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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

20-3a/3 Whether Ball Must Be Replaced If Other Rule Applies
Q:

If a Rule requires a ball at rest that was moved to be replaced (e.g., Rule 18-2a), must the player replace the ball if he wishes to proceed under another Rule that involves dropping or placing the ball in another place (e.g., Rule 24-2)?

No. If a player is proceeding under a Rule that requires him to replace the ball but another Rule applies, he may proceed directly under the other Rule. The ruling would be the same even if the original spot were not known, in which case the estimated position of the ball would be the reference point for proceeding under the other Rule. (New)

See the Previous Rule of the Day

Today in Golf History

Nov 23, 2009

1872 Birthday of Donald Ross, golf course architect

Donald Ross was born and raised in Dornoch, Scotland before immigrating to America in 1899. Ross was a fine player, finishing fifth in the 1903 U.S. Open, but made his largest contribution to golf in architecture. Ross designed nearly 400 courses in his lifetime, including East Lake, Oak Hill, Oakland Hills, Pinehurst No. 2, Plainfield and Seminole.

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