Penalties

Golf is a game that should be played in the spirit of the game and with integrity and honesty.

Essentially you play the course as you find it and your ball as it lies.

But there are exceptions where the Rules of Golf allow you to alter conditions on the course and require or allow the player to play the ball from a different place from where it lies.

These Rules are not designed to penalise you but are there to offer help on how to deal with playing your ball from difficult locations in order for you to enjoy your round of golf.

However, you should be aware of when you might breach a Rule of Golf and you are responsible for applying your own penalties if you breach a Rule, so that you cannot gain any potential advantage over your opponent in match play or other players in stroke play.

Penalties fall into three categories:

One-Stroke Penalty. This penalty applies in both match play and stroke play under certain Rules where either (a) the potential advantage from a breach is minor or (b) a player takes penalty relief by playing a ball from a different place than where the original ball lies.
General Penalty (Loss of Hole in Match Play, Two-Stroke Penalty in Stroke Play). This penalty applies for a breach of most Rules, where the potential advantage is more significant than where only one penalty stroke applies.
Disqualification. In both match play and stroke play, a player may be disqualified from the competition for certain actions or Rule breaches involving serious misconduct (see Rule 1.2) or where the potential advantage is too significant for the player’s score to be considered valid.

There can be no Discretion to Vary Penalties. Penalties need to be applied only as provided in the Rules:

1.3c Penalties

(1) Actions Giving Rise to Penalties. A penalty applies when a breach of a Rule results from a player’s own actions or the actions of their caddie (see Rule 10.3c).

A penalty also applies when:

Another person takes an action that would breach the Rules if taken by the player or caddie and that person does so at the player’s request or while acting with the player’s authority, or
The player sees another person about to take an action concerning the player’s ball or equipment that they know would breach the Rules if taken by the player or caddie and does not take reasonable steps to object or stop it from happening.

(2) Levels of Penalties. Penalties are meant to cancel out any potential advantage to the player. There are three main penalty levels:

One-Stroke Penalty. This penalty applies in both match play and stroke play under certain Rules where either (a) the potential advantage from a breach is minor or (b) a player takes penalty relief by playing a ball from a different place than where the original ball lies.
General Penalty (Loss of Hole in Match Play, Two-Stroke Penalty in Stroke Play). This penalty applies for a breach of most Rules, where the potential advantage is more significant than where only one penalty stroke applies.
Disqualification. In both match play and stroke play, a player may be disqualified from the competition for certain actions or Rule breaches involving serious misconduct (see Rule 1.2) or where the potential advantage is too significant for the player’s score to be considered valid.

(3) No Discretion to Vary Penalties. Penalties need to be applied only as provided in the Rules:

Neither a player nor the Committee has authority to apply penalties in a different way, and
A wrong application of a penalty or a failure to apply a penalty may stand only if it is too late to correct it (see Rules 20.1b(2), 20.1b(3), 20.2d and 20.2e).

In match play, the player and opponent may agree how to decide a Rules issue so long as they do not agree to ignore any Rule or penalty they know applies (see Rule 20.1b(1)).(4) Applying Penalties to Multiple Breaches of the Rules. Whether a player gets multiple penalties for breaching multiple Rules or the same Rule multiple times depends on whether there has been an intervening event and on what the player did. For the purpose of applying this Rule, there are two intervening events:

The completion of a stroke, and
Being aware or becoming aware of a breach of a Rule (this includes when a player knows they breached a Rule, when the player is told of a breach, or when the player is uncertain whether or not they have breached a Rule).

Penalties are applied as follows:

Single Penalty Applied for Multiple Breaches Between Intervening Events: If a player breaches multiple Rules or the same Rule multiple times between intervening events, the player gets only one penalty. If the Rules breached have different penalties, the player gets only the higher-level penalty.
Multiple Penalties Apply for Breaches Before and After Intervening Event: If a player breaches a Rule and then breaches the same Rule or another Rule after an intervening event, the player gets multiple penalties.

Exception – Failure to Replace a Moved Ball: If a player is required to replace a moved ball under Rule 9.4 but fails to do so and plays from a wrong place, they get only the general penalty under Rule 14.7a.But any penalty strokes a player gets for taking penalty relief (such as one penalty stroke under Rules 17.1, 18.1 and 19.2) are always applied in addition to any other penalties.

Clarifications

1.3c/1 – Player Is Not Disqualified from a Competition When That Round Does Not Count

In competitions where not all rounds count, a player is not disqualified from the competition for being disqualified from a single round.

