Michael Kim Reveals Change to Controversial PGA Tour Rule Ahead of 2026 Golf Season

Golf fans who grow frustrated with preferred lies rules on the PGA Tour will surely like to hear what Michael Kim had to say on social media.

Kim revealed that the PGA Tour is implementing a new rule change where players can only move their ball the length of a standard scorecard for relief instead of a full club length when playing in wet conditions.

He also said he experienced the scorecard rule while playing in the DP World Tour and called it "much better" since "a full club length can really change the angle of a chip shot some times."

Alex Myers of Golf Digest explained the "Lift, Clean, and Place" rule was "one of the most controversial rules" on the PGA Tour and one some fans were annoyed with as players moved their ball up to the length of a full club.

The rule update comes shortly before the 2026 PGA Tour season is about to begin.

The Sony Open in Hawaii starts Jan. 15 and kickstarts a notable stretch that includes the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines on Jan. 29 and the WM Phoenix Open on Feb. 5. That leads into the year's first signature event at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Feb. 12 before major season kicks off with the Masters in April.

Kim finished in the top 10 in four of his 27 events last year, including when he tied for second at the Phoenix Open.

He will look for his second career PGA Tour win in 2026, and perhaps the new rule change will help his chances.