Golfers in China can access the 2019 Rules of Golf that are easier to understand making the game more attractive and accessible for players globally

The R&A and China Golf Association (CGA) jointly announced the launch of the 2019 Players Edition of Rules of Golf mobile application in Chinese, a completely redesigned stand-alone and interactive tool that allows Chinese golfers to access to the modernised rules from all mobile devices. The new application, available online through app stores on both iOs and Android platforms such as Baidu Mobile Assistant, Tencent Android App Store, Alibaba Android App Store (Wandoujia) and VIVO App Store, offers the freedom to access the 2019 Rules of Golf on field or off field for professional golfers and amateurs alike.

The R&A and the USGA started the Rules Modernisation Initiative in 2012 with the goal of bringing the Rules up to date to fit the needs of the game today globally. Presented in digital form today, the new Rules which will come into effect on 1 January 2019, has been translated into more than 30 languages and launched via print and digital formats, including new searchable features.

For the first time, a new Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf is being introduced to provide a shorter, more user-friendly version of the Rules for golfers at all levels of the sport.  This version, which will serve as the primary publication for all golfers, features:

• A more intuitive organisation with ten simplified topical groupings
• A “Purpose of the Rule” description at the top of each Rule, to better define why the Rule exists
• Easy-to-follow, full-colour diagrams and charts
• A simpler, more direct writing style.

The Chinese App is one of the firsts to publish the 2019 Rules of Golf in its local language in Asia, providing an easy and fun to use resource for Chinese golfers which number continues to grow. CGA was responsible for the translation and editing of the Players Edition of the Rules in Chinese.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive Officer of The R&A, said, “China continues to be an important market for golf. We are delighted to be rolling out the modernised Rules of Golf in digital form today. This is the biggest set of changes to the Rules in a generation and a major step forward in our efforts to make the Rules, and golf itself, more accessible and more in tune with the way the modern sport is played.”

“Written from player’s perspective and focuses on what the typical golfer needs to know, the new Rules App Players Edition makes greater use of visual aids such as graphics, photos and videos, making this App an indispensable tool for Chinese golfers on and off the course” added, Dominic Wall, The R&A’s Director of Asia Pacific.

Qingfeng Wei, Director of Golf Development of CGA, noted, ”In the age and advent of big data and mobile internet, the joint launch of the new Rules App is an important step in keeping with how golfers and fans use the Rules today. With the ultimate goal of serving the golfing community in China, CGA will continue to work with The R&A in launching the Chinese editions of the complete Rules Book, Players Edition, as well as the Official Guide and its Quick Guide.

Tenniel Chu, Vice-Chairman of Mission Hills Group added: “Our 7,000 caddies are excited to download the Rules of Golf APP in Chinese and introduce it to our players across the one million rounds of golf played every year at Mission Hills.”

ENDS

Photo Captions: (L-R):
#1
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, Qingfeng Wei, Director of Golf Development of CGA and Dominic Wall, Director of The R&A - Asia Pacific
#2
Center (L-R): Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, Tenniel Chu, Vice-Chairman of Mission Hills Group, Qingfeng Wei, Director of Golf Development of CGA, Dominic Wall, Director of The R&A - Asia Pacific
On the side and in the front: Mission Hills Dongguan Golf Club caddies showing off their 2019 Players Edition of Rules of Golf APP in Chinese

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About The R&A
Based in St Andrews, The R&A runs The Open, elite amateur events, international matches and rankings. Together The R&A and the USGA govern the sport of golf worldwide, operating in separate jurisdictions but sharing a commitment to a single code for the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status and Equipment Standards. The R&A, through R&A Rules Ltd, governs the sport worldwide, outside of the United States and Mexico, on behalf of over 36 million golfers in 143 countries and with the consent of 155 organisations from amateur and professional golf.

The R&A is committed to working for golf and supports the growth of the sport internationally and the development and management of sustainable golf facilities.  For more information, visit www.randa.org and www.rules.golf.

About Rolex and Golf
Since 1967, Rolex has been driven by genuine passion for a sport that embraces tradition and seeks perfection. Rolex is proud to be a leading supporter behind the finest events, players and organizations in golf, encouraging the development of the game worldwide. www.rolex.cn/en/world-of-rolex/golf.html