For example, in a team competition with four-player teams, where the three best scores for each round are added up to make the team’s score for each round, a player is disqualified from the second round for not correcting the play of a wrong ball. That player’s score does not count for the team score in the second round but the player’s score would count for any other round of the competition.

1.3c/2 – Applying Disqualification Penalties, Concessions and Wrong Number of Strokes in a Stroke-Play Play-Off

During a play-off in a stroke-play competition the Rules are applied as follows:

If a player is disqualified (such as for making a stroke with a non-conforming club), the player is disqualified from the play-off only and the player is entitled to any prize that may have been won in the competition itself.
If two players are in the play-off, one player is allowed to concede the play-off to the other player.

If Player A mistakenly gives the wrong number of strokes to Player B and that mistake results in Player B lifting their ball (such as when Player B thinks they have lost the play-off to Player A), Player B is allowed to replace the ball without penalty and complete the hole. There is no penalty to Player A.

1.3c(1)/1 – Action of Another Person Breaches a Rule for Player

A player is responsible when another person’s action breaches a Rule with respect to the player if it is done at the player’s request or if the player sees the action and allows it.Examples of when a player gets the penalty because they requested or allowed the action include:

A player asks a spectator to move a loose impediment near their ball. If the ball moves the player gets one penalty stroke under Rule 9.4b (Penalty for Lifting or Deliberately Touching Ball or Causing It to Move) and ball must be replaced.
A player’s ball is being searched for in tall grass. A spectator finds the ball and presses the grass down around the ball, improving the conditions affecting the stroke. If the player, seeing that this is about to happen, does not take reasonable steps to try to stop the spectator, they get the general penalty for a breach of Rule 8.1a (Player’s Actions That Improve Conditions Affecting the Stroke).

1.3c(4)/1 – Player Gets Two One-Stroke Penalties When There Is an Intervening Event

If a player breaches a Rule with one penalty stroke, becomes aware of that breach and then breaches the same Rule or a different Rule with one penalty stroke, the player gets both penalties for a total of two penalty strokes.

For example, a player lifts their ball in the general area to identify it without marking the spot of the ball. Another player tells the player about the penalty and that they get one penalty stroke under Rule 7.3. Before replacing the ball, the player cleans the ball more than necessary to identify it, also in breach of Rule 7.3. When the player was made aware of the first penalty, that was an intervening event and so the player also gets one penalty stroke for cleaning the ball, which means that the player gets two penalty strokes in total. (New)

1.3c(4)/2 – Player Breaches Rule Then Breaches Another Rule as Part of Their Next Stroke

If a player breaches a Rule without becoming aware of that breach and then breaches the same Rule or another Rule in playing their ball, the player gets only one penalty.

For example, in stroke play, a player takes relief from an immovable obstruction near a putting green but mistakenly drops a ball in a wrong place. Before playing the ball, the player removes sand on their line of play in the general area in breach of Rule 8.1a and then makes a stroke from the wrong place. As there was no intervening event between the removal of the sand and playing the ball from the wrong place, the player gets only one general penalty of two strokes. (New)

Below is a Chart detailing all breaches of the Rules of Golf that carry a 1-stroke Penalty:

Rules of Golf 2023 – Official Publications

1st November 2022 saw the Official Launch of the R&A and USGA Rules of Golf 2023

Rules of Golf 2023 Official Guide - Front Cover — Rules of Golf 2023 Official Guide

There will be no printed Player’s Edition from 2023, which is normally distributed free to all Golf Clubs. However, The full Rule book, The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, and the Player’s Guide to the Rules of Golf will still be printed.

You can order these publications from the R&A Shop or Amazon

Meanwhile, you can read an online version of the Rules of Golf 2023 if you click on the link below:

Online version of Official Guide to the Rules of Golf 2023

You may also order a free copy of a hard publication from the R&A Shop.

This publication of Rules of Golf 2023 is intended for those who administer the game, and who need to answer the large variety of questions that can arise in relation to golf competitions.

It is an A5 sized book. You are encouraged, however, to download the Rules of Golf App, for iPhone, iPad or Android devices by clicking here.

Christmas 2022 – Rules of Golf 2023 Quiz

2023 Rules of Golf Review

Below is a summary of the updates of the Rules of Golf for 2023.

You can download a copy of the summary as a Word Doc or PDF file, by clicking on a download button at the bottom of the page.

