To: British Columbia Golf Members, Member Clubs, Member Club Captains, Member Club Handicap Committees &, Zones Committees

From: Susan White, British Columbia Golf Director of Rules, Competitions & Education

Subject: Changes to the Rules of Golf Effective January 1, 2012

Date: October 25, 2011

The Joint Rules Committee has confirmed the changes to The Rules of Golf and The Decisions on The Rules of Golf effective January 1, 2012. Below is a summary of some of the principal changes as introduced in the 2012 Code. A complete review of the changes is available for viewing through our website and the updated publications will be available for purchase for the New Year.

Definitions;
Addressing the Ball
Amended to provide player has addressed the ball by grounding the club immediately in front of or behind the ball regardless as to whether or not he has taken his stance. Previously the definition provided "Taken his stance and also grounded his club. . ." Rules: 6-3a Time of Starting - if a player starts late, but arrives within five minutes of his staring time, the penalty is reduced from disqualification to loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. Previously this penalty reduction could only be introduced as a condition of competition.

13-4 Ball in Hazard;
Prohibited Actions - Exception 2 has been amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from the hazard provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 - Improving Line of Play, Area of Intended Stance or Swing - is not breached.

18-2b Ball Moving After Address;
A new Exception has been added which exonerates the player from penalty if his ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that he did not cause the ball to move. Example, if a gust of wind moves the ball, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position.

Appendix IV
This new appendix is added to prescribe general regulations for the design of devices and other equipment such as tees, gloves and distance measuring devices.

Rules of Amateur Status: Prize Vouchers
Definition has been expanded to allow prize vouchers to be used for the purchase of goods or services from a golf club.

Rule 3-2b Hole-in-One Prizes
E excludes from the general prize limits (including cash prizes) awarded for achieving a hole-in-one while playing a round of golf.