Below is the listing I have put together for the new rules that will be in effect in 2019 that ELMTREE will use this season.  These are not all the rules but ones that have the greatest effect on our members. Please look this over and let me know of any incorrect interpretations or errors.

Thanks, El Presdente'
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2019.1THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR:

• Accidently moving a ball while searching for it.
• Accidently moving a ball or ball-marker on the putting green.
• For a ball striking a player, caddie, flagstick(or attendant) or “double-hit” in a swing.
• Moving loose impediments in a bunker.
• PENALTY AREA – touching the ground, moving loose impediments or grounding the club.
• Hitting an unattended flagstick that is still in the hole.
• Touching the line of the putt EXCEPT to improve conditions of stroke.
• Touching sand or grounding club in a bunker
EXCEPT for testing of sand and grounding club immediately in front of or behind ball.

[3-12-18]2019.2Other 2019 Changes Implemented in 2018:

• Play ‘READY GOLF’.
• 3 minutes MAXIMUM search time for lost ball.
• If ball moves on green, replace to original position
• Penalty or Free Drops can be taken from a player’s knee height or above.
• Free relief from an embedded ball anywhere in the general area EXCEPT SAND
• ANY damage on putting green can be repaired EXCEPT natural imperfections.
• Player may take a drop at the point a ball is considered LOST or OB for a 2 stoke penalty.

[3-12-18]

• LOCAL RULES 2019.1 & 2019.2 cover many of the rule changes the USGA will implement in 2019. ELMTREE has decided to implement them for the 2018 season.
• LOCAL RULES 2019.1 & 2019.2 are only valid for the 2018 season at which point they will become USGA rules and the official USGA interpretations will be in effect. LOCAL RULES 2019.1 & 2019.2 will be removed at the end of the 2018 season.
• The Executive Committee reserves the right, without membership vote, to suspend implementation of LOCAL RULES 2019.1 & 2019.2.
• The Executive Committee reserves the right, without membership vote, to modify any parts of LOCAL RULES 2019.1 & 2019.2 if it is determined that an incorrect interpretation has been used OR a modified ruling has been made by the USGA or NJSGA in regards to a 2019 rule.