Looking over the rules changes for 2019 brings all kinds of interesting information to the fore.
Interested in the history of the “Rules”? USGA has prepared a very interesting summary of the rules over a 270 year period.
Some of these are quite interesting, especially the relief drops. Some give shine a light on why some rules were established.
Makes for interesting reading when taking a rest from putting new grips on, cleaning up the grooves, or otherwise tuning up for the new season.
CLICK HERE for a little fun reading.
I also recommend that you visit the USGA site to look at the new rules. The videos are really good. Metro Seniors is founded on USGA rules. We make a very few “local” variations to keep pace moving and allow for “seniors” abilities. However, if you know and follow all USGA rules, it will help you with the few variations from Metro Senior.
CLICK HERE for USGA Major Rule Changes with videos
The Lost Ball and Out Of Bounds are my biggest concerns with USGA Rules and Metro Seniors. The Drop is replacing the Stoke and Distance. But The Drop involves a 2 stroke penalty. What is the penalty with Metro Seniors for an OB or LostBall Drop?
We are finishing up some discussion on the rules (MSLSGA modifications) right now. Regarding Stroke and Distance – Metro Seniors has for a long time either discouraged or outlawed the Stroke and Distance Penalty. We simply cannot have people searching for a ball then going back to redo. Pace of Play would be horrible.
We allow a lost ball drop (1 penalty stroke) where ball was most likely lost (no other relief, simple drop only). We treat OB as a Red Penalty area – (the old lateral hazard) – drop within 2 club lengths from where it last crossed the OB (White Stakes) or Red Penalty area (Red Stakes) boundary. We allow members to treat unmarked areas (no red stakes) that are heavily wooded or deep grass as Red Penalty areas (old lateral hazards).
The new Local option from USGA to allow Lost Ball or OB ball drops (and perhaps Red Penalty drops?) at the Fairway edge for 2 penalty strokes is actually very interesting. We have not adopted this as yet. However, I know members who have done this instead of sticking to the 2 club lengths from the boundary. I think it might make sense as a possible option. 2 strokes is costly, but I know several courses where trying to hit from near boundary lines will easily cost a stroke or 2 to get back in play.