Major 2019 USGA Rule Changes

Rule 1: Dropping procedure - ball shall be dropped from knee height instead of shoulder height.

Rule 2: There will be no penalty for a double-hitting shot.

Rule 3: Out of Bounds/Lost ball Rule – FGA shall adopt the new local rule allowing a ball to be dropped in the vicinity (including to the edge of the nearest fairway area), but not closer to the hole, of where their ball has gone out of bounds or believed lost, with a two-stroke penalty. The existing option of playing a provisional ball, with stroke and distance penalty, is still available. But if the player does hit a provisional ball, and the original ball is out of bounds or lost, the provisional ball must be played (the new option would then not be available).

Rule 4: There shall be no penalty for accidently moving the ball on the green or while looking for a ball. Replace the ball to as near the original location as possible.

Rule 5: The flag stick no longer has to be attended or removed when putting, should other players remain off the green.

Rule 6: Players may remove loose impediments and ground their club in a hazard.

Rule 7: Players may remove loose impediments in a bunker. Further, there shall be no penalty for accidently grounding your club in a bunker if grounding occurs away from the ball.

Rule 8: Players may take an unplayable lie in a bunker with a drop out for two strokes.

Rule 9: Golf ball search time has been shortened from five minutes to three.

Play ready golf - no more than forty seconds shall be taken over a shot.