• Known or Virtually Certain (new Definition)
There must be conclusive evidence that the event happened (e.g., a player saw what happened to the ball). If there is a small degree of doubt, it must be 95% likely that the event happened.
• Loose Impediment (expanded Definition)
Added to the traditional examples of loose impediments are clumps of compacted soil (including aeration plugs) provided they do not stick to the ball, and spider webs.
• Lost
Your ball is “lost” if you have not found it within three minutes of beginning search. Note that if you start back to play another ball, and another player finds it before three minutes have elapsed and before you have put another ball in play, the time it takes you to hustle back to identify it does not count against you. In other words, if your ball is found in two and a half minutes, and it takes you one minute to get back, the ball is not lost and you must play it.
• Maximum Score (new Definition)
This is a new form of stroke play in which the Committee sets a maximum score for each hole (e.g., double par, triple bogey). Players may (and are encouraged to) pick up when their score on a hole reaches the “maximum;” there is no penalty for not holing out. Consider using Maximum Score for league play – it should help with pace of play.
• Movable Obstruction
You are reminded that if part of an immovable obstruction (such as a gate) can be easily moved without damaging the course, you may move it.
• Moved (Definition expanded)
If a ball wobbles (or oscillates), remaining in its original spot, it has not moved.
• Natural Forces (new Definition)
The effects of nature, such as wind or water. Also, when something happens for no apparent reason due to the effects of gravity.
• Nearest Point of Complete Relief (formerly “Nearest Point of Relief”)
When you estimate this point, you must identify the club, stance, swing, and line of play you would have used had there been no interference. It is recommended that you simulate that stroke with the chosen club. Please remember that relief from the original condition may be in an unplayable area.
• Point of Maximum Available Relief (new Definition)
When you take relief from an abnormal course condition in a bunker or on a putting green, and there is no complete relief available, you may seek “maximum” relief (the least interference from the ACC). Please read the Definition to learn how to find this point.
• Outside Influence (formerly “Outside Agency”)
The following are all outside influences: Any person or player (except the player whose ball or equipment is involved, his partner, his opponent in match play, and their caddies); any animal; any natural object (excluding natural forces); and any artificial object (including another ball in motion) that affects your ball or equipment or the course.
• Replace (new Definition)
You have placed a ball when you have set it down and let it go, intending for it to be in play.
• Round (takes the place of “Stipulated Round”)
Quite simply, a round is “18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee.”
• Scorecard (new Definition)
The scorecard may now be in paper or electronic form. You are not required to keep a scorecard in match play, although you might find it helpful.
• Serious Breach (new Definition)
This applies to stroke play only, and means playing from a wrong place that could give you a significant advantage. It no longer refers to serious misconduct (formerly “serious breach of etiquette”). The Committee now has the authority to address serious misconduct by writing its own Code of Conduct.
• Stroke (expanded Definition)
A player who is unable to stop his downswing but is able to alter the path to deliberately miss the ball has not made a stroke.
A player who accidentally hits the ball while making a practice swing or setting up to hit the ball has not made a stroke. However, he has moved his ball in play; he incurs one penalty stroke and must replace the ball. (This last sentence is not part of the Definition, but I thought it was a good place for a reminder.)
• Substitute (new Definition)
Please read the Definition. There is a new Rule related to this Definition: You will be allowed to substitute a different ball whenever you take relief under any Rule (i.e., whenever you are required or permitted to play your next stroke from someplace other than where your original ball came to rest).
• Wrong Ball (expanded Definition)
The Definition includes the following examples of a wrong ball: another player’s ball in play; a stray ball; and your own ball that is lost, out of bounds, or lifted.
• Wrong Place (new Definition)
If you play from any place other than where you are required or allowed under the Rules, you have played from a wrong place. Read the Definition for helpful examples. Here are two:
1. Replace a ball on the wrong spot and then play it.
2. Your dropped ball rolls out of the relief area, and you play it.Copyright © 2018 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
