News

More News >>
Browse Video Galleries >> Browse Photo Galleries >>

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

18/7.5 Player's Ball Moved by Ball Accidentally Dropped by Opponent or Fellow-Competitor
Q:

A lifts his ball on the putting green. He then accidentally drops the ball and it strikes and moves B's ball, which is in play and at rest. What is the ruling?

A ball that has been lifted and not put back into play is equipment -- see Note 1 under the Definition of "Equipment."

In match play, A incurs a penalty stroke and B must replace his ball -- Rule 18-3b.

In stroke play, there is no penalty and B must replace his ball -- Rule 18-4. (Revised)

See the Previous Rule of the Day

Today in Golf History

Nov 07, 2009

1973 Gwen Hibbs snaps Carolyn Cudone's five-year reign as USGA Senior Women's Amateur champion

Gwen Hibbs wrestled the title away from Carolyn Cudone, the only golfer to win the same USGA championship five consecutive times, by shooting a 229 over 54 holes at San Marcos Country Club, breaking the previous scoring record by two strokes. Hibbs was the only competitor to complete all three rounds in the 70s.

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