the “New” Decisions 2016-2017

To view “What you need to know for 2016” regarding Rules of Golf visit the USGA Website for online Videos

Four Most Impactful Changes to the Rules of Golf are:
Rule 6-6d and Decisions 6-6d/6 thru 6-6d/10
Rule 14-1b and Decisions 14-1b/1 thru 14-1b/7
Rule 14-3 and Decisions 14-3/19 thru 14-3/21
Rule 18-2 and Decision 18-2/0.5

Other changes of Note – New Decisions

Definition of Equipment was changed.
Rule 3-3 Guidelines for Determining which ball counts when player proceeds under Rule 3-3 with withdrawn
Decision 4-4c/1 Excess club declared out of play before round was changed.Decision 13-2/0.5 Meaning of “Improve” Expanded example
Decision 14-3/0.5 Local Rule Permitting Use of Distance-Measuring Device
Decision 16/4 Hole Liner No Sunk Deep Enough was changed
Decision 27-2a/5 Player Intends to Drop Provisional Ball
Decision 33-8/32 Local Rule for Animal Hoof Damage etc.
Decision 33.8/6.5 Local Rule for Concrete Drainage Channels