Changes, Changes and more Changes!   As we kick off a New Year in golf, here are a couple of things worth remembering:   In the 2012 changes to the Rules of Golf the five minute grace period for being late to the tee (under penalty of two strokes) has been incorporated into Rule 6-3.  A note to that effect is no longer necessary.   Rule 12-1 has been amended so that a ball moved during search while moving loose impediments whether through the green or in a hazard results in a penalty stroke.   Additionally, a player may search in sand anywhere on the course if the ball is believed to be covered by sand.  During a search in sand there is no penalty if the ball is moved and the movement is directly attributable to the search.  The ball must be replaced and the lie recreated.  This opportunity is also available in sand during the process of identifying a ball.   Note 1:  The changes in Rule 12-1 regarding loose impediments make actions that occur in a hazard consistent with Rule 23 and the penalty statement of Rule 18-2a when the removal of loose impediments through the green causes a ball to move. ___________________________________________________ Every four years the USGA and R&A make major amendments to the Rules of Golf.  2012 is such a year.   Two of the changes are:   1.  The definition of addressing the ball has been revised so that a ball has been addressed when a player places his club immediately in front or back of the ball.             Note 1:  Immediately is defined as so close to the ball that it almost touches the ball.             Note 2:  Stance or taking a stance is no longer relevant in addressing a ball.             Note 3:  A ball in a hazard can not generally be addressed.  However, a ball in a hazard might be able to be addressed if it lay so close to the margin that a club could be placed immediately behind the ball outside the hazard.   2.  Rule 13-2 covers situations where a player improves the lie, area of intended stance or swing, or line of play.  Rule 13-2 does not cover areas adjacent to the ball but outside the areas described under the rule.  A new decision (Decision 1-2/3) discusses how the rules apply to an area outside the parameters covered by Rule 13-2 that is improved prior to dropping a ball.