The latest official revision of the Rules of Golf came into effect on January 1, 2023This update, made by The R&A and the USGA, introduced significant changes to make the rules easier to understand and apply. If you need a summary of the rules To start playing, I recommend you This article has been updated.
Before telling you about the changes that come in this review, I think it is appropriate to explain what is relief in the world of golf (don't think badly), since one of the novelties refers to it:
What is “relief” in golf?
He relief In golf it is basically the official and permitted way to move your ball to a better position when you find yourself in a difficult situation, following the rules and without penalty in some cases. It is the way in which the rules allow you get out of trouble when the ball is in a position that prevents fair play.
But be careful, it is not always free. Sometimes there is relief. without penalty, and other times you will have to pay an extra stroke to be able to move your ball.
Types of relief and when they apply
1. Relief without penalty → Free, but following the rules of golf.
You are awarded it when the ball is in a situation where it is not the player's fault and it affects the game, for example:
(Rules 16.1 and 16.3)(Rule 14.2c)(Rule 14.1b)
2. Relief with penalty → You lose a hit, but you save the situation
Sometimes you need to move from where you are because you can't play the ball, but the game is the game, so there is a penalty. Examples:
(Rule 17.1d)(Rule 19.2)(Rule 18.2b)
New Golf Rules, from 2023 to Today
Now yes, you know that the January 1, 2023 Some interesting changes came to the Rules of GolfThe goal? To make them clearer, more inclusive and adapted to the modern game. Here are the most important points:
1. New Rule 25: Players with Disabilities (Rule 25)
The Rule 25 of the Golf Rules covers the modified playing conditions for players with disabilities. It is a specific rule that allows adjustments to the standard rules to ensure fairness and accessibility in the competition.
2. Stroke Play Handicap: Less Paperwork (Rule 3.3b(4))
Forget about writing your handicap on the scorecard. Now it's the Committee who is in charge of calculating and applying handicaps. So, less stress and more golf.
3. Broken stick? No problem (Rule 4.1a(2))
If your club is damaged during the round 
), you have three options:
4. The ball moves by itself… and without penalty (Rule 9.3)
Imagine that you have already taken a breath and left the ball in its new place, but suddenly, the wind moves it or gravity does its thing. Now, The rule says you must replace it without penalty.. Before, it could cost you an extra hit.
5. Back line relief: simpler (Rule 14.3b(2))
If you need to take relief online back, now you just have to drop the ball on the line. If it rolls a little (up to a club length in either direction), it's still fine. Less mess, more fluidity in play.
