The USGA and R&A have proposed a modernization of the Rules of Golf effective 2019.
 
Background questions
 
1. What was the motivation to modernize the Rules of Golf?
The Rules of Golf are normally revised in a regular four-year cycle that allows us to adapt them in response to the ongoing stream of Rules questions from golfers and officials across the game. The current review began five years ago because we recognized that these incremental revisions over the years have tended to make the Rules more and more complex, especially as concepts and exceptions are added in an effort to give a “fair” answer for every situation.
 
This fundamental review is intended to bring the Rules up to date to meet the changing needs of the global game. See also Overview of the Rules Modernization Initiative: Goals, Proposed Changes and Process for Implementation in 2019.
 
2. How did the USGA and The R&A decide which Rules to consider as part of the initiative?
In carrying out this review, we looked at every Rule, not just the larger issues or particular topics. A guiding theme for the initiative was that even far-reaching rules changes should be open for discussion, but golf’s essential principles and character must be preserved.
 
3. Was the primary consideration to simplify the Rules of Golf?
No. The main goal of the initiative is to help golfers everywhere by revising many Rule procedures and outcomes for better consistency, simplicity and fairness and, overall, by bringing the Rules up to date to meet the changing needs of the global game. Although simplicity is important, it is only one of several considerations that need to be balanced in providing the best set of Rules for the game.

4. When did this modernization initiative begin and who has been involved?
Since 2012, a working group of USGA and R&A Rules staff, committee members, professional tour officials, and other rules experts has been examining both the substance of the Rules and how they are written. The proposed changes have been approved by both organizations’ Rules of Golf Committees and respective boards. As work progressed, we spoke with many different golf organizations and golfers around the world to alert them and to get their preliminary reactions.

For the next six months, we are seeking feedback from golfers and golf organizations around the world about the proposed Rule changes and revised ways of presenting the Rules. This feedback and evaluation period runs until the end of August 2017.
 
More information available at usga.organd randa.org