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Rules

One of the core functions of the USGA is to write and interpret the Rules of Golf. The Association does this in conjunction with the R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland. The USGA also sets guidelines for competitions and Amateur Status. Learn and play by the rules for maximum enjoyment of the game. We’re here to help.

Watch the Rules in Action

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How to Score for Match Play

An explanation of how to properly keep score in match play and common terms utilized in this format....

An explanation of how to properly keep score in match play and common terms utilized in this format.
Scoring For Stroke Play

An overview of key points and procedures when keeping score in a stroke-play competition.

An overview of key points and procedures when keeping score in a stroke-play competition.
Maximum of 14 Clubs

An overview of Rule 4-4, which deals with the maximum number of clubs a player may have during a sti...

An overview of Rule 4-4, which deals with the maximum number of clubs a player may have during a stipulated round.
Ball Unfit for Play

The Rules of Golf allow for certain situations when a player can declare his/her ball is unfit for ...

The Rules of Golf allow for certain situations when a player can declare his/her ball is unfit for play.
Starting Time

Discover why not being punctual for a competition can turn out to be a costly decision for any golf...

Discover why not being punctual for a competition can turn out to be a costly decision for any golfer.
Order Of Play

Golf adheres to many time-honored traditions, so knowing the proper order of play in stroke- and ma...

Golf adheres to many time-honored traditions, so knowing the proper order of play in stroke- and match-play formats is essential to competing by the rules.
The Teeing Ground

The definition of a teeing ground is explained along with how a stroke is properly played from this...

The definition of a teeing ground is explained along with how a stroke is properly played from this area.
Playing from Outside Teeing Ground

What happens when a golfer plays his/her first stroke from outside a teeing ground? The Rules are a...

What happens when a golfer plays his/her first stroke from outside a teeing ground? The Rules are applied differently for stroke play versus match play.
Definition of Hazard

Learn the definition of a hazard and the two types of hazards golfers can find on a golf course.

Learn the definition of a hazard and the two types of hazards golfers can find on a golf course.
Ball In Hazard

Certain procedures must be followed when playing a ball from a hazard, or when assessing penalty st...

Certain procedures must be followed when playing a ball from a hazard, or when assessing penalty strokes for taking relief from a hazard.
Ball Over Hanging Hole

Learn what the proper procedure calls for under the Rules when a ball is hanging on the edge of a h...

Learn what the proper procedure calls for under the Rules when a ball is hanging on the edge of a hole.
Attending and Unauthorized Attendance of the Flagstick

Having someone attend the flagstick is permissible at any time prior to or during a stroke, but cert...

Having someone attend the flagstick is permissible at any time prior to or during a stroke, but certain Rules apply to this procedure.
Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant/Ball Resting Against Flagstick

What happens when a ball strikes a flagstick? Different Rules apply depending on the situation.

What happens when a ball strikes a flagstick? Different Rules apply depending on the situation.
Marking, Lifting, and Replacing

While the basic essence of the game is to play the ball as it lies, there are instances during a ro...

While the basic essence of the game is to play the ball as it lies, there are instances during a round when a golfer can mark, lift, replace and clean a ball.
Movable Obstructions

Learn the definition of a movable obstruction and the proper way to take relief from this situation...

Learn the definition of a movable obstruction and the proper way to take relief from this situation.
Through the Green

Receive a definition of Through the Green and how certain Rules situations apply under this term.

Receive a definition of Through the Green and how certain Rules situations apply under this term.
Determining the Nearest Point of Relief

Certain Rules situations require players to take relief from the nearest point, and the proper prot...

Certain Rules situations require players to take relief from the nearest point, and the proper protocol should be followed accordingly.
Immovable Obstructions

What is an immovable obstruction? Get a proper explanation of the definition and the applicable way...

What is an immovable obstruction? Get a proper explanation of the definition and the applicable way to take relief under this Rule.
Water Hazards

Designated by yellow stakes or lines, a player has certain options when hitting a ball into a water...

Designated by yellow stakes or lines, a player has certain options when hitting a ball into a water hazard.
Lateral Water Hazards

Red stakes or lines designate a lateral water hazard and a player has four options upon hitting a b...

Red stakes or lines designate a lateral water hazard and a player has four options upon hitting a ball into this area of the golf course.
Ball Lost or Out of Bounds

An explanation of what happens under the Rules when a golfer's ball is hit out of bounds.

An explanation of what happens under the Rules when a golfer's ball is hit out of bounds.
Environmentally-Sensitive-Areas

Occasionally, certain areas of the golf course will designated as environmentally sensitive. Learn ...

Occasionally, certain areas of the golf course will designated as environmentally sensitive. Learn the proper way to proceed if a ball enters one of these areas.
Loose Impediments

What constitutes a loose impediment and what can a player do when encountering such items on the co...

What constitutes a loose impediment and what can a player do when encountering such items on the course?

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)

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Rules of Amateur Status

The USGA writes and maintains the Rules of Amateur Status along with the R&A. Find out more or apply for reinstatement.

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Rules and Competition Guidelines

Everything you need to know about competitions as a player, committee member or club, including rules, determining hole locations and pace of play policies..

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