ESPN.com · Mar 6, 2019
Golf's new rules, what they mean and how they change the game
A major change to the Rules of Golf took place beginning Jan. 1, with making the rules simpler one of the big goals among the game's governing bodies.
And in many ways, that is the case, with the rulebook being pared down from 34 rules to 24, with easier explanations and more common-sense applications meant to make the game more enjoyable for the recreational player and less confounding for those who follow the intricate rulings they see play out in the professional game.
Still, there have been some growing pains. We've already had a caddie alignment rule clarified, issues with the new drop rule and some concern over the ability to putt with the flagstick left in the hole.