The USGA and R&A are introducing a new Local Rule for 2017.
The recommended wording is as follows:
“Accidental Movement of a Ball on the Putting Green
Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1 are modified as follows:
When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no
penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his
partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.
The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in
Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.
This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or
ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental.
Note:
If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a
result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of
gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A
ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced.”
The most important things for you to remember are:
1. This is a Local Rule. Just like other Local Rules, such as for
distance-measuring devices, it is applicable only if your Committee adopts this
Local Rule.
2. This Local Rule only
applies for a ball or ball marker that lies on the putting green.
3. Under this Local Rule there is no penalty if
the player, his partner, an opponent, or anyone’s caddie accidentally moves a
ball on the putting green. The moved
ball or marker must be replaced.
4. If the ball is moved by a
natural element (e.g., wind, water, gravity), the ball must be played from its
new location. Only people or equipment may cause accidents.
5. If the ball marker is moved by a natural element,
the ball marker must be replaced.
The USGA and R&A plan to
adopt this Local Rule for all their tournaments and qualifiers in 2017. Click
on this link to watch a video narrated by Thomas Pagel of the USGA that
explains and demonstrates the new Local Rule:
