Rules of Golf
The USGA and The R&A unveiled a new Rules of Golf on January 1, 2019. Through the modernization process, the Rules have been made easier to understand and apply. A regular update to the Rules of Golf went into effect on January 1, 2023 with the governing bodies putting an emphasis on both inclusion and sustainability. Several penalties have been relaxed and language has been clarified to help golfers at all levels of play. The next update is scheduled to come out January 1, 2028.
Week 1 (February 12) - Intro & Resources, Forms of Play, Parts of the Course, Play the Course as you Find It Recording | Slide Deck
Week 2 (February 19) - Finding & Identifying Ball, Playing the Ball as it Lies, Ball in Motion Deflected, Ball Handling Recording | Slide Deck
Week 3 (February 26) - Free Relief & Penalty Relief Rules Recording | Slide Deck
Cheat sheet for the most common rules a golfer will encouter.
An optional Local Rule provides an alternative to stroke-and-distance relief for a ball that is lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds.
Effective 2019, distance-measuring devices (DMDs) are allowed under the Rules of Golf. Take a look below to see what types of functions on your DMD are allowed under the Rules.
Anchoring the Club — Understanding Rule 10.1b
Resources to help you understand the limitations on the use of green-reading materials.
These diagrams help to explain relief from Temporary Immovable Obstructions (TIOs).
Explore the 2023 Rules of Golf, supporting Clarifications and Committee Procedures. The Modifications for Players with Disabilities can also be found here in Rule 25.
Check back quarterly (January, April, July, and October) for updates to the additional clarifications page found here.
Visit the USGA Publications store to order a printed copy of the Rules of Golf, the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, and more.
Take this FREE online course offered by the USGA to learn the basics about the Rules that every golfer should know!
Video series produced by the USGA covering the most common Rules.
Test your Rules knowledge with these interactive, multiple-choice quizzes available in basic, intermediate, and advanced difficulty levels.
Download the free Rules of Golf app for iOS and Android devices. The app contains the Player's Edition, the Full Rules, and the Official Guide to the Rules, plus many additional features including videos, diagrams, FAQs, quizzes and more!
Search by topic or keyword to find answers to many of the most commonly-asked questions on the Rules of Golf.
The VSGA offers in-person and virtual seminars on the Rules of Golf which are open to all clubs and golfers. View the schedule of upcoming seminars as well as links to past seminar recordings below.