Rules for players with disabilities has been incorporated into the Rules in Rule 25.
The Interpretations are now called Clarifications.
The penalty for playing an incorrectly substituted ball is 1 penalty stroke. 6.3b(3)
A player may repair or replace a damaged club unless the damage was caused by abuse. 4.1a(2)
After a ball is dropped or replaced and is moved by natural forces into another area of the course, the ball is replaced without penalty. 9.3 Exception 2
When taking back-on-the-line relief the player must drop the ball on the line. 14.3b(3)
When taking back-on-the-line relief the dropped ball may roll 1 club-length in any direction (including forward) after hitting the ground. 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), and 19.2b
When a ball played from the putting green hits the player, the player’s putter, or an insect (or similar) the stroke counts. 11.1b(2)
If a player fails to replay a stroke when required, the penalty is the general penalty not a wrong place penalty which would be subject to disqualification. 11.1b, 11.2c, and Wrong Place
When there is not a spot in the general area immediately behind an embedded ball to use as a reference point for taking relief, the player may find a reference point at the nearest location (no closer to the hole) in the general area. Clarification 16.3b/1
The Committee (not the player) is responsible for including the player’s handicap on the player’s scorecard. 3.3b(4)
A player is not allowed to set anything down on the course to assist in determining the line of play (even if the object is lifted prior to the stroke). 10.2b(1) and 10.2b(2)
When multiple penalties occur (including different penalties), a player is only penalized for the larger of the two penalties unless there an intervening event (a stroke or the player becomes aware of the breach). 1.3c(4)
A player is disqualified for giving any information to an opponent which results in a player getting too few strokes or giving to many strokes. Clarification 3.2c(1)/2
Multiple markers do not need to certify the hole scores on the scorecard if one marker sees the player play all of the holes. 3.3b(1)
A player is permitted to remove an external attachment (ex. a sticker on the clubface) on a club without penalty if the club has not been used. 4.1a(3)
A player must not build a club from parts carried by anyone on the course. 4.1b(4)
The limitations on green reading material only applies to strokes made on the putting green. Clarification 4.3a/1
A player is allowed to practice on any holes not being played on the day of the competition. Clarification 5.2/1
In Stroke Play, when a local rule does not allow a player to practise on the course before a round in stroke play. The penalty statement in Rule 5.2b is not limited to making a stroke as the term “practising on the course” also includes testing the surface of the putting green by rolling a ball or rubbing the surface. If a player rubs the surface of a single green, they have only breached Rule 5.2b once no matter how many times they rub the surface of the same green. Clarification 5.2b/3 (Added December 2022)
When players agree to play out of turn to gain an advantage, those players are penalised when one of the players makes a stroke out of turn. 6.4b(1)
The conditions affecting the stroke that are worsened by a referee may be restored. 8.1d(2)
The area behind the player while the player is taking their stance is referred to as the “Restricted Area”. 10.2b(4)
A player’s caddie may stand in the “Restricted Area” prior to the player making their stroke if they are not assisting the player with aim. 10.2b(4)
A player must not stand on or close to an extension of the line of play behind the ball while their partner is making a stroke to gain information for their (the player’s) next stroke. Rule 22.6 and Rule 23.8
A player is not allowed to set a self-standing putter down to help with alignment. Clarification 10.2b/1
When attempting to correct playing from a wrong place, a player is only required to report the facts to the Committee when the player plays 2 balls. 14.7b(2)
An additional minute is the amount of time a player has to identify their ball after the 3 minute search time has elapsed. Clarification 18.2a(1)/3
Important Model Local Rule Changes
- When a player does not replay a stroke that hits a power line, the stroke counts and the player gets the general penalty. MLR E-11
- The Committee may allow relief from immovable obstructions in a penalty area. MLR F-24
- The penalty for a breach of the one-ball rule is 1 penalty stroke. MLR G-4
- The Committee may restrict the damage to a club before it can be replaced. MLR G-9
- The Committee can prohibit the use of green reading material on the putting green. MLR G-12
- The Committee can prohibit practice on practice putting greens. MLR I-1
- Bad times can be carried over to subsequent rounds in stroke play competition. MLR K-2
- The Committee may modify the penalty for a non-certified score card to 2 penalty strokes. MLR L-1

Amendments to the Model Local Rules for 2023

New Model Local Rules for 2023

Shown below is a table of the amendments made to the Model Local Rules for the Rules of Golf 2023 indicating the New Model Local Rules and those withdrawn for 2023

