2019 Rules

[BertGA]

Looks like the first couple rules revisions were sent out by US Kids. The whole caddy positioning thing is going to be huge.

 

My instincts tell me the inability to line up players in the younger age groups may slow down play. It will certainly shorten the duration between stance and shot, but it’s gonna lead to some off-line balls. But hopefully it will accelerate the kids’ abilities to do this without caddie assistance.

[AUSweeper]

Anyone else play with dads that actually line the ball up for the kid to putt? Not aligning the kid over the ball, but actually lined the line on the ball with the target. Was really surprised to see some pretty elite player’s dads did this for them.

[darter79]

Anyone else play with dads that actually line the ball up for the kid to putt? Not aligning the kid over the ball, but actually lined the line on the ball with the target. Was really surprised to see some pretty elite player's dads did this for them.

 

That part of the rule won't change a caddie can still set up the ball for them.

[darter79]

Looks like the first couple rules revisions were sent out by US Kids. The whole caddy positioning thing is going to be huge.

 

I think the younger divisions will struggle badly and pace of play will be awful as well. I know a few parents in the younger groups that latterly align the kids drivers to the target. But I'm glad to see it happen.

[tiger1873]

Was reading through some of the rules changes for 2019 and this one stood out.

Rule 10.2b

 

Restriction on Your Caddie Standing Behind You. When you begin taking your stance for the stroke and until your stroke is made:

• 
  Your caddie must not deliberately stand on or close to an extension of your line of play behind your ball for any reason.
  
• 
  If you take a stance in breach of this Rule, you cannot avoid penalty by backing away.
  

 

 

If I'm not mistaken this would be a noticeable rule change for next year. I think the current rule allows the caddie in the line up until the swing begins. The rule change seems to change that. Hopefully this should help pace of play.

 

This rule will really help in junior golf. Last US kids tournament a few weeks ago they were telling everyone after Jan 1st this rule will be in effect.

 

No more lining up shots or putts!!! I am sure some parents will be mad since they can’t do it and their kids will not win. I expect we will see scores go up in the younger ages a lot.

 

I’m not so sure this will change much. They will still line the ball up for the kid every time. Just won’t do it while they are in their stance about to putt. To get around this rule, if the player sets up and is misaligned the caddie could just have the kid mark it and adjust accordingly, right?

 

No they can’t be anywhere near them when take stance. In theory you can both stand behind the ball a few feet but you can’t be there when they actually start to take the stance. This means a kid need to align themselves before actually hitting the ball.

 

Would not be surprised if scores go way up after this rule is in effect for younger kids.

[I_HATE_SNOW]

Was reading through some of the rules changes for 2019 and this one stood out.

Rule 10.2b

 

Restriction on Your Caddie Standing Behind You. When you begin taking your stance for the stroke and until your stroke is made:

• Your caddie must not deliberately stand on or close to an extension of your line of play behind your ball for any reason.
  
• If you take a stance in breach of this Rule, you cannot avoid penalty by backing away.
  

 

If I'm not mistaken this would be a noticeable rule change for next year. I think the current rule allows the caddie in the line up until the swing begins. The rule change seems to change that. Hopefully this should help pace of play.

 

The LPGA will have fun with this.