Happy Days!

Golf’s rules-makers announce a welcome change.

- Lou Beach

If you needed yet another reason to get excited about the 2017 season, golf’s governing bodies have supplied it. With their blessing, courses and tournament committees can enact a Local Rule that says if you, your caddie, your partner or your equipment (or that of your opponent) accidentally move a ball or ball marker on the putting green, there’s no penalty, and the ball should be replaced.  You read that right. Rules-makers did something really good for the game, and the reaction from professional tournament organisers has been extremely positive: All the major pro tours and the Masters Tournament said they will use the rule in 2017.  This Local Rule was announced by the United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and took effect January 1.