The R&A and the China Golf Association have 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.
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.”
Dominic Wall, The R&A’s Director of Asia Pacific, added: “Written from player’s perspective, and focusing 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.”
Qingfeng Wei, Director of Golf Development of CGA, said: ”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.”