In mid-December, roughly two weeks before significant changes in the Rules of Golf were to officially take effect, Jim Furyk – a 17-time PGA TOUR winner, a major champion, the only TOUR pro with two sub-60 rounds, and a long-time U.S. representative in both the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup – made an admission.
“I’m probably a little ashamed to say that if you asked me what the rule changes were, you’d probably surprise me by telling me about a couple of them,” Furyk said. “I need to be a little bit more well-versed in what’s going to happen.”
Not to worry, Jim. It’s understandable. Golfers at all levels are still trying to grasp the scope and breadth of the rules changes, which go into play today with the calendar flipping to 2019. Consider this: In an eight-page document that offers a summary chart of the changes, there are 37 new rules – and those are just the most significant changes as outlined by the USGA and the R&A.
Some of the new rules have already generated discussion (you may have heard that Bryson DeChambeau plans to leave the flagstick in for some putts). Some may generate controversy the first time a player accidentally violates one of them. And some are already head-scratchers.
While Furyk may not be well-versed in every rule, he already has one circled for the water cooler. “If I had to be skeptical of one rule, it’d be tapping down spike marks,” he said.
There will be, of course, a learning curve, as players get used to and understand the changes, which seemingly hit all areas – equipment, player behavior, pace of play, taking relief, balls in motion/at rest, to name a few. Change is always difficult but the rationale behind the changes is noble.
“They don’t change rules just because it’s going to make it difficult,” insisted World Golf Hall of Famer Vijay Singh, who became a force on PGA TOUR Champions in 2018. “I think it’s going to be easier. We just have to get used to it. It’s going to take time for us to learn it.”
Some players have more time – and perhaps a bit more incentive/patience – than others. The legendary Jack Nicklaus, long past the days of his competitive prime, has yet to really immerse himself in the rules changes. He may never do so.
As the Golden Bear said, “I’m not going to play golf. I don’t care about rules right now. My rules are about the same as when I finished. If I don’t like the shot, I hit another one. If I hit the first putt and it’s not very close, then I just pick it up. That’s the rules I play. It’s great.”
Sounds like fun. But at least in pro golf, it’s best to abide by whatever rules are in effect. To that end, PGA TOUR rules officials put together this easy-to-read tutorial along with accompanying videos from members of the TOUR’s Rules Committee. It might be good to keep this link handy starting with this week’s Sentry Tournament of Champions — the first pro event utilizing the new rules. — By Mike McAllister, with reporting from Andrew Tursky