The USGA and R & A have significantly updated the rules of golf effective January 1. Below are some of the changes:
1 – Search time for a lost ball is reduced to 3 minutes
2 – If you accidentally move the ball in a search, there is no penalty
3 – You may get relief from all embedded balls, not just the fairway
4 – Drops are now from the knee
5 – If ball lands on wrong green, your drop must allow you to not be standing on that green
6 – If your ball hits yourself or your equipment accidentally there is no penalty
7 – There is no double hit as long as it is accidentally
8 – In a sand trap you are allowed to incidentally touch the sand. For example you may lean on your club as long as you are not testing the condition of the sand
9 – You may move loose impediments in hazards. The ball may not be allowed to move still
10 – A fourth option is available for unplayable lie in a bunker. You may drop the ball behind the bunker, however, this is a two stroke penalty
11 – You may ground your club in a hazard
12 – If your ball moves after replacing it on the green after marking, you must place the ball back in the original position
13 – If you accidentally hit your ball on the green you put it back without penalty
14 – You may repair all damage on the green, including spike marks, prior to putting
15 – You may no longer line up your shot by putting your club on the ground
16 – Caddies may not assist in lining up a putt
17 – Hitting the flagstick is no longer a penalty when putting. If part of the ball is below the hole, its in.
There are a few others that are not as important to the league but you may consider reviewing if you are playing in another league or tournament