RULES OF GOLF RESOURCES

Welcome to the NCGA’s Rules of Golf Resources Page

Below are helpful links and documents designed to aid golfers in learning the Rules of Golf.  The resources below range from introductory Rules knowledge assistance to advanced topics for complex rulings and come from various expert sources across the globe. The page will be constantly updated as new resources are developed. If you have any questions about the links, documents or Rules of Golf in general, please contact Ryan Gregg, NCGA Chief Operations Officer.

Useful Links

NCGA Rules School (Online Rules Education)

USGA Rules Education

R & A Rules Website

General Area – Dr. Lew Blakey’s Rules website

SCGA Rules Crew

Virtually Certain Missy – Rules Clarifications from Missy Jones

NCGA Rules Bag Tags are available for order on our online store, click here

 

Rules Videos

Model Local Rule E-5 Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds

Guidance for Handling Bunkers without Rakes

Natural Sandy Areas (NSAs)

No Play Zone Penalty Area

Model Local Rule F-5 Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Green

Rules Hotline – (831) 625-4653 (Ask for Rules & Competitions)

After hours or on weekends please leave a message and the Rules query will be answered as soon as possible. If related to a competition currently being played please state that in the message.

Rules FAQ

Rules Publications

The USGA will offer complimentary copies of both the 2019 Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf and the 2019 Rules of Golf (full edition). As part of this program, Allied Golf Associations, golf clubs and other golf entities can order these two Rules publications at quantity and will be responsible for only the cost of shipping. Please note that the Rules publications are note for resale. Shipping times can vary based on quantity and location, and you should anticipate a standard lead time of 7-10 business days for shipping.

Note: The NCGA does not stock Rules publications. Please contact USGA Publications.

Orders may be placed in two ways:

Online – www.usgapublications.com. Please note, if you have not done so already, you will need to register to take advantage of complimentary pricing and bulk ordering.

Phone – 1-800-336-4446

Rules Notifications

• Clarifications on the Rules of Golf  – Last Update January 2021
• Modernization of the Rules of Golf Resources – Full Text of Rules & Interpretations

 

General Rules of Golf Documents

Some Principles Behind the Rules of Golf – By Joseph C. Dey (Former USGA Executive Director)

Internal Definitions in the Rules of Golf – By Ryan Farb

One Stroke Penalties and Helpful Lists

Rules and Sub-Rules Listings

Major Changes Document – USGA

 

Amateur Status

Apply for Reinstatement

Amateur Status FAQ

Amateur Status vs. NCAA

 

Tournament Procedures

• Guidelines for Starters and Scorers
• How to Determine a Hole Location
• Play-Off Procedures

Rules of Golf Documents by Rule

Definitions

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE GAME 1-4

Rule 1 – The Game, Player Conduct and the Rules

• Key Points

Rule 2 – The Course

• Key Points

Rule 3 – The Competition

• Key Points

Rule 4 – The Player’s Equipment

• Key Points

PLAYING THE ROUND AND A HOLE 5-6

Rule 5 – Playing the Round

• Key Points

Rule 6 – Playing a Hole

• Key Points
• Key Points (6.3 and Status of the Ball Definitions)

PLAYING THE BALL 7-11

Rule 7 – Ball Search: Finding and Identifying Ball

• Key Points

Rule 8 – Course Played as It Is Found

• Key Points

Rule 9 – Ball Played as It Lies; Ball at Rest Lifted or Moved

• Key Points

Rule 10 – Preparing for and Making a Stroke; Advice and Help; Caddies

• Key Points

Rule 11 – Ball in Motion Accidentally Hits Person, Animal or Object; Deliberate Actions to Affect Ball in Motion

• Key Points

SPECIFIC RULES FOR BUNKERS AND PUTTING GREENS 12-13

Rule 12 – Bunkers

• Key Points

Rule 13 – Putting Greens

• Key Points

LIFTING AND RETURNING A BALL TO PLAY 14

Rule 14 – Procedures for Ball: Marking, Lifting and Cleaning; Replacing on Spot, Dropping in Relief Area; Playing from Wrong Place

• Key Points

FREE RELIEF 15-16

Rule 15 – Relief from loose Impediments and Movable Obstructions (including Ball or Ball-Marker Helping or Interfering with play)

• Key Points

Rule 16 – Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions, Dangerous Animal Condition, Embedded Ball

• Key Points

PENALTY RELIEF 16-17

Rule 17 – Penalty Areas

• Key Points

Rule 18 – Stroke-and-Distance Relief; Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball

• Key Points

Rule 19 – Unplayable Ball

• Key Points

PROCEDURES FOR PLAYERS AND COMMITTEE WHEN ISSUES ARISE IN APPLYING THE RULES 20

Rule 20 – Resolving Rules Issues During Round; Rulings by Referee and Committee

• Key Points

OTHER FORMS OF PLAY 21-24

Rule 21 – Other Forms of Individual Stroke Play and Match Play

• Key Points

Rule 22 – Foursomes (Also Known as Alternate Shot)

• Key Points

Rule 23 – Four-Ball

• Key Points

Rule 24 – Team Competitions

• Key Points