Golf canada has the exclusive right to govern, publish and distribute. 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. Obstructions on the golf course can be a cause for anxiety, frustration and, oftentimes, unwanted added strokes. The usga distributes its conditionsof competition to all players competing in usga. We request that all new customers register with a user name and password.
Highlights in the development of the usga rules of golf, 18952008 originally published in 2011 by the usga in when the united states golf association was founded in december 1894, it was for the purposes of promoting the interests of the game of golf, to promulgate a code of rules for the. The committee will use this score history to determine the participants tournament handicap for the pacific amateur golf classic. The principles behind the rules of golf list price. However, it is the players responsibility to verify writing is legible. It contains all the playing rules and full definitions of terms used throughout the rules. The purpose of this chart is to identify the main changes to the rules of golf in one place for ease current rule. But thomas pagel, the usgas senior director of the rules of golf, says that incident was not the catalyst for the new decision. In addition, each following day they adjust the peoria handicaps again using that days scores.
The above article is meant to help clarify some of the basics above the rules of golf. Usga rules and decisions for golf scga rules and information on the game of golf in addition to the aforementioned rules, the ocmgc has rules for all events, tournaments, tournament formats and games played as part of a round of golf. A player may substitute a putting ball while on the green. For all other inquiries, please use the usgas main number. Conditions coversuch matters as the format of the competition, eligibility requirements, the method of deciding ties, etc. If adequate score history cannot be provided, the participants handicap will be considered invalid and will not be accepted for tournament play. Exerting influence on movement of ball or altering. If you have a question about the rules of golf or the rules of amateur status, see below for answers to frequently asked questions as well as our contact information to reach out to us directly. Click here to view a pdf of the new rules of golf for 2019. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it. Please circle the correct answer, or multiple answers, to each of the questions. It includes numerous explanatory images and diagrams.
Plays the course as he or she finds it, and plays the ball as it lies. You may improve your lie in your own fairway one 1 clublength but no closer to the hole with hand or. Pacam tournament format and rules sunriver resort, oregon. Dustin johnson saves usga from embarrassment with win. New rules of golf for click here to view a pdf of the new rules of golf for usga partners. The rules committee s decisions in conjunction with the usga rules and local rules are final. If you are seeing this message on a mobile device or tablet, please use our free mobile app to access the rules and interpretations click here for ios devices. Explanation for each major change in the new rules of. The r a offer many learning tools on their website including a free online. Sign in allied golf associations, golf courses or educational institutions can receive preferred pricing by clicking on the sign inregister link above. 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. Terminology, as listed in index to 201617 decisions on the rules of golf 1. Georgia always plays winter rules or preferred lies. This is the full rules of golf, the primary rules resource for officials.
Usga rules govern all play except where printed local rules are in effect. The usgas official app for the rules of golf, which is always kept up to date with the latest rules content. The official illustrated guide to the rules of golf united states golf association on. The first rule of golf, aptly named rule 1, is actually broken down into four distinct sections. Rules of golf pdf free 2011 the united states golf association and ra rules limited. The full text of the new rules of golf can be found below. In general, usga rules are followed except that the tournament committee has the right to modify the rules when deemed to be in the best interest of the tour.
The rules contain a great many rights and privileges which can be appreciated only by reading the code. This book contains all the rules of the game as revised 1st january, 2016, together with over 100 illustrations designed to provide easier understanding of those situations that cause difficulties for golfers. An important rule in this respect is the one which the new golfer in the sad incident above could. Players may use distance measuring devices with or without slope. August, 1950 the referee decisions by the usga rules of golf committee example of symbols.
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. Rules, it is not made part of the rules other than through a few decisions. Usga members, please sign in to receive your member discount. Duties and responsibilities the handicap committee within. 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. Each team may name a team captain to lead the team and make decisions for it, such as. All amateur players must conform to the usga rules of amateur status. Usga announces revision to golfs rules golf digest. Every two years the two rules making bodies amend the code by adding, revising or withdrawing decisions.
Nov 19, 20 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. Summer rules will be played at all private courses, and we will play winter rules at public courses. While it is considered important that the rules be faithful to their historical principles, they must be clear, comprehensive and relevant to todays game, and the penalties must be appropriate. Usga rules of golf golfrules anddecisions usga rules faqs. If the above comes into conflict with local rules or the usga, the latter two should always be taken as correct. But thomas pagel, the usga s senior director of the rules of golf, says that incident was not the catalyst for the new decision. Usga rules of golf 2012 with 2016 minor revisions are not included element text in 2012 highlighted terms are deleted for 2016 text in 2016 underlined terms are new for 2016 ball in play added a new second paragraph. The official guide includes the rules of golf with interpretations previously known as decisions, committee procedures, model local rules and modified rules of golf for players with disabilities. 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. For further details on the unplayable ball, take a look at rule 28 in the official rules of golf.
Committee chairmen committee chairmen shall be resident members. The more information the handicap chairman gives the members, the more cooperation the chairman is likely to receive. Rules of golf testrules of golf test answers at bottom of. Because most of the players do not play enough to keep a handicap, on the first day the group uses the peoria system to approximate handicaps for the nonhandicap players. Principles behind the rules rules of golf iseekgolf. A player who started the stipulated round with 14 clubs is putting poorly. Terminology, as listed in index to 20152015 decisions on the rules of golf 1. The rules of golf consist of a standard set of regulations and procedures by which the sport of. Highlights in the development of the usga rules of golf, 1895. Apr 08, 2014 the aforementioned 14 individual official decisions on rule 12 are a guaranteed cure for insomnia, if one can keep from laughing the lawyers that drafted these things must have been terribly serious men. Printed copies of the rules of golf and decisions on the rules of golf, 2014. That handicap is then used for the matches during the rest of the week. Golf is playing a ball from the teeing les can be overwhelming at first.
Rules 124 and the definitions in these rules of golf, and. August, 1948 decisions by the usga rules of golf committee example of s11lbols. Decisions on the rules of golf iphone and ipad app. The rules of golf for 2019 united states golf association. A player will not be disqualified for submitting an incorrectly calculated scorecard. In an average round, a golfer may encounter any number of movable and immovable obstructions, and without a good grasp of the usga rules in relation to relief from these obstructions, they may end up tacking on unnecessary strokes when attempting to pick up and replace their golf ball. Handicap committee chairman the position of handicap chairman requires a substantial amount of time and a basic knowledge of the usga handicap system. Johnson immediately stopped his routine and called over a usga rules official who was walking with the group. Highlights in the development of the usga rules of golf. The rules of golf, effective january 2019 usga publications. If you will be participating in this competition as an amateur or applicant for reinstatement and will be receiving expenses from sources other than family members to participate in this competition, please refer to rule 4 of the rules of amateur status. Standard for deciding whether the player caused his. Usga indicates decision by the united states golf association.