Rules official John Mutch, left, examines Michelle Wie’s ball for damage at the 2006 Sony Open. (Marco Garcia/Getty Images)

Damaged golf balls

A player will be able to replace a ball during a hole if it’s visibly cut or cracked. Gone is the provision for replacing a ball that is “out of shape.” The USGA is acknowledging that modern golf balls hardly ever go out of round, unlike the featheries or wound-rubber balls of old.

Also of note: The player no longer has to state his intention of lifting a ball to examine or replace it if it’s cut or cracked.