KNOW THE RULES: Changes for 2012 Rules of Golf

Notable Changes in the 2012 Rules of Golf:

Under the new Rules of Golf, which will be in effect from 2012-15, a player is no longer penalized if their ball is moved, through no fault of their own, after address. A stated example was, if wind causes a player’s ball to move on the green following address, the player will play the ball from its new position without penalty.

Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions (Rule 13-4). Exception 2 to this Rule is amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 (improving lie, area of intended stance or swing or line of play) is not breached.

Time of Starting (Rule 6-3a) The rule is amended to provide that the penalty for starting late, but within five minutes of the starting time, is reduced from disqualification to loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Previously this penalty reduction could be introduced as a condition of competition.
Regarding changes to the Rules of Amateur Status, an amateur golfer who is at least 18 years of age may now enter into a contract and/or agreement with a third party (such as an agent) solely in relation to the player’s future as a professional golfer. The player may not obtain financial gain as an amateur and cannot be required to play in certain amateur or professional events.

Other changes include:

Professionalism; Contracts and Agreements (New Rule 2-2(a)). An amateur golfer may now enter into a contract and/or agreement with his national golf union or association, provided the golfer does not obtain any financial gain, directly or indirectly, while still an amateur golfer.
Subsistence Expenses (Rule 4-3). An amateur golfer may receive reasonable subsistence expenses, not exceeding actual costs, to assist with general living costs, provided the expenses are approved by and paid through the golfer’s national golf union or association.