New Model Local Rules for 2023

New Model Local Rules for 2023
A-3	Boundary Fence to be Treated in a Different Way Purpose. When defined by a fence, the boundary edge is defined by the line between the course-side points of the fence posts at ground level (excluding angled supports), and those fence posts are out of bounds. But the Committee may choose to treat a boundary fence in a different way due to the nature of the fence, or vegetation surrounding the fence. The Committee cannot change how the boundary is defined in relation to a line or stake. Model Local Rule A-3 “A ball is out of bounds when it is beyond the fence [specify hole number] at ground level (excluding angled supports).”
D-4.2	Prohibiting Play from Fringe of Wrong Green Purpose. If balls played on a particular hole often come to rest on the green of a nearby hole: • The nearest point of complete relief when taking relief from that wrong green under Rule 13.1f will usually be on the apron or fringe next to that green, and • That apron or fringe may become damaged as a result. To prevent such damage, the Committee can choose to require players to take relief under Rule 13.1f by reference to a modified nearest point of complete relief that avoids interference with both the wrong green and the apron or fringe or by using a dropping zone (see Model Local Rule E-1). Model Local Rule D-4.2 “Wrong greens are treated as including [specify distance from edge of wrong greens /area around wrong green ]. When a player has interference from a wrong green under Rule 13.1f, including this expanded area, the player must take free relief. [Interference does not exist when the area only interferes with the player’s stance.] Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.”
E-10.2	E-10 Protection of Young Trees Purpose. To help prevent damage to young trees when a player makes a stroke, a Committee can choose to designate the young trees as no play zones so that: • If a player has any type of interference as defined in Rule 16.1 from such a tree designated as a no play zone, they must take relief under Rule 16.1f. • If the player’s ball lies in a penalty area, they must either take free relief under the Local Rule within the penalty area or proceed with penalty under Rule 17.1. Similarly, the Committee may mark a collection of young trees as a single no play zone. Alternatively, the Committee may choose to define young trees to be abnormal course conditions so that the player is not required to take relief. In either case, such trees should be identified by stakes, tape, or in some other clear way. When the tree has matured and no longer needs this protection, the Committee should withdraw the Local Rule and/or remove the identifying object from the tree. Model Local Rule E-10.2 "The young trees identified by [identify markings] are abnormal course conditions. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1. Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.”
E-12	E-12 Compulsory Use of Fairway Mats Purpose. It may be necessary to protect parts of the course from damage during play, such as when prolonged periods of cold weather are limiting the amount of grass growth. When this is the case, a Committee may decide to require the use of mats on parts of the general area cut to fairway height or less, when a putter is not being used for the stroke. The use of this Local Rule outside the fairway in the general area is not recommended and it is not authorized to restrict the use of putters to specific areas. For guidance on when and how this Local Rule may be used in order for acceptable scores to be submitted for handicap purposes, consult the rules or recommendations contained within the World Handicap System™ publications or other guidance as provided by the handicapping body in the local jurisdiction. Model Local Rule E-12 “When a player’s ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less and a putter is not being used for the stroke, the player must take free relief by lifting the original ball and placing the original ball or another ball on an artificial mat and play it from there. The mat must be placed on top of the spot where the ball came to rest. If a ball when placed rolls off the mat, the player must try to place it a second time. If the ball again does not stay on the mat, the mat must be moved to the nearest spot, not nearer the hole, where the ball will come to rest on the mat when placed. If the ball on the mat is accidentally moved before a stroke is made, there is no penalty and the ball must be placed again on the mat. If a tee is used to secure the mat into the ground, the ball must not be placed on the tee. Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a
F-5.2	Model Local Rule F-5.1 “Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be taken under Rule 16.1. The player has an extra option to take relief when such immovable obstructions are on or close to the putting green and on the line of play: Ball in General Area. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b if an immovable obstruction is: • On the line of play, and is: o On or within two club-lengths of the putting green, and o Within two club-lengths of the ball. But complete relief must be taken, which includes both physical and line of play interference. Exception – No Relief If Line of Play Clearly Unreasonable. There is no relief under this Local Rule if the player chooses a line of play that is clearly unreasonable. Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.” Model Local Rule F-5.2 Model Local Rule F-5.1 applies but with the following addition to the second paragraph: This Local Rule only applies when both the ball and the obstruction are in part of the General Area cut to fairway height or less.
