In 2019, the USGA, R&A, along with the input of the PGA tour and others, implemented thirty changes to the Rules of Golf. All with the goal of making the game more player friendly, easier to understand, and improve pace of play. Not all of the changes will apply at prestigious amateur competitions or the pro tours, which means you the recreational golfer will benefit the most of the rules changes.

To ensure you are informed Mr Topes Golf broke down the most important rules of golf changes, what they are and what they mean for you.

Golf Rule Explained: What you can, and can't, do in a bunker. 

Old Rule: No grounding your golf club. No touching the sand in the bunker. No removing leaves or any kind of debris.

New Rule: Touching the sand with your club immediately in front of or behind your ball, during a practice swing or during your backswing is a penalty (see Rule 12.2b(1)).  Other touching of the sand in a bunker is generally ok, as long as you are not deliberately testing the condition of the sand.  A loose natural object is a loose impediment and may be removed anywhere on the golf course (see Rule 12.2a). But, you’ll want to be careful that your ball does not move if you move a loose impediment or you will get one penalty stroke and must replace your ball. 

How Does this Help You: The USGA noted the point of playing out of a bunker is to play out of sand and not battle out of place rocks, leaves or other debris. Removing small obstructions from your strike zone will improve your ability to hit a better shot out of the bunker.