In view of the new year 2019, it was decided, by the Royal and Ancient Golf of St Andrews and the United States Golf Association, to introduce and modify some rules regarding the sport of golf.

The reasons for this change are many, but the most important can be summarized as follows: accelerate the game by reducing the many hours of play that are now needed to complete a round of 18 holes; make the rules clearer and simpler: the old rules were often complex, difficult to interpret and for this reason cause of additional penalties. The changes in the rules also serve to make the players even more loyal and responsible, in the sign of respect for the playmates and the field; make access easier for those who want to start playing golf.

Let’s see in detail what changes are expected for the sport of golf in 2019.

The first is on the dropping: Change the position, no longer erect but bent at knee height so that the ball falls straight, without suffering influences of any kind compared to a higher position.

No penalty in case you accidentally move the ball on the green or when searching for it, unless the intentionality of the player to move it is proven.

With the new rules, you can choose to remove the flagpole as required by the old regulation, or leave it. No penalty therefore if the ball hits the rod itself.

With the aim of speeding up the game, the concept of ready golf is encouraged in stroke competitions, that is, “pull who is ready”, no longer the one that made the best score in the previous hole.

Another interesting change is that in the case of the ball hit twice for a wrong swing no more penalty, as considered unintentional blow.

These are just some new rules or modifications of the current regulations regarding the sport of Golf, starting from 2019 all the changes and news will be made official.