USGA
 
Search

Upcoming Events

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.



Prestented by ROLEX

Rule of the Day

13-2/35 Removal of Dew or Frost

Except on the teeing ground, the removal of dew or frost from the area immediately behind or to the side of a player's ball is not permitted. Such action is deemed to improve the position or lie of the ball or the area of the player's intended swing and is a breach of Rule 13-2, unless it occurs incidentally to some other action permitted under the Rules, such as in addressing the ball or removing loose impediments.

Additionally, the removal of dew or frost from the player's line of play or line of putt is not permitted. Such action is deemed to improve the line and is a breach of Rule 13-2 or, on the putting green, Rule 16-1a, unless it occurs incidentally to some other action permitted under the Rules, such as in removing loose impediments, repairing ball marks on the putting green or addressing the ball. (Revised)



See the Previous Rule of the Day

Today in Golf History

Nov 26, 2009
1874 Birthday of Fred Herd, 1898 U.S. Open champion
Fred Herd won the 1898 U.S. Open by seven strokes over future two-time champion Alex Smith the first time the Open was played over 72 holes. Herd immigrated to America during the last years of the 19th century, taking a professional position at Washington Park in Illinois before winning his only Open.

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