The latest iteration of the Rules of Golf will be implemented on January 1. While the revisions have been generally welcomed, golf’s guidelines remain a work in progress. A point US PGA Tour player Mackenzie Hughes seconded on social media this week.
On Twitter the 28-year-old said, while he agreed with a few changes, “I feel like most of them missed the mark.”
I just went through the new rules of golf for 2019 again. I feel like a few of the changes are good (ex. caddie alignment, loose impediments in bunkers), but I feel like most of them missed the mark (ex. ball drop from knee height, damaged club, and more). Thoughts?
— Mackenzie Hughes (@MacHughesGolf) December 19, 2018
Hughes went on to explain some of his grievances, including the stipulations regarding the replacement of a damaged club, the new requirements for drop height, and that players still are not rewarded a free drop of a fairway divot.
“I think they were trying to simplify the game but after watching them explain the new rules I don’t think they accomplished that,” Hughes said.
Fellow pro Graham DeLaet also chimed in:
How they didn’t address the anchoring definition is absurd. It’s the only thing that ACTUALLY matters.
— Graham DeLaet (@GrahamDeLaet) December 20, 2018
A point which Hughes agreed. “They had a chance to make that clear and they didn’t. Could have just said it can’t be over a certain length and can’t touch any part of your body.”
For those not as informed as Hughes, click here for your guide to the new Rules of Golf for 2019.
