Jan 2019 rules height a ball should be dropped

[Bellante]

Regarding the change of rules for January 2019 can someone please clarify when taking a drop at what height from the ground the ball should be dropped? I've seen and read it should be from knee height and I've seen and read it should be an inch from the ground. Which if either, is correct?
Thanks

 

[User 99]

Knee height.

Next.

 

[rulefan]

1" was in the draft version.

 

[nickjdavis]

Unfortunately if you google "Golf Rules 2019" some of the results will take you to R&A/USGA sites/PDFs that still quote 1 inch dropping height and 40 and 80 inches for taking relief.

The rules authorities need to clear up their websites and take down old draft material if they want such confusion to be avoided.

 

[rulie]

Unfortunately if you google "Golf Rules 2019" some of the results will take you to R&A/USGA sites/PDFs that still quote 1 inch dropping height and 40 and 80 inches for taking relief.

The rules authorities need to clear up their websites and take down old draft material if they want such confusion to be avoided.

Pick up a Player's Edition of the Rules at any club. Or download the app for your phone. Or both?

 

[Colin L]

Nick, you will find the R&A videos on YouTube. They'll be up to date.

youtube.com/watch?v=uMls7eioMx8&list=PLPaAMxYPZcI8ptwB7gEE3Fr2en_tgYZYR

 

[nickjdavis]

I realise that the videos are up to date and that you can download all manner of accurate resources... I was merely pointing out that, whilst old, obsolete publications remain accessible on the Web, folks will come across them and get confused.

I noticed recently that a member of my own club posted on Facebook a document, complete with R&A and USGA logos, that referred to “through the course" when referencing the new rules around plugged balls. Now I'm no rules expert but I've never heard of such a thing...but it was out there for someone to find.

 

[rulie]

I realise that the videos are up to date and that you can download all manner of accurate resources... I was merely pointing out that, whilst old, obsolete publications remain accessible on the Web, folks will come across them and get confused.

I noticed recently that a member of my own club posted on Facebook a document, complete with R&A and USGA logos, that referred to “through the course" when referencing the new rules around plugged balls. Now I'm no rules expert but I've never heard of such a thing...but it was out there for someone to find.

Yes, there is lots and lots of misinformation on the Internet - just because google found it doesn't mean that it's current or correct.

 

[Colin L]

It's good that you know where to find the up to date material and you're right that there being out of date stuff on YouTube is liable to confuse. There's not one can do about it. A few weeks ago I noticed a USGA one which showed the relief area for the alternative to stroke and distance wrongly. Not having contact details for the USGA I let the R&A know of it in the hope it would be passed on. It was passed on with the result that the video is ......still on YouTube. I was assured that all the R&A material was correct!

 

[SteveJay]

But knee height can be manipulated....does it specify without knee bend or leaning over in any way?
Pity all those 6'4 beanstalks.......us shorties will have an advantage now, especially if you need to drop in a bunker

 

[Colin L]

But knee height can be manipulated....does it specify without knee bend or leaning over in any way?
Pity all those 6'4 beanstalks.......us shorties will have an advantage now, especially if you need to drop in a bunker

It is the height of your knee when standing up. You can drop it when kneeling down or lying down if you wish provided it is dropped from that height.

You shorties currently have the advantage of your shoulders being nearer the ground, so what's new?

 

[backwoodsman]

You shorties currently have the advantage of your shoulders being nearer the ground, so what's new?

Ah but ...

Those of us built like chimpanzees will have the advantage. Our knee height will be only a quarter of shoulder height, as opposed to a third for normal people.

 

[Colin L]

But is a simian build advantageous when swinging a club rather than swinging through the trees? How far down the shaft do you grip?

 

[jim8flog]

It is the height of your knee when standing up. You can drop it when kneeling down or lying down if you wish provided it is dropped from that height.

You shorties currently have the advantage of your shoulders being nearer the ground, so what's new?

yes but the tallies have longer clubs and get a larger relief area

 

[*TQ*]

Does the ball have to be dropped from knee height starting in January? Will there be a penalty for dropping a ball from shoulder height?

 

[chrisd]

Does the ball have to be dropped from knee height starting in January? Will there be a penalty for dropping a ball from shoulder height?

Im not sure that there should be a penalty for dropping from higher as the result of a higher drop is very unlikely to benefit the player with the greater likelihood of a less controllable playing position

 

[rulefan]

Yes and if played there will be a 1 stoke penalty

 

[Canfordhacker]

Yes and if played there will be a 1 stoke penalty

I am so looking forward to those "Oh Sh1t" moments where force of habit takes over. You can just see it - you are on the other side of the fairway, you see your FC drop it from shoulder height, he hits it and you amble over and inform him...

 

[Colin L]

I am so looking forward to those "Oh Sh1t" moments where force of habit takes over. You can just see it - you are on the other side of the fairway, you see your FC drop it from shoulder height, he hits it and you amble over and inform him...

Shout at him not to play it. He can correct the mistake by dropping it properly before he makes a stroke.

 

[rulie]

Not the first time the dropping procedure has been changed.... and we're all still alive. I don't recall any significant issues the last time.