R&A announces temporary modifications to the Rules of Golf

The Royal & Ancient has announced a series of temporary measures which will enable clubs to remove any hygiene implications from the current Covid-19 outbreak related to complying with the Rules of Golf.

Download the full advisory HERE

The temporary measures are effective immediately and allow the Rules of Golf, and Model Local Rules to be modified as a result of the current crisis.

HR 20200320COVID Rules644 — *Players will be temporarily required to mark their own cards. A single signature will only be needed and the simple verification of a playing partner.*

The measures include:

Alterations to the way scorecards are handled and returned as well as how scores can be attested by playing partners.

Golf NSW advises that due to the current Covid-19 (Coronavirus) situation, all staff will be working remotely from Monday, March 23 for an initial two week period, after which time the situation will be reassessed.

Despite the disruption, Golf NSW remains fully operational, and the services available to member clubs, districts, & the greater golf community at large will not be affected in any way.

Golf NSW will provide further updates as information comes to hand, or if/when circumstances change.

HR 20200320COVID Rules643 — *A ball will be deemed holed when it comes to rest and remain above the surface of the putting green.*

Requirements around the flagstick and the placement of the hole, including the hole lining, and consideration of when a ball at rest is considered holed.

Bunkers and rakes (if rakes have been removed for hygiene reasons) including allowing committees to introduce Local Rule options which treat all bunkers as ground under repair and in the general area, or allow preferred lies in bunkers.

HR 20200320COVID Rules649 — *With the absence of rakes around due to contamination fears, preferred lies in bunkers may be allowed as a local rule by some clubs.*

For more advice from regarding Golf and club operations during the COVID-19 situation, please visit the following sites:

The R&A COVID-19 Related Guidance on the rules of golf please click HERE

For advice from the R&A regarding the COVID-19 Crisis please click HERE

Australian Government Smart Traveller advice click HERE

World Health Organisation advice on the COVID-19 Pandemic click HERE

For advice from Golf Australia regarding the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, please click HERE

For advice on legal issues relating to the management and operation of facilities from Golf NSW club support legal partners, TGLaw, please click HERE

COVID-19 Rules & advice – March

R&A announces temporary modifications to the Rules of Golf