October 2nd, 2008 by Phil Reich PGA Golf Art

THE RULES OF GOLF

as approved by

THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION®

and

R&A Rules Limited

Effective January 1, 2008

Copyright© 2007 By

THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION

HOW TO USE THE RULES BOOK

UNDERSTAND THE WORDS

The Rules book is written in a very precise and deliberate fashion. You

should be aware of and understand the following differences in word use:

may = optional

should = recommendation

must = instruction (and penalty if not carried out)

a ball = you may substitute another ball (e.g., Rules 26, 27 and 28)

the ball = you may not substitute another ball (e.g., Rules 24-2 and 25-1)

KNOW THE DEFINITIONS

There are over 50 defined terms and these form the foundation on

which the Rules of Play are written. A good knowledge of the defined

terms (which are italicized throughout the book) is very important to

the correct application of the Rules.

WHICH RULE APPLIES?

The Contents pages may help you find the relevant Rule; alternatively,

there is an Index at the back of the book.

WHAT IS THE RULING?

To answer any question on the Rules you must first establish the facts

of the case.

To do so you should identify:

1. The form of play (e.g., match play or stroke play; single, foursome

or four-ball?).

2. Who is involved (e.g., the player, his partner or caddie, an outside

agency?).

3. Where the incident occurred (e.g., on the teeing ground, in a bunker

or water hazard, on the putting green or elsewhere on the course?).

4. The player’s intentions (e.g., what was he doing and what does he

want to do?).

5. Any subsequent events (e.g., the player has returned his score card

or the competition has closed).

REFER TO THE BOOK

It is recommended that you carry a Rules book in your golf bag and

use it whenever a question arises. If in doubt, play the course as

you find it and play the ball as it lies. Once back in the Clubhouse,

reference to “Decisions on the Rules of Golf” should help resolve any

outstanding queries.

II

Foreword from the chairmen

This book contains the Rules of Golf, which will be effective

worldwide from January 1, 2008. It represents the culmination

of four years of work by the United States Golf Association

(USGA) and R&A Rules