3 things golfers can still do on the green after the new rule restrictions

Professional golfers will be prohibited from using green reading books starting in January 2022. This local rule was enacted by the USGA and R&A and is targeted specifically at professional golf tournaments; amateur players are not affected.

Here are the 3 main things professional golfers need to know about the latest local rule.

1. Standard yardage book size

A yardage book (approved by a governing body) containing information about the green surface must be no larger than 7 x 4.5 inches. This applies 'to all strokes on the putting green, and to a putt from anywhere when the player's intention is to hole out'. However, players may use a larger yardage book for approach shots (again, if approved by the competition committee), or for any other stroke where a putter is not used. This means that golfers can use two different types of yardage books: one for approach shots, and a smaller one that focuses more on the putting green.

2. Permitted notes

Green reading aids will be prohibited in official practice rounds. The purpose is likely to prevent players and caddies from accurately measuring the green's slope. What golfers can do is write down notes that they have personally collected through observation and feeling during practice rounds. Notes collected from reviewing tournament videos are also prohibited. It's not just the golfer who is allowed to take notes in the book, but also their caddie and coach, who are considered part of the team.

3. Prohibited notes

Outside of this group, notes written by others are prohibited. Golfers are not allowed to use or copy the yardage books of other players and caddies.