Date: August 28, 2018
Author: Brian Hill

Golf Victoria Supplement to GA Rules Newsletter – Winter 2018

With the end of 2018 approaching at a rapid rate it is imperative that all clubs consider how they can assist their members understanding of the changes to the Rules of Golf coming into effect on 1 January 2019.

Golf Victoria has been recommending that clubs add a Rules section to their website where members can, at a click:

  • View explanatory videos on the major changes to the rules
  • Find information on the availability of new rule books and available Apps
  • Learn how to register to complete an R&A level 1 rules course
  • View the Club’s new local rules
  • Highlight that these new rules do not come in to effect until 1 January 2019.
  • Link to the R&A pace of play manual
  • A description of what is “Ready Golf” (see Section 2.5 in the pace of play manual)

If a club does not have a website, then at the very least the club could email out the following link www.golf.org.au/newrulesto all their members.

 Rules publications to be released between now and 1/1/2019

1. Players’ Edition of the Rules of Golf. This is the new default Rules publication that will be provided to every golfer. Golf Victoria will receive these books in the week commencing September 10. Metropolitan Clubs will have their allocation delivered by courier from approximately September 12. Districts will have their allocation freighted to a central location and then distributed from there in a similar time frame.

2. Rule books. Each club will be provided with a small supply of the full Rule books. From 2019 onwards, the new Rule book will be more for the use of administrators/officials. These books will be shipped to clubs with the Players Edition.

3. Official Guide to the Rules of Golf. The Official Guide is a compilation that contains the full Rules, Interpretations (which is the new name for Decisions), Committee Procedures and Modified Rules for Players with Disabilities. (Note: This publication will include various information, including any content that would previously have been included in the Decisions book.)

Other Resources (Available on the R&A and GA websites from Mid-September)

  • 3 x A2 Posters and DL Flyers will be sent to all Victorian clubs along with the Players Guide.
  • Power Point Presentation – For those clubs wishing to provide information sessions to their members, this resource should be ideal. It will be designed specifically for presentation by club officials.
  • Local Rules Creator – Will allow committees to select the Model Local Rules they need to create the local rules for their scorecard and any Temporary Local Rules sheets.
  • Committee Procedures – Contains guidance on local rules, course marking, competition conditions, etc.
  • R&A Rules Academy – Upskill members rules knowledge.
  • Rules of Golf App – The 2019 version will be available from Mid-September.
  • Sand Green Rules – Will be updated and available from Mid-September.

If any club is experiencing problems with any of the above or just need some guidance on Rules matters, please contact me at Golf Victoria.

Brian Hill

Business & Technical Services Manager

brian.hill@golfvic.org.au   (03) 8545 6203