* If you catch your ball by mistake on your follow through, the new rule states that you won’t receive a penalty for a double hit (because everyone knows it’s easily done). This will only count as one stroke. * Take a leaf out of Bryson Dechambeau’s book and putt with the flagstick in if you like. That’s right, you can no longer be penalised for the ball striking the flagstick. * No worries if the wind moves your ball on the putting green or if you accidentally move your ball. Just replace and carry on penalty free! * Water hazards now count as penalty areas so you can do all of the following without receiving a penalty: • Take practice swings • Ground your club • Move leave and stones (loose impediments) * Are you an honest competitor? No really, are you? The new rule around taking relief from penalty areas relies on your truth telling skills. If you’re 95% sure that your ball is in the penalty area then you’re allowed to take replace your ball.

Bunkers

* For two penalty strokes (there’s no getting off scot-free!) you can now wiggle your way out of an unplayable ball in the bunker, with a new option to drop outside of the bunker. * The new rules are pretty lenient when it comes to loose impediments. You’ll be allowed to move any leaves and stones out of the bunker before taking your shot going forward. But you’re still unable to touch the sand with your club in the area in front or behind the ball.