USGA, R&A issue local rule to restrict green reading

The modern local rule (MLR) is enacted to reduce players' reliance on green-reading books (which display very detailed topographical maps of the green) and to encourage players to use their own eyes and experience to read greens.

Recently, the USGA and R&A have jointly announced the introduction of MLR G-11, a mechanism that allows tournament committees to require players to use only the yardage book provided by the committee. The new rule will also strictly limit what players and caddies can write in these yardage books.

MLR G-11 will take effect from January 1, 2022, serving major tournament systems such as the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA and Korn Ferry Tour. The new rule is not intended for ordinary local golf tournaments or events.

Notably, MLR G-11 will require players to use yardage books no larger than 7 x 4.25 inches (17.78 x 10.795 cm). And they will only provide the most basic information about the green. In addition, when players and caddies receive these yardage books from the tournament committee, they will also be limited in what they can add to it before and during the round. Players and caddies will not be allowed to use slope measuring devices during practice rounds to add information to the yardage book, nor will they be allowed to add any information to the yardage book that they have not collected themselves. It is highly likely that major tours will adopt this new local rule starting next year.