Learn more about the 2023 updates to the Rules of Golf below. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to the Rules Department any time at rules@usga.org or 908-326-1850.

There is no longer a penalty for merely touching the line of play on the putting green (the term “line of play” applies everywhere on the course including the putting green, and the term “line of putt ...

If a match is tied after the final hole, the match is extended one hole at a time until there is a winner, unless the Terms of the competition state otherwise. The Terms of the competition should ...

When you play in a competition, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. Here’s what you should know about how your Handicap Index® is used and what to expect. The Competition Committee may set entry ...

The recommended procedure for the allocation of stroke index values in the Rules of Handicapping under the World Handicap System (WHS™) has changed from the recommendations found in the previous USGA ...

Purpose of Rule: Rule 16 covers when and how you may take free relief by playing a ball from a different place, such as when you have interference by an abnormal course condition or a dangerous animal ...

In 1991, the USGA established the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program. This program is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, ...

USGA Members are essential to the success of our vision to create a more welcoming, sustainable and accessible game for all golfers. By funding research and innovation to foster the sustainability of ...

Putting green construction is complicated. These videos serve as a supplement to the USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction and Tips for Success documents. They highlight each ...

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Your Course Handicap is the number of strokes you’ll receive (or give) on a specific golf course. For an 18-hole round, it's calculated as follows: Course Handicap = Handicap Index X (Slope Rating / ...

Course Ratings are based on normal playing conditions, but the difficulty of a golf course can vary substantially from day to day, due to: Course conditions, Weather conditions, and/or Course set-up.