Local Knowledge

KEY CHANGES TO THE RULES OF GOLF SET TO TAKE EFFECT IN 2023

The USGA and The R&A in November unveiled a regular update to the Rules of Golf as they continue to make the Rules easier to understand and apply. The new Rules will go into effect on January 1, 2023. The current edition of the Rules of Golf (2019) still applies for the remainder of 2022.

The 2023 edition continues the modernization process, with an emphasis on both inclusion and sustainability. For the first time, the modified Rules for players with disabilities have been fully incorporated into the playing rules without the need to adopt a local rule. The governing bodies, supported by longstanding partner Rolex, will also promote digital and mobile app access to the Rules while significantly reducing the production and distribution of more than 4 million printed books.

Several penalties have been relaxed and language has been clarified to help golfers at all levels of play.

Five key changes include: Modifications for Players with Disabilities, Handicap Usage in Stroke Play, Club Damaged During Round, Ball Moved by Natural Forces, and Back-on-the-Line Relief Procedure.

To learn more about the major changes and review the official 2023 Rules of Golf, click here. Full updates to the official Rules of Golf digital applications will be available starting on January 1.

TGA HOLDIAY OFFICE HOURS

Please take note that the Texas Golf Association’s Main Office in Dallas and South Office in Humble will be closed from Dec. 23 – Jan. 2. Both offices will reopen on Jan. 3 at 9 a.m.

The TGA would like to take this opportunity to thank our Member Clubs for their continued partnership in supporting and advancing amateur golf in Texas. We look forward to serving you long into the future, and we share our warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a successful and prosperous New Year.

REGISTER NOW FOR 2023 PGA SHOW

Golf’s top companies and market-leading brands are making plans to showcase their newest innovations in equipment, technology, fashion, accessories, training aids and golf-related services to PGA Professionals, golf retailers and influential industry leaders from around the world at the 70th PGA Show in Orlando, Jan. 24-27, 2023.

The PGA Show, organized by the PGA of America and PGA Golf Exhibitions, will reunite the golf industry for the 70th edition of golf’s longest running and largest global business gathering. Following two years of business disruptions by the global pandemic, the PGA Show will bring together thousands of PGA Professionals, golf leaders, industry executives and retailers from around the world who will source new products from some 800 golf and golf lifestyle brands, attend high-level industry presentations, participate in education and career workshops, and connect in person with peers and golf leaders to drive continued growth of the sport and the business of golf.

The 2023 PGA Show floor stakeholders represent a broad spectrum of product categories and lead an even deeper list of participating companies, including veteran manufacturers and those new to the golf marketplace, to create a dynamic Show Floor packed with discovery, innovation and business opportunities.

“The PGA Show is our largest annual gathering of PGA Professionals and the most significant business event for the global golf community each and every year,” said PGA of America President Jim Richerson. “It is a valued opportunity to experience and source the latest innovations, connect with peers and industry leadership, and grow your career and business. We are better from coming together at the PGA Show, and the sport and business of golf is in good hands from the cross-community collaboration.”

For more information about the 2023 PGA Show and registration information, click here.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PRIVATE CLUBS? [CMAA]

Every year, GGA Partners conducts a survey in cooperation with the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), asking club leaders across North America about the challenges they face, emerging trends on their radar, and the opportunities in place to support the long-term sustainability of the industry.

A Club Leader’s Perspective: Emerging Trends & Challenges tracks and examines realities in the private club industry — specifically around what clubs expect to face in the coming year — and what trends and influences motivate their decisions. More than 500 club leaders weighed in on trends and challenges across five primary areas:

• Industry outlook in the post-COVID-19 ecosystem.

• Human resources and workforce demands.

• The membership experience and programming.

• Capital planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

• Inflationary effects on service.

In a story for CMAA’s digital magazine, author Derek Johnston gives further details about the key insights from this year’s research. To read more about A Club Leader’s Perspective: Emerging Trends & Challenges, click here.