Continental Country Club

U.S.G.A. and R. & R. Golf Rule Changes

A welcome change to the rules of golf was issued by the U.S.G.A. and the R. & A. recently. A golfer may now use any means to remove loose impediments from his/her line of putt, provided that nothing is pressed down. Yes, you can now use your cap or towel to clear away the sand or leaves which might have prevented you from making that birdie putt! In addition, there is no longer an automatic penalty in either match play or stroke play if a ball not on the putting green moves after a loose impediment within a club length of the ball has been removed. You will still incur a penalty should you do something to cause your ball to move or if it moves after you have addressed it.

Additionally, two equipment proposals have been adopted as part of the Rules for 2004. A size limit of 460cc, plus 10cc for measurement tolerance, will be placed on clubheads, along with two dimensional controls. The first control limits the length between the heel and toe of the clubhead to 5.0 inches, while the second control places a 2.8-inch limit on the height between the sole and crown of the clubhead. There is also a limit of 48 inches on all club lengths, with the exception of putters. You may continue to use your club which does not conform for the remainder of this year as a one-year grace period will be granted for clubs already in use prior to 2004. Also, as part of the Rules of Amateur Status, the prize limit has increased to $750 from $500. Remember that as an amateur you may not play for prize money but may accept prizes with a retail value of up to $750. [top]