ELMSFORD, N.Y. (March 23, 2016) - Over 70 Met Area professionals and rules officials from our local golf community came out to Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, N.Y., for the Met PGA/MGA Rules of Golf Seminar. The topic of discussion focused on 2016's changes to the Rules of Golf, and also involved best practices for approaching these Rules changes in the upcoming season.

To begin the seminar, MGA Managing Director of Rules, Competitions, and GHIN Services Brian R. Mahoney dicussed the best practices for Golf Committees to ensure a successful season. 

With 2016's Rules changes still on everyone's minds, Mahoney first in-depth explanation was for Rule 14-1b, the ban on the anchored putting stroke. Mahoney focused on what committee men and women will need to look out for in the upcoming season when it comes to players using their body, or clothes, as an anchor point and what the next act should be, should a penalty occur. He also explained the revision to Rule 18-2, more specifically the removal of the exemption that was introduced in 2012 surrounding a ball at rest deemed to have been moved by a player. 

Jeff Pepe, MGA Senior Manager of Rules Education and Championships, spearheaded the discussion on the changes to Rule 6-6d, the exception to being disqualified when signing for an incorrect scorecard during stroke play. He also explained the introduction to a "two-tier" penalty structure regarding Rule 14-3, the use of artificial devices, unusual equipment and/or abnormal use of equipment. Pepe then gave the audience a chance to work together in groups to answers several Rules of Golf questions, taken from both real-life experiences and the MGA's highly regarded annual Rules of Golf Quiz. 

This interactive approach is something that Pepe will incorporate into the MGA's newly launched "Rules Simplied" Educational Program. These programs give the MGA the opportunity to meet with members at their club or facility and teach golfers of all skill levels the basics of the Rules. The educational offerings will common situations that golfers typically encounter during the course of play. 

For more information about how to arrange a "Rules Simplified" program at your club, contact Jeff Pepe at jpepe@mgagolf.org.