‘Inside The Ropes’ is the chance for Golf Monthly’s expert team to share its honest thoughts on the biggest subjects in the game. This week, it’s all about those tour rules we would love to change.
Don’t get me wrong, the leading tours have continued to evolve in recent years as they strive to create the most watchable event for the fans and offer up the most competitive and enjoyable tournament for players.
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There has been the soft introduction of range finders, the area relating to preferred lies has been reduced and shot clocks are slowly being brought in to speed up play.
But still, there remains several ideas on the table which – if brought to fruition – we believe would elevate tour golf beyond its already lofty heights. Below, we’ve lifted the lid on a handful of rules we would love to see changed on tour right now.
ABOLISH THE TIO RULE
My first change would be to abolish the Temporary Immovable Object rule. We see players regularly hitting into grandstands and taking free drops because a temporary structure has been built for the tournament.
I think grandstands and leaderboards should be considered as part of the course during tour events, and players who hit into or behind them should need to take penalty drops. They know they’re there, so they should know to stay away from them.
It would make the courses more difficult and also increase safety for fans. If there’s water left and a grandstand right, is it really fair that a player can just bail out into the grandstand for a free drop? I think not.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
ONE PUTTER STYLE FOR EVERYONE
I’d also like to see a number of equipment restrictions in the pro game, and one I’ve recently landed on is on the putting green. It was after I heard Rory McIlroy talking about how you have to be so much more precise with a blade putter, so I think all pros should have to used bladed putters – with a maximum length of 36 inches.
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