The latest official review of the Rules of Golf came into force on January 1, 2023. This update, made by The R&A and the USGA, introduced significant changes to facilitate the understanding and application of the rules.
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
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:
✅ If your ball is in an abnormal course condition (temporary water, ground under repair, immovable obstructions such as paved roads). (Rules 16.1 and 16.3)
✅ If there is interference from a movable obstruction (such as a rake or bottle). (Rule 14.2c)
✅ If you mark your ball on the green to clean it and replace it. (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:
⚠️ If your ball lands in a penalty area (water, hazard). (Rule 17.1d)
⚠️ If you decide to declare your ball unplayable because it is in an impossible place (such as between roots or stuck to a tree). (Rule 19.2)
⚠️ If your ball is out of bounds or lost, you must play from the original spot (where you hit it before it was lost/out of bounds) with penalty. (Rule 18.2b)
🏌️ What's New in the Rules of Golf 2023
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.
For example, it may include modifications to stance, hitting, or mobility on the course, depending on the player's disability. It is a key rule to make golf more inclusive without compromising the integrity of the game. ⛳
🔹 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 (and it wasn't because of a tantrum 😅), you have three options:
✅ Repair it.
✅ Replace it.
✅ Keep playing with it as you can.
🔹 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.
