Golf Rules New in the Penalty Area
Penalty areas (Definition)
Previously, water hazards could only be marked as such if they actually contained water.
Now, water hazards are called penalty areas and no longer have to contain water.
Good to know: This means that golf clubs are free to mark other parts of the course as penalty areas to allow sideways drops and thus speed up the game.
Dropping options with penalty areas (Rule 17)
Previously, with lateral water hazards, it was possible to drop on the opposite side of where the ball last crossed the hazard’s margin.
It is called a red penalty area, and it is no longer possible to drop on the opposite side.
Good to know: This option was previously hardly ever used, and it only led to confusion. Golf Rules New in the Penalty Area
Touching the ground and water in penalty areas (Rule 17)
If you decide to play a ball from a water hazard as it lies, you were previously not allowed to touch the ground or the water before your stroke.
You can now ground the club in or out of the water when you play the ball out of a penalty area.
Good to know: Experience has shown that it usually doesn’t make sense to try and hit a ball out of the water if it is completely covered by water.
Loose impediments (Rule 15)
Previously, touching leaves, twigs, stones, branches, and other loose impediments in water hazards was not allowed.
You can now remove them anywhere without penalty, including in penalty areas (the new name for water hazards).
Good to know: Please bear in mind that the ball is still not allowed to move when removing loose impediments.
******
Why subscribe to GolfersRx?
Here is another video from Yves C. Ton-That on Golf Rules – What’s New in the Bunker? Just one of the many golf instruction videos we have at GolfersRx.com.
GolfersRx.com is a team of golf experts who share your love and passion for the game of golf. We share in your enthusiasm to play better, similarly your frustrations when things aren’t going as planned.
The site brings together some of the best and brightest minds in all facets of the game of golf. GolfersRx will help you master your swing, your putting stroke, your fitness, your short game, your mental focus and attitude, your health, and every other challenge you face on the course. Above all, we are here to help with golf tips and golf drills to lower your golf score.
Our experts have affected the lives of tens of thousands of golfers over the years, and they are now achieving lower scores, out driving their peers, playing injury-free, and enjoying the game more than they ever thought they could.
Here they are and along with their focus.
Experts
Quite the Chap (Colby Johannson) Golf Instruction videos and lessons to think smarter about golf.
Golf Labs (Gene Parente) master your golf swing sequence, mechanics, and technique.
Mr. Short Game (Matt Fisher) Chipping, Pitching and Putting tips and drills around the green.
Golf Yogi (Mark Williamson) Stretches for flexibility and overall golf fitness.
Golf Rules (Yves C. Ton-That) USGA Rules of Golf questions and interpretations to use for your advantage.
You must realize there is some work involved. GolfersRx.com may teach you a new thought process or a new swing technique. In addition, you will need to practice it.
You MUST be okay with trying some fresh, new techniques or embracing a new way of looking at some age-old problems. If so, GolfersRx.com is most likely for you.
In conclusion, check out our (other) social media pages.
