Local Rules for 2017
New Local Rule
In 2016 the USGA added a decision concerning Rule 18-2 Ball at Rest Moved by Player,
Partner, Caddie or Equipment. The purpose of the decision was to help understand how to
weigh the evidence for determining whether the player caused the ball to move on the
putting green. It still didn’t work. This was witnessed by all during the US Open with the
Dustin Johnson incident which almost cost him the title of US Open Champion. The
pressure that the USGA received from players, officials, administrators and the general
public produced a new local rule blessed by the R&A and the USGA to be effective
January 1, 2017. In my opinion this is one of the better rules to come along to make it
easier for everyone to understand that when a ball is accidentally moved on the putting
green what will be the procedure.
Ball Accidentally Moved on the Putting Green
When a player’s ball lies on the putting, 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.
If you wish to read more on this new local rule you can visit usage.org/2017localrule.
This new local rule will be added to our overall local rules for our club championships and
events. The local rule sheet for 2017 will be available on our website after the January
board meeting.
Remember, “It is what you think you know is what you don’t know”.
