By Morgan McLeod

Golf Canada will be proposing new Rules of Golf in 2019, but those rules did not arrive in time to help Emily Li, when she received a two-shot penalty for moving her golf ball back to her marker after the wind blew her ball down the green. Emily still won the girl’s individual competition with 8 over par which was 15 strokes closer to par than any other girl in the competition.

Coquitlam resident, Emily Li, of Zone 4 (Fraser River) stated, “I accept my penalty.  I feel I have learned from my mistake and I will never do it in the future.” If the proposed new Rules of Golf get approved, she may not have to worry about doing that action in the future, as it will be legal.  Removing the penalty for “ball at rest moved” along with a number of other rules will be changing in the 2019 Rule Modernization Initiative, which is designed to modernize the Rules and make them easier to understand and apply. 

The Fraser Valley Head Coach Kate Weir stated, “It is tricking getting a penalty like that and keeping your composure throughout the rest of the game.” Weir went on to say, “Emily showed great composure, she concentrates at the right time and she is even tempered.” 

When Emily was asked which golfer inspired her the most, she said Australian professional golfer Jason Day. “…because of his composure. I like the way he carries himself well on the course.” Mature words from this young, rising golf star.  

Emily Li added, “the best part about the BC Summer Games is being able to work as a team. So much of golf is an individual effort, but this is one of the few times that I get the support and encouragement of being on a team.” And support her Fraser Valley team she did. Winning 1st place in the girls individual golf competition moved the medal count higher helping the Zone 4 (Fraser Valley) team receive a gold medal for Team Competition.

For more information about the 2019 Golf Rules Modernization Initiative, visit: http://golfcanada.ca/rules-of-golf/#2019-rules-modernization-initiative