The rules of golf, effective january 2019 usga publications. A golf club must be licensed by the usga to utilize the usga handicap system. Local rules set by the committee of a golf club, for example to denote the method used to define the boundaries of the course, ball drops, environmentally sensitive areas esas, etc. A downloadable infographic is also available on the usgas website to help golf facilities, professionals and associations educate golfers on the changes to the decisions. Learn more about how the rules apply to players with disabilities. Participants may obtain copies of the gam scramble rules from gam headquarters, or at. The united states golf association is the national governing body of golf for the u. The authorized golf association plays a critical role in the administration and oversight of the usga handicap system within its territory and will have the following responsibilities. This is the full rules of golf, the primary rules resource for officials. The usga promotes and conserves the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. Television evidence can reveal facts that as a human.
Players edition of the rules of golf the full rules of golf the official guide to the rules of golf includes interpretations, com. Usga rules of golf golfrules anddecisions usga rules faqs. Apr 02, 2020 the usgas official app for the rules of golf, which is always kept up to date with the latest rules content. The usgas most visible role is played out each season in conducting national championships, including the u. Order the players edition, full rules andor the official guide. March 1st, 2017 article and photo courtesy of usga. Any reproduction without the express written consent of the mga is prohibited.
Effective january 1, 1994 by united states golf association jan 1, 1994 paperback. To assist you in your preparation for this workshop, you will receive. Paperback effective through 2018 to 2019 decisions on rules of amateur status. Etiquette to preserve the traditions of the game of. While the usga cannot ensure that all players use only conforming equipment, the integrity of the world handicap system relies on a single set of rules and uniform equipment standards to predict accurately a players potential ability and. The usga s free rules of golf app, as well as the complete rules and decisions listings on usga.
The following summary shows where all decisions from the decisions on the rules of golf, effective 2016, can be found in the 2019 official guide to the rules of golf. Usga indicates decision by the united states golf association. The usga also writes the rules of golf, conducts equipment testing and funds research for better turf. The current publication, titled, decisions on the rules of golf, 2016 2017 will continue to be valid through to the end of 2018 until the new rules of golf take effect on 1 january 2019. Approval of club authorization application the authorized golf association. From usga rules and decisions, appendix i local rules.
Specific rules for bunkers and putting greens rules 12 rule 12 bunkers. Senior open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches, attracting players. This golf rules section includes the index to the full rules of golf, from which you can explore the. Usga handicap system changes, 20182019 effective 1118 reference document sections.
Usga members, please sign in to receive your member discount. The usgas free rules of golf app, as well as the complete rules and decisions listings on, will be updated on jan. While the usga cannot ensure that all players use only conforming equipment. Usga recommendation for settling ties in stroke play. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it. If the competition is still tied, a holebyhole sudden death playoff may be used. Every two years the two rules making bodies amend the code by adding, revising or withdrawing decisions.
Usgapga rules workshop overview and exam test taking tips. The official guide to the rules of golf, effective january 2019. An important rule in this respect is the one which the new golfer in the sad incident above could. The usgas official app for the rules of golf, which is always kept up to date with the latest rules content. Beginners and rules enthusiasts are all encouraged to participate.
Players edition of the rules of golf the full rules of golf the official guide to the rules of golf includes interpretations, committee procedures, model local rules, and the modified rules for players with disabilities. Most golf organization like the pga of america play golf under the usga rules of golf. Navy canvas cover for the official guide to the rules of golf. Explore the major changes introduced in the 2019 rules. Designed for golf administrators and club officials, the guide features interpretations on specific rules which replace the current decisions and includes the first jointlyproduced committee procedures document, providing practical guidance to committees for. Penalty areas when a penalty area is defined on only one side, it extends to infinity. The usga recognizes that it is a players choice whether or not he adheres to the rules of golf. Terminology, as listed in index to 201617 decisions on the rules of golf 1. However, it is the players responsibility to verify writing is legible. Decisions on the rules of golf 201220 clarifies any ambiguity that might arise from the rules and allows you to correctly interpret the complete rules of golf, including all new and revised decisions that come into effect in 2012. Local rules and terms of the competition for 2020 usga championships out of bounds defined by the line between the courseside points of white stakes and fence posts at ground level.
