PGA Tour winner goes online to reveal controversial golf rule change

Michael Kim has revealed the PGA Tour has made a significant change to a controversial golf rule. 

According to the 32-year-old, the established North American circuit will now mirror the DP World Tour's approach when preferred lies are in operation. 

In the past, the PGA Tour has allowed players to mark their ball, clean it and place it back within one-club length no nearer the hole.  

But going forward the relief area when using preferred lies has been reduced to the length of a scorecard. 

Kim shared the news on his X account and voiced his support for the change.

H explained that under the previous rule players could really "change the angle of a chip shot" when they get close to the green. 

"Great new rule change to the PGA Tour lift clean and place rule," Kim wrote. 

"Instead of a full club length relief, it's only scorecard relief. Experienced it during DP world tour and thought it was much better. 

"A full club length can really change the angle of a chip shot some times."

Announcing the change in a memo to players, the PGA Tour noted: "A scorecard length is used universally by other organisations and will provide fairer outcomes during competition as the ball will be placed from closer to its original spot.

"The Tour philosophy when preferred lies is used does not change. 

"It is used only in cases of extreme mud throughout the golf course, when relief from temporary water takes a player outside the fairway, or when poor fairway conditions are likely to negatively impact the competition.

"If a ball is placed outside of the scorecard length by mistake, it can be corrected without penalty before the next stroke is made."

Kim, who won the John Deere Classic in 2018, also reacted to the news that Akshay Bhatia has reportedly rejected a "lucrative" offer from LIV Golf. 

LIV Golf have only made two player signings this winter with the acquisitions of Laurie Canter and Victor Perez. 

According to a report by The Times, Belgium's Thomas Detry and Australia's Elvis Smylie will be announced as the latest additions shortly. 

Bhatia was the subject of intense interest, according to the Golf Channel. 

Kim said it was "very cool" to see young players say no to the rival league to chase their career goals.