F-24	F-24 Free Relief From Immovable Obstruction in Penalty Area Purpose. When a player’s ball is in a penalty area and the player has interference from an immovable obstruction, free relief is not available (see Rule 16.1a(2)). However, there may be instances where a Committee may wish to provide free relief within the penalty area from certain obstructions. When using this Local Rule, the Committee should specify which immovable obstruction it applies to (rather than allowing free relief from all immovable obstructions) and on which hole it apples if it does not apply to all holes. Model Local Rule F-24 “Relief from interference by [specify which immovable obstructions ] located in the penalty area on [specify hole number] is allowed under Rule 16.1b, with the following modifications: • Reference Point: The nearest point of complete relief must be in the penalty area. • Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: One club-length, but with these limits: • Limits on location of Relief Area: o Must be in the penalty area in which the ball came to rest, o Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and o There must be complete relief from all interference by the immovable obstructions. Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.”
F-25.1 & F25.2	F-25 Nearest Point of Complete Relief to be Determined Without Crossing Over, Through or Under Abnormal Course Condition Purpose. There are times when a player may have interference from an abnormal course condition, such as a narrow fence or wall, and their nearest point of complete relief may be on the other side of the abnormal course condition, which may have a significant and undesirable impact on the outcome of the relief. Although the player is allowed to measure their club-lengths across or through objects, the Committee may wish to require that the nearest point of complete relief be determined without crossing over, through or under the abnormal course condition. The Committee may also wish to use this Model Local Rule to prevent players from being able to measure across or through an object. Model Local Rule F-25.1 “When taking relief under Rule 16.1, the nearest point of complete relief must be determined without crossing over, through or under the [specify abnormal course condition and hole number]. Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.” Model Local Rule F-25.2 “When taking relief from [specify abnormal course condition and hole number], the relief area must be on the same side of the abnormal course condition as the reference point. Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.”
F-26	F-26 Gates in Boundary Fences and Walls Purpose. If a Committee wants to prohibit players from getting free relief from closed gates in boundary fences or walls (such as when it is an entrance to a private property) they may treat such a gate as part of the boundary object when in a closed position. The implications of this Local Rule should be fully considered by the Committee in advance as it may result in players breaching Rule 8.1 by moving the gate. Model Local Rule F-26 “All closed gates that are attached to boundary walls and fences are part of the boundary object. Relief is not allowed from such a gate under Rule 15.2 or 16.1. But an open gate is not treated as part of the boundary object and may be closed or moved to a different position.”
G-9	G-9 Replacing Club That is Broken or Significantly Damaged Purpose: Rule 4.1a(2) allows a player to repair or replace a club that is damaged during the round, except in cases of abuse. But a Committee may adopt a Local Rule to restrict replacement of a club to cases where the club is broken or significantly damaged, which does not include a club that is cracked. Model Local Rule G-9 “Rule 4.1b(3) is modified in this way: If a player’s club is “broken or significantly damaged” during the round by the player or caddie, except in cases of abuse, the player may replace the club with any club under Rule 4.1b(4). When replacing a club, the player must immediately take the broken or significantly damaged club out of play, using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1). For the purposes of this Local Rule: • A club is “broken or significantly damaged” when: o The shaft breaks into pieces, splinters or is bent (but not when the shaft is only dented) o The club face impact area is visibly deformed (but not when the club face is only scratched) o The clubhead is visibly and significantly deformed o The clubhead is detached or loose from the shaft, or o The grip is loose. Exception: A club face or clubhead is not “broken or significantly damaged” solely because it is cracked. Penalty for Breach of Local Rule – See Rule 4.1b.”
G-10	G-10 Prohibiting Clubs Longer than 46 Inches Purpose. To limit the maximum allowable club-length, a Committee may choose to adopt a Local Rule which restricts the maximum length for clubs, other than putters, to 46 inches. A measurement tolerance of 0.20 inches is allowed above 46 inches. For an explanation of the measurement of a club, see Figure 3 under Part 2.1c of the Equipment Rules. This Local Rule is recommended for use only in competitions limited to highly skilled players (that is, professional competitions and elite amateur competitions). For the avoidance of doubt, when this Model Local Rule is in effect, the application of the physical need exception allowing a player to use clubs longer than 46 inches is not available. Model Local Rule G-10 "In making a stroke, the player must not use a club, except for a putter, which exceeds 46 inches in length. Penalty for Making a Stroke with a Club in Breach of this Local Rule: Disqualification. There is no penalty under this Local Rule for carrying but not making a stroke with a club that does not conform to these length specifications."