The usgas longstanding policy according to the world handicap system is that scores made using nonconforming clubs or balls are not acceptable for handicap purposes. The usga handicap system enables golfers of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. August, 1948 decisions by the usga rules of golf committee example of s11lbols. In addition to the new golf rules outlined above, the rules also include new guidelines that are intended to improve the pace of play. Every golfer, no matter what skill level, should attempt to acquire a basic knowledge of the rules. Senior open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches, attracting players and. Sign in allied golf associations, golf courses or educational institutions can receive preferred pricing by clicking on the sign inregister link above. Players edition of the rules of golf the full rules of golf the official guide to the rules of golf includes interpretations, committee procedures, model local rules, and the modified rules for players. These changes result from our rules modernization initiative that began five years ago in an effort to bring the rules up to date to fit the needs of the game today globally. The mga rules of golf quiz will test your rules knowledge and spark debate amongst rules aficionados. Usga releases 2019 rules of golf book and publications.
Usgapga rules workshop overview and exam test taking. Section 35 of the usga handicap manual page 2 rules. The first rule of golf, aptly named rule 1, is actually broken down into four distinct sections. Etiquette to preserve the traditions of the game of golf, we should practice good golf etiquette before, during and after our round of golf. View a list of clarifications of the 2019 rules of golf. This is the home page for all of the information you need about the rules of golf, including the new rules that officially go into effect on jan.
This section of the site will help golfers understand why having a handicap index is important. Its intent is not to provide you with what the answer is in the new rules, but rather to help those familiar with the previous decisions book in learning how to navigate the new rules. Amateurs must comply with the usga rules of amateur status. The rules contain a great many rights and privileges which can be appreciated only by reading the code. Proper knowledge of the rules of golf is essential to preserve the integrity and enjoyment of the game. The rules of golf can be found on those governing bodies web sites, or by clicking over to our golf rules section. Decisions on the rules of golf by the royal and ancient gold club of st andrews and the united states golf association.
As a scotsman brought up in the tradition that golf is a gentlemans game, i. Golfs modernized rules and new players edition published. Usga releases publication of the 2019 rules of golf books to include the players edition, rules of golf and official guide as part of rules modernization. While the first rule, rule 11, is a feelgood, general statement describing the game of golf, rule 12 is the first of many no funny business rules, and only seems straightforward in its prohibition against exerting influence on the ball or the course.
All material contained in this web site is exclusively owned and ed by the metropolitan golf association. Brent kelley is an awardwinning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Decisions on the tees used and handicap adjustment for a given tournament is part of the job of the committee before the tournament, and really has no bearing on the. There are links to the usga handicap system manual, the usgas handicapping equivalent of the rules of golf below. These include the use of rangefinders now always allowed unless local rules say not, instead of the other way around, recommended time to play ball of 40 seconds or less, and playing ready golf. It includes interpretations on the rules, committee procedures available local rules and information on establishing the terms of the. Explore the players edition, full rules, and official guide. This is a reference book designed for those involved in the administration of golf at all levels of the game. This guidebook replaces the decisions book and will contain information to best support committees and officials.
Any of the provisions in the handicap manual are really just recommendations on how to establish and apply handicaps. A player may substitute a putting ball while on the green. A player will not be disqualified for submitting an incorrectly calculated scorecard. Usga handicap system changes, 20182019 effective 1118. If you do not know your usga member id, please call customer service at 18003364446. The usga recommends settling ties with a playoff of at least three holes for stroke play. All results are subject to verification regarding handicap. Your behavior will have an effect on everyone around you. Nov 15, 2005 usga handicap system, with usga course rating system and usga handicap decisions. The official guide to the rules of golf, effective january 2019 the rules of golf, effective january 2019 the players edition of the rules of golf, effective january 2019. In the golf rules made easy section here at, well go over key rules and explain in clear, concise, laymanfriendly language how and when to apply them on the course. The rules of golf including rule 61, which provides that each player is responsible for knowing the conditions under which the competition is played will govern all competitions, as amended by local rules of play and those regarding the gam scramble format. A player must not i take an action with the intent to influence the movement of a ball in play or ii alter physical conditions with the intent of affecting the. The usga handicap manual is not part of the rules of golf.