Hey golfers, the times are changing and so are some of the rules. It’s about time the USGA and R&A updated some of the more ridiculous old-fashioned rules. A few of those rules have been a bit excessive and have penalized players for some honest and harmless mistakes (the example in the article below comes to mind). Not that they’re big deals for the casual weekend golfer, but it could be a big deal ($$$) for those trying to earn a living.

For my own interests I especially like the changes regarding the use of GPS and rangefinders. Every now and then I get hassled by my playing partners that I’m cheating when I use a laser rangefinder during a round. My stance has always been that whether you know the correct distance for a particular shot or not, YOU STILL HAVE TO MAKE THE SHOT! No piece of technology — a titanium clubhead, ProV1 ball, or laser rangefinder is going to make it for you.

FAR HILLS, N.J. Sep 27, 2005 — The rule that got Mark Roe disqualified from the British Open two years ago when he forgot to swap scorecards with Jesper Parnevik has been revised to allow officials to correct the mistake without penalty.

That was among the 111 amendments to the “Decisions on the Rules of Golf,” which take effect Jan. 1.

Other changes allow for measuring devices, such as GPS systems or rangefinders, to be used at the discretion of tournament organizers. The Tight Lies Tour began using a GPS system this year for players who can’t afford caddies, hoping it would speed play.

[more at ABC News] [USGA News]

I’ve golfed only 5 times this year… depressing. This time last year I played well over 25 rounds by now. For some reason I just don’t have the same level of interest this year. I’ve enjoyed it when I’ve played (and I’ve hit the ball well too), but with work as busy as it is and personal commitments behind schedule, it’s simply taken a back seat. Hopefully I’ll get out a few more times this Fall. Hard to believe that I didn’t purchase any clubs this year!! At least I was able to catch the pros live at the PGA Championship at Baltusrol (Thanks again Joe!).