G-11	G-11 Restricting Use of Green-Reading Materials Purpose. Rule 4.3, and specifically Clarification 4.3a/1, puts limitations on the size and scale of detailed green-reading materials. But to ensure that players and caddies use only their eye and feel to help them read the line of play on the putting green, the Committee may further restrict the use of green-reading materials by requiring that players are limited throughout their round to using only the yardage book that has been approved for use in the competition. This Local Rule is intended only for the highest levels of competitive golf and, even then, only to competitions where it is realistic for the Committee to undertake an approval process for yardage books. When introducing this Local Rule, the Committee is responsible for approving the yardage book that players may use, and the approved yardage book should contain diagrams of putting greens with minimal detail only (such as significant slopes, tiers or false edges that indicate sections of greens). Players and caddies may add handwritten notes to the approved yardage book to help them read the line of play on a putting green, so long as those notes are allowed under this Local Rule. Model Local Rule G-11 "Rule 4.3a is modified in this way: During a round, the player may use only the yardage book(s) approved by the Committee. This restriction also applies to any other maps of the course, including hole-location sheets. Additional restrictions apply to handwritten notes and any other materials used by the player that could help read the line of play on the putting green: • Handwritten notes may be added to an approved yardage book or approved hole-location sheet before or during the round by the player or the player’s caddie only and are limited to information gathered by the player or caddie only. • Handwritten notes may contain information gained only through personal experiences of the player or the player’s caddie from the course or by watching a televised broadcast, but are limited to information gained: o While observing a ball that was rolled or played (whether by the player, caddie or someone else) or o Through the player’s or caddie’s feel or general observations of the putting green. These additional restrictions on handwritten notes or other materials do not apply to such information when they could not help the player read the line of play on the putting green (such as handwritten or printed information containing swing thoughts or listing carry distances for the player’s clubs). During a round, if a player uses: • A yardage book, other maps of the course or a hole-location sheet that has not been approved by the Committee, • An approved yardage book or approved hole-location sheet that contains a handwritten note or information gained in a manner that is not allowed, or • Any other materials that could help with reading the line of play on the putting green (whether a specific putting green or greens in general), the player is in breach of this Local Rule. “Use” means to look at: • Any page of a yardage book or other maps of the course or a hole-location sheet that has not been approved by the Committee, or • Any of the following when doing so could help the player or caddie read the line of play on the putting green: o A page in an approved yardage book or an approved hole-location sheet that contains a handwritten note or information gained in a manner that is not allowed, or o Any other materials. Penalty for Breach of this Local Rule: • Penalty for first breach: General Penalty Penalty for second breach: Disqualification
G-12	G-12 Prohibiting Use of Materials to Help Read the Line of Play for Stroke from Putting Green Purpose: Clarification 4.3a/1 limits the size and scale of detailed putting green maps and any similar electronic or digital materials that a player may use during a round to help with reading their line of play on the putting green so that a player's ability to read a green remains an essential part of the skill of putting. But a Committee may choose to place even greater emphasis on the judgment, skills and abilities of the player to read their line of play on the putting green by prohibiting the use of any materials for such a purpose. Model Local Rule G-12 “Rule 4.3a is modified in this way: During a round, a player must not use any written, printed, electronic or digital materials to help with reading their line of play for any stroke to be made from the putting green. Penalty for Breach of this Local Rule: • Penalty for first breach: General Penalty • Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.”
L-1	L-1 Modification of Penalty Under Rule 3.3b(2) for Missing Player or Marker Certification Purpose. Rule 3.3b(2) imposes a penalty of disqualification when the hole scores on the scorecard have not been certified by the player, the marker or both. But in situations where the Committee feels it is more appropriate to modify the penalty to two strokes, it may choose to do so. Model Local Rule L-1 “Rule 3.3b(2) is modified in this way: If a player returns a scorecard without the hole scores being certified either by the player, the marker or both, the player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes). The penalty applies to the last hole of the player’s round.”
