The USGA has announced several changes to the Rules of Golf effective next year.

>> USGA Rules of Golf Changes for 2008

Beginning in 08, a golfer will be allowed to lift a ball for identification in a bunker or water hazard (Rule 12-2 and 15-3). However, there now will be a two-stroke penalty for playing a wrong ball from a hazard. In match play, the penalty will be loss of hole.

The penalty for the accidental deflection of a ball by a player, his partner or either of their caddies or equipment will be reduced to one plenty stroke in both match play and stroke play (Rule 19.2).

Another notable change is the reduction in penalty for carrying, but not using, a nonconforming club (Rule 4-1). In stroke play, a player will incur a two-stroke penalty per hole (maximum four strokes per round) instead of disqualification.

Also, the definition of 'advice' was changed so that information on distance can be exchanged. Such information is no longer considered 'advice.'

A rule was changed to allow a flagstick to be removed when a ball is in motion.

Labels: 08News, 2008, Rules