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.

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Rules Changes for 2023
Rules of Golf
Additional Resources

2025 Rules of Golf Webinar Series

Join the VSGA in our Rules of Golf virtual webinars! Every Wednesday for three weeks we will focus on different rules topics, each lasting about an hour. Our goal is to provide VSGA members with an introductory explanation of the following topics:

Week 1 (February 12) - Intro & Resources, Forms of Play, Parts of the Course, Play the Course as you Find It Watch the webinar | View the slide deck

Week 2 (February 19) - Finding & Identifying Ball, Playing the Ball as it Lies, Ball in Motion Deflected, Ball Handling Watch the webinar | View the slide deck

Week 3 (February 26) - Free Relief & Penalty Relief Rules

12 pm Time Slot

Wednesday, February 12, 19, & 26

6 pm Time Slot

Wednesday, February 12, 19, & 26

Rules Changes for 2023

The resources below have been created to educate golfers on the 2023 update to the Rules of Golf.

USGA/R&A Promotional Video

Watch the video produced by the USGA and The R&A for an overview of the changes to the Rules of Golf for 2023.

Watch Video

Five Key Changes

View an infographic highlighting the five key changes from 2023 to the Rules of Golf every golfer should know.

View Infographic

Principal Changes

Get an overview of the 11 principal changes introduced in the 2023 Rules of Golf.

View Principal Changes

2019 vs. 2023 Changes

View the chart summarizing the substantive changes between the 2019 and 2023 Rules of Golf.

View Comparison Chart

Rules of Golf

The following publications are available to assist clubs and golfers with the administration of the Rules of Golf.

Rules of Golf, Effective January 2023

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.

Read the Rules of Golf

Additional Clarifications of the 2023 Rules of Golf

Check back quarterly (January, April, July, and October) for updates to the additional clarifications page found here.

View the Additional Clarifications

USGA Publications Store

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.

Visit the USGA Publications Store

Additional Resources

The following resources are available to assist golfers and club administrators in learning and applying the Rules of Golf.

Rules 101

Take this FREE online course offered by the USGA to learn the basics about the Rules that every golfer should know!

Learn More

Rules Explained Videos

Video series produced by the USGA covering the most common Rules.

Watch Videos

Rules Quizzes

Test your Rules knowledge with these interactive, multiple-choice quizzes available in basic, intermediate, and advanced difficulty levels.

Test Your Knowledge

Rules of Golf Mobile App

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!

Download the App

Rules FAQs

Search by topic or keyword to find answers to many of the most commonly-asked questions on the Rules of Golf.

Find the Answer

VSGA Seminars

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.

Learn More