Leave it in! Take it out!

Bucky Dog

Redshirt
Nov 10, 2012
904
0
0
The new rules for USGA allow for players to leave the pin in the hole throughout, including when putting on the green, and does not have to be removed.

I was a little indifferent with this rule. Why now? Watching all the players there seems to be a bit of everything. Most will leave the pin in on putts from say 15-20 feet and longer. Where as Adam Scott is leaving it in the whole time. I can see that being an advantage from longer putts for targeting the hole. Is there any advantage to leaving the pin in? You can say it allows you to see a better target to putt at and you could hit it firmer and have the pin deaden it. But I could also see it being a disadvantage if you don’t hit the putt dead center and having it glance off the pin instead of catching an edge.

Just wondering what what everyone’s opinion is.
 

Dawgzilla

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
5,406
0
0
I'm fine with the new rule, but it still seems weird after always having people tend the flag. Our groups usually just pull the flag one everyone is within a few feet of the hole, unless someone asks to have it tended
 

Bulldogg31

Redshirt
Dec 9, 2013
8,263
0
0
One new rule you guys might want to make sure your group is aware of is E-5...

“E-5 Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds

Purpose. When a provisional ball has not been played, significant issues with pace of play can result for a player needing to take stroke-and-distance relief for a ball that is out of bounds or cannot be found. The purpose of this Local Rule is to allow a Committee to provide an extra relief option that allows a player to play on without returning to the location of the previous stroke.

The Local Rule is appropriate for general play where golfers are playing casual rounds or playing their own competitions. The Local Rule is not appropriate for competitions limited to highly skilled players (that is, professional competitions and elite amateur competitions). For guidance on when and how this Local Rule may be used in order for scores to be submitted for handicapping purposes, consult the rules or recommendations contained within the Handicap System operating in the local jurisdiction.“


There is nothing worse than seeing a golf cart driving back to the tee box so somebody that hit one out of bounds (or just can’t find it) can re-tee a ball.

This is a big time saver
 
Nov 16, 2005
28,877
23,370
113
That’s basically what we always did if we were playing and the course was busy. Just throw a ball down in the general area and take your penalty.
 

RocketDawg

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2011
19,468
2,358
113
I think it's more of a visual thing, especially on longer putts. It's not going to cause you to miss a short putt unless you hit it too hard, or unless the wind is blowing and the pin is leaning (or some courses the hole is worn out and the flag leans anyway).

Leaving the pin in isn't new. They used to do it and I think stopped some time in the 50s or 60s. You can see it on some of the early "Shell Wonderful World of Golf" programs. They played stymie too, where you didn't mark your ball and the other guy might have to chip over it but I think that stopped well before the pin had to be removed.

One new rule I don't like and see no advantage to is having to drop the ball from knee height. McIroy forgot, dropped it from shoulder height, and got assessed a 2 stroke penalty.
 

RocketDawg

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2011
19,468
2,358
113
Our league rules say that if you don't hit a provisional ball, you can't go back to the tee (to save time). You take a 2 stroke penalty for OB instead of just 1, and hit the next shot where it went OB. They've been that way for years but just now seem to be getting the approval of the real rules.
 

RocketDawg

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2011
19,468
2,358
113
Yes yes. Winter rules.

And of course, there's no such thing as "winter rules" for handicapping purposes. You just can't use that round. Maybe the new rules allow it now.

My experience is that most people don't play by the rules anyway. You see players rolling the ball around all the time before hitting it.
 

DAWG61

Redshirt
Feb 26, 2008
10,111
0
0
I like the new "ready golf" rule. Hit it when you're ready instead of waiting for whose out.
 

Go Budaw

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
7,321
0
36
Pretty indifferent to that rule regarding the flag removal.

However, the other rule change they made that allowed Zach Johnson to do what he did yesterday without it even counting as a stroke needs to be abolished post-haste. That **** is ridiculous.
 

RocketDawg

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2011
19,468
2,358
113
Yeah I know (funny movie), but a lot of people "observe" it. :) One rationalization is that "the pros play on pristine courses", which is true, but the rules don't say anything about course condition, other than ground under repair. Observing "winter rules" is basically marking your own GUR areas.
 

RocketDawg

All-Conference
Oct 21, 2011
19,468
2,358
113
That's not new. It was never a penalty to hit even though you're closer, just an etiquette thing.
 
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