USGA and The R&A updates controversial Model Local Rule involving golf carts
The USGA and the R&A have recently made updates to the Model Local Rule regarding the use of carts in golf. According to the revised ruling, a player will now be allowed to use a cart if they mistakenly believed it was permitted during the round.
The current Model Local Rule G-6 prohibits the use of motorized transportation, such as golf carts, during a round of golf. This rule also extends to caddies unless explicitly allowed by the tournament authority.
This rule has sparked controversy in the past when players or caddies unintentionally used a cart and faced penalties as a result. One notable incident occurred during the 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur tournament between Paul Mitzel and Ryan O’Rear. In a tight match that went to extra holes, Mitzel’s caddie accepted a cart ride, leading to Mitzel conceding the match to O’Rear.
Another similar incident took place at the 2018 U.S. Amateur, where Akshay Bhatia’s caddie used a cart to go to the bathroom, resulting in Bhatia being penalized for the rule violation.
Former Open champion Ian Baker-Finch has criticized the USGA and R&A’s proposed golf ball rollback as being too little, too late. He believes that the increase in distance achieved by modern players has led to slower play on the golf course. Baker-Finch argues that the governing bodies should have implemented a gradual rollback of the golf ball’s performance to address this issue earlier.
The golf ball rollback rule, introduced in 2023, is set to take effect in January 2028. Baker-Finch expressed concerns that manufacturers have already developed new balls that will maintain the current distance levels even after the rollback is implemented.
In a recent interview with Golf Monthly, Baker-Finch highlighted the impact of longer distances on course layouts, leading to slower rounds due to the need for extended walking distances. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to address the issue of distance in modern golf.
Overall, the changes to the Model Local Rule and the ongoing debate surrounding the golf ball rollback demonstrate the evolving nature of the sport and the efforts to maintain its integrity and competitiveness.
