News: Penalties for golfers behaving badly are being highlighted in the new Rules Of Golf coming into force next year.

The ultimate sanction of disqualification has been introduced, with Royal & Ancient Club rules secretary David Rickman saying yesterday: "I think there is concern that standards have fallen. We set our standards high, but we make no apology for that and we want to ensure that remains the case."

A section on the "spirit of the game" has been added to the rules governing etiquette. It states: "Unlike many sports golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire.

"The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules.

"All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf."

The rulebook states: "If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the committee considers taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player.

"Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions.

"This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interest of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.

"In the case of a serious breach of etiquette, the committee may disqualify a player under Rule 33-7."

Despite calls from many top players, nothing has been done in this latest four-year review about the distance some golf balls now fly. Rickman commented: "There has been much discussion on this, but the review on driving distance in particular is ongoing.

"We issued a statement in 2002 that, having consulted widely, there was a general acceptance that if things move on significantly both bodies (the R&A and the United States Golf Association, which governs America and Mexico) would look to take action. Our position at the moment is that things have not moved on significantly to merit action."

The most discussed issue of the summer in golf was the disqualification of Mark Roe when lying third in the British Open with a round to go for forgetting to exchange scorecards with playing partner Jesper Parnevik.

The new rules make no changes, but Rickman stated: "The Open recording process is being reviewed and there is every prospect it will be different next year. We are also conducting a full examination of all scorecard rules to determine whether they are appropriate."

On the US Tour players are given the card of the player they are marking. European Tour officials saw no need to bring the system into line with the US following the Roe incident.

There are, however, new rules on amateur status, with the prize players may accept being increased from €300 to €500, while long-time professionals wishing to return to the amateur ranks will have to wait only two rather than three years.

Rules Of Golf is believed to be the most widely read rule book in sport, and it will take longer to read from next year - it has been increased from 176 to 191 pages.