The Rules of Golf
The Rules of Golf. No longer are they the "USGA" or "R&A" Rules. Together, The R&A, based in St Andrews, Scotland and the USGA, based in Liberty Corner, New Jersey govern the game worldwide, including writing and interpreting the Rules of Golf.
On January 1, 2019, a new "Modernized" set of Rules went into effect. The changes resulted from an initiative that began seven years prior in an effort to bring the Rules up to date to fit the needs of today's global game. They underwent a subsequent review and were further updated effective January 1, 2023.
The 2019 original initiative had two guiding themes:
- Even far-reaching Rule changes should be open for discussion, but golf's essential principles and character must be preserved.
- Revisions should be assessed with all golfers in mind, so that the Rules are easier to understand and apply not only for professionals and elite amateurs, but also for beginners, high-handicappers and typical club and recreational golfers at all levels of play around the world.
The revisions in 2023 provided a fine-tuning of the Rules and primarily dealt with issues that arose since the 2019 Rules were released. These changes continue the theme of making the Rules more easily understood and applied (and include the lessening of severity of penalties) while maintaining the required equity of treating like situations alike for all players. This includes the addition of new Rule 25 which modifies the existing Rules for players with disabilities recognizing that the Rules apply to ALL players.
Click HERE for more information on the Rules. NOTE: The Rules as found on the USGA or R&A websites and apps are the Rules in effect through Dec. 31, 2026.
The Minnesota Golf Association (MGA) is available to provide answers to all Rules of Golf questions or concerns. The MGA is an experienced liaison between the USGA - the governing authority on the Rules of Golf in the United States - and its Member Clubs.
The MGA also is available to assist Member Clubs with any rules questions, as well as assist with course marking questions and to provide rules programs tailored for its golfers. For more information, please contact Doug Hoffmann, MGA Director of Rules and Competitions, at Doug@mngolf.org or (Office) 952/345-3963 or (Cell) 612/964-4249.
Rules of Golf Resources
- The Rules of Golf app is a must for all golfers to have on their phone. It may be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.
- USGA Rules of Golf Homepage - The USGA's "one-stop shop" for anything and everything Rules of Golf
- Rules of the Game Instructional Videos - A series of videos produced by the USGA to explain the rules in particular circumstances.
- R&A Rules Homepage - The R&A's place for everything Rules. While the Rules are the same worldwide, the R&A website provides some different resources that can help your learning experience.
- Rules Publications - The Rules book is published in two versions - Rules of Golf and the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf. The Guide comes complete with all of the Clarifications and the Committee Section that includes all of the "Model Local Rules."
- USGA Rules of Golf Quiz - Test your knowledge by taking the USGA rules quiz.
- MGA Local Rules and Terms of Competition - 2025
- USGA Local Rules and Terms of Competition - 2025
- MGA Expanded Local Rules - 2025