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Upcoming Events

Course Care Live Webcasts
January 01 - December 31 - Online All Year
PGA/USGA Rules Workshops
January 08 - March 31 - 2010, Nationwide

Our Experts Explain:

The Rules of Golf

Our Experts Explain the Rules of Golf USGA rules experts provide insight and explanations on rules decisions and interpretations. The experts will also address commonly asked rules questions.

Handicapping

The USGA Handicap System™ enables golfers of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. USGA experts will help explain "The USGA Handicap System" manual – the USGA's handicapping equivalent of "The Rules of Golf" and address commonly asked questions. This section of the site will also features a Course Handicap™ calculator that allows players to convert their Handicap Index to the Course Handicap for any course that has been properly rated.

Equipment

The USGA tests balls, clubs, and other equipment for conformity to the Rules of Golf. Here, the Research and Test Center staff explains how golf equipment is tested, discusses its research about why and how golf equipment works the way it does and describes the USGA’s role in establishing equipment standards for the game of golf.

Rule of the Day

33-8/37 Local Rule Allowing Drop in Water Hazard Behind Point Where Ball Lies Unplayable in Hazard
Q:

A water hazard varies from 100 yards to 250 yards in width, and there is little or no water in it. In most cases a ball in the hazard can be played. However, it sometimes happens that a ball fails by a few yards to carry the hazard and ends up unplayable in water.

Under Rule 26-1, the player must either drop behind the hazard or at the spot from which his previous stroke was played. In either case, the relief point is up to 250 yards away. In such circumstances, may the Committee make a Local Rule permitting a player to drop a ball in the hazard under penalty of one stroke, as well as out of the hazard?

No.

See the Previous Rule of the Day

Today in Golf History

Nov 20, 2009

1917 Birthday of Bobby Locke

Born in Germanston, South Africa, Bobby Locke has one of the most impressive international records in golf history. A four-time British Open champion, Locke won the South African Open every time he entered between 1938 and 1955, a total of nine titles. Locke never won the U.S. Open but had five top-five finishes in the seven years he competed.

Visit the USGA Museum to learn more about the history of golf.