The Rules of Golf in the US are governed by the United States Golf Association (USGA). There are 5 Category groups which are defined by the USGA.
Rule Categories
- Fundamentals of the Game
- Playing the Round and Hole
- Playing the Ball
- Specific Rules for Bunkers and Putting Greens
- Lifting and Returning a Ball to Play
Number of Rules
There are 14 Rules currently, The rules have sub definitions indicated with a decimal designation (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc) to clearly identify rules within a category. The nitty gritty specifics give rules officials the specifics they need to identify any infractions in competitions and tournaments. The interpretations of each rule can be different from course to course, and are updated quarterly (January, April, July, and October) to provide clarity for fair play. They are not always appreciated, liked, understood, and followed strictly. It is the job of each golfer to understand the definitions and the rules using the Player’s Edition Rule Book.
Golf Terms
There are currently 70 defined terms that range from Course Conditions, Advice on the course, Ball Markers, Equipment, Equipment Rules, Loose Impediment, etc. The list is quite extensive and can be confusion as there can be interpretations by a rules official to determine fair play that all players must follow. I’ve created a page that will list all of the official definitions. I’ve also included other golf terms NOT listed on the USGA website. I will provide links in my posts that will take you to the Golf Terms page for easy reference.
Rule 1 – The Game, Player Conduct and the Rules
Rule 1 is probably the most basic rule that the game of golf is based upon. It establishes the 3 key principles of the game for every player.
| Rule Number | Rule Description |
|---|---|
| Rule 1 | The Game, Player, Conduct and the Rules |
| Play the course as you find it and play the ball as it lies | |
| Play by the Rules and in the spirit of the game | |
| 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. | |
| Rule 1.1 | The Game of Golf |
| Golf is played by striking your ball with a club, and each hole starts from the teeing area and ends when your ball is holed on the putting green. You should normally play the course as you find it and play your ball as it lies | |
| Rule 1.2 | Standards of Player Conduct |
| All Players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by: | |
| Acting with Integrity | |
| Showing considerations to others | |
| Taking good care of the course | |