L-2	L-2 Making Player Responsible for Handicap or Scorecard Purpose. Rule 3.3b(4) states that there is no requirement for a player’s handicap to be shown on the scorecard and that it is the Committee’s responsibility to calculate the player’s handicap strokes for the competition in order to calculate the player’s net score. But in some circumstances, it can be difficult for the Committee to calculate players’ handicaps, for example, where the Committee does not have a computer system to help with the administration of the competition or where they do not have access to a database of player handicaps. In such situations, the Committee may choose to modify Rule 3.3b(4) to require players to show their handicap on the scorecard. Depending on the handicap system operating in the local jurisdiction, the Committee may need to specify which handicap must be shown on the scorecard. Model Local Rule L-2 “Rule 3.3b(4) is modified in this way: The player is responsible for showing their handicap [specify what handicap is to be shown, for example, handicap index, course handicap, playing handicap] on the scorecard. Once the Committee receives the scorecard from the player at the end of their round, the Committee is responsible for: • Adding up the player's score, and • Applying the player's handicap strokes to calculate the player's net score If the player returns a scorecard without the right handicap: • Handicap on Scorecard Too High or No Handicap Shown. If this affects the number of strokes the player gets, the player is disqualified from the handicap competition. If it does not, there is no penalty. • Handicap on Scorecard Too Low. There is no penalty and the player's net score stands using the lower handicap as shown."
M-1	M-1 Placing the Ball for Players Using Wheeled Mobility Devices Purpose. The function of some wheeled mobility devices creates a situation where the player’s stance (based on where the device is first positioned) cannot be promptly and consistently taken in relation to where the ball comes to rest. This Local Rule can be adopted by the Committee to assist a player who uses a wheeled mobility device so that they do not have to reposition the device multiple times to achieve the desired set-up position. This Local Rule may be applied anywhere on the course, including the putting green, the general area, penalty areas and bunkers. It is not the purpose of this Local Rule to impact on the decision that a player using a wheeled mobility device needs to take in relation to safety (such as positioning the device on steeply sloped ground). In such situations, other relief Rules (such as unplayable relief under Rule 19 or penalty area relief under Rule 17) may be applied. Model Local Rule M-1 “Before making a stroke, a player using a wheeled mobility device may take free relief by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area: • Reference Point: Spot of the original ball • Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: 6 inches from the reference point, which may be nearer the hole, but with these limits: • Limits on Location of Relief Area: o Must be in the same area of course and o Must not be in an area of grass cut to fairway height or less unless the original ball came to rest in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less (this means, for example, that a ball in the rough may not be placed in the fairway). When taking relief under this Local Rule, the player is allowed to place a ball more than once (such as when the first attempt to place a ball is slightly too far back in their stance). Exception – No Relief When Clearly Unreasonable to Play Ball. Relief is not available under this Local Rule when playing the ball as it lies would be clearly unreasonable (such as when the ball has come to rest in a bush and it is in such a position where the player would be unable to make a stroke). Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.”
M-2	M-2 Free Relief from Specified Bunkers for Players Using Wheeled Mobility Devices Purpose. The design and shape of certain bunkers create a situation where it is very hard or virtually impossible for a player in a wheeled mobility device to get in and/or out of the bunker to play their ball. Rule 25.4n modifies Rule 19.3 so that when a player with a wheeled mobility device takes relief for an unplayable ball in a bunker, the player may take back-on-the-line relief outside that bunker for one penalty stroke. But, particularly in competitions involving only players using wheeled mobility devices, if a Committee feels that it would be appropriate to give free relief from certain bunkers or all bunkers on a course, it may do so. Model Local Rule M-2 “For players who use wheeled mobility devices, [identify specific bunker(s) or all bunkers on the course] are ground under repair in the general area. The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.”
M-3	M-3 Limited Exemption from Rule 10.1b (Anchoring the Club) for Players with Ataxia or Athetosis Purpose. Players with ataxia or athetosis resulting in severe jerking and/or shaking movements can find it almost impossible to putt without being able to use some form of anchored stroke. These conditions particularly impact on putting due to the minimal movement involved in making such a stroke when combined with the extreme body movements that are a symptom of the conditions. This Local Rule allows a Committee to exempt such players from penalty under Rule 10.1b (Anchoring the Club) provided the following three requirements are met: • The player holds a WR4GD pass or EDGA Access pass, • The player has ataxia or athetosis, and • The Committee determines that there is clear evidence that the condition significantly and negatively impacts the player's ability to putt (for example, the player regularly takes 50 or more putts per round). Model Local Rule M-3 “Where the Committee has determined that there is clear evidence that a player’s ability to putt is significantly and negatively impacted by ataxia or athetosis, and the player holds a WR4GD pass or EDGA Access pass, that player is exempt from penalty under Rule 10.1b (Anchoring the Club).”
Withdrawn Model Local Rules for 2023
A-3	Out of Bounds When Public Road Runs Through Course Combined with Local Rule A-2
F-9.2	Relief From Tree Roots in or Close to Fairway Combined with Local Rule F-9.1
K-3	Hole-by-Hole and Shot-by-Shot Pace of Play Policy for Stableford Withdrawn on basis of revised application of penalties in Rule 21.1c
K-4	Hole-by-Hole and Shot-by-Shot Pace of Play Policy for Par/Bogey Competitions Withdrawn on basis of revised application of penalties in Rule 21.3c
Section 8L	Unauthorised Local Rules The information from Section 8L has been incorporated into an introductory section to Section 8

You can download a copy of the amendments by clicking on the download button below:

Official Guide to the Rules of Golf 2023

By clicking on the download button below you can download a copy of the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf 2023. This is the R&A version, which, unlike the USGA version, does not, at the moment, contain any Clarifications.

Practising Before a Nine-Hole Competition.

This is an interesting point and one which has been discussed time and time again.

It has, however, been made clearer under the Rules of Golf 2023

As an example, on a day when a 9-Hole Stableford is due to be played on Holes 1-9 of a golf course, a group of players wonder if they could play 18 Holes starting on the 10th Tee and then play in the 9-Hole Competition which starts on the 1st Tee.

Under the Rules of Golf 2019, this was not allowed, because the meaning of ‘course’ was the whole area between the boundaries of a golf club and areas owned by a golf club.

Under the Rules of Golf 2023, this is now allowed.

Rule of Golf 5.2, still stands:

5.2a Match Play

A player may practise on the course before a round or between rounds of a match-play competition.

5.2b Stroke Play

On the day of a stroke-play competition:

A player must not practise on the course before a round, except that the player may:
- Practise putting or chipping on or near their first teeing area.
- Practise on any practice area.
- Practise on or near the putting green of the hole just completed even if they will play that hole again on the same day (see Rule 5.5b).
A player may practise on the course after completing play of their final round for that day.

“Practising on the course” means playing a ball or testing the surface of the putting green of any hole by rolling a ball or rubbing the surface.

And,

On the day of a stroke-play competition:

A player must not practise on the course before a round, except that the player may practise putting or chipping on or near his or her first teeing area and practise on any practice area.

However, under Clarification 5.2/1 of the Rules of Golf 2023, the meaning of ‘Course’ is now clearly defined:

Clarification 5.2/1

Meaning of “Course” in Rule 5.2

For the purpose of Rule 5.2, the word “course” (when not used as a definition in italics) is used to mean the holes being used for any rounds of the competition to be played on that day. Examples of when practising is allowed before a round include when:

A player who is due to play a competition on one course may play on the other course earlier on the same day, even if both courses are situated on the same property with no boundaries between the two.
A player who is due to play a competition on holes 1–9 may play on holes 10–18 earlier on the same day.

This is the standard ruling; however,

There are many different considerations about whether to allow practice on the course, such as fairness to the players, possible interference with set-up of the course and maintenance activities, the amount of time before or between rounds, or when players are encouraged to play on the course outside the competition.

For these or other reasons, a Committee can choose to adopt a Local Rule that modifies these default provisions by either allowing or prohibiting such practice entirely or by limiting when, where or how such practice may take place.

Committees are at liberty to introduce a Local Rule (Model Local Rule I-1.1), preventing a player from playing on any course as well as the competition course or a Local Rule (Model Local Rule I-1.2) allowing a player to practise on the competition course before or between rounds.

NOTE: You would be wise to check with the Committee as to whether they have adopted any such Local Rules for a competition before you go out to play.

Why Rules of Golf?

Why do we need Rules?

Golf relies on integrity and we all assume that players play ‘by the Rules’.

Over the years the Rules of Golf have become quite complex and ambiguous and there is a great temptation to overlook them, especially in social games, but you must be careful that your ‘social rules’ do not get carried over into competition golf.

If you know and play by the Rules you get an accurate assessment of how you are playing. You are also able to compare your performance against others, family, friends and opponents or competitors.

When your handicap does come down, you can be confident that it was achieved in the same way as everyone else.

Your accomplishment loses its impact if it was achieved using Rule infringements.

Another benefit of knowing the Rules of Golf is you will know all the options available to you when you find you ball in a difficult location. You will be in a better position to choose an option that is most beneficial to you.

Once you are familiar with the Rules of Golf your golf will improve because you have legitimately taken advantage of the many benefits the Rule of Golf have to offer.