GHIN Link
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GHIN (pronounced "jin") is an acronym that stands for "Golf Handicap and Information Network," which is a handicapping service provided by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to participating associations and clubs. Here is a handy link to their website. Click here.
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2023 USGA Golf Rules Changes
There are 37 changes in the USGA rules for 2023. There are 4 changes relative to a BALL AT REST and 1 regarding a BALL IN MOTION. The two areas with the most changes relate to TAKING RELEIF and AREAS OF THE COURSE with a total of 10 alterations each. There were 3 changes to EQUIPMENT, 2 regarding PLAYING THE BALL and 2 relative to WHEN TO PLAY THE BALL. Interestingly enough, there are 4 changes in relation to PLAYER CONDUCT. And then 1 final change to a NEW LOCAL RULE. To be redirected to the USGA website where these rules changes can be found, click here.
Rules of Golf
While golf has been played for more than 600 years, the earliest known written rules for the game date from 1744. Although the Rules of Golf serve to define and preserve the essential challenge and character of a game rich in history, they were not decided centuries ago and then simply preserved ever since. On the contrary, continuous evolution in the rules is one of the game’s central traditions. While the core principles of the sport have endured through the centuries, their outcomes and the procedures for applying them have undergone regular change. These Rule changes have occurred for a variety of different reasons. Much of the time, the changes have been in response to the seemingly infinite variety of unforeseen or unique circumstances that keep arising in a sport played outdoors in a natural setting. Additionally, smaller changes have occurred in response to debates among golfers about procedures and outcomes. And finally, more significant change has occurred with efforts to step back and review the overall philosophy, structure and presentation of the Rules of Golf, as happened in 1899, 1934, 1952, 1984, and today.
The past 30 years have been characterized by significant technological advances leading to changes in areas such as golf clubs, golf balls and course care, among others. After the first joint R&A and USGA Rules code in 1952, the next major revision came in 1984 when the Rules were completely reorganized and updated. Since 1984, the volume of inquiries about the Rules of Golf has continued to be high and has led to substantial changes to the Rules every four years and to the decisions every two years. The number of decisions increased from 933 in 1985 to 1,275 in 2012, and has remained at about that level since then. An organic pattern emerged of a major update to the Rules about every 30 years, and that has continued with the current Rules Modernization initiative. Go to the USGA Rulebook website by clicking here or on the "Rules of Golf" title above. Source: USGA Website
The past 30 years have been characterized by significant technological advances leading to changes in areas such as golf clubs, golf balls and course care, among others. After the first joint R&A and USGA Rules code in 1952, the next major revision came in 1984 when the Rules were completely reorganized and updated. Since 1984, the volume of inquiries about the Rules of Golf has continued to be high and has led to substantial changes to the Rules every four years and to the decisions every two years. The number of decisions increased from 933 in 1985 to 1,275 in 2012, and has remained at about that level since then. An organic pattern emerged of a major update to the Rules about every 30 years, and that has continued with the current Rules Modernization initiative. Go to the USGA Rulebook website by clicking here or on the "Rules of Golf" title above. Source: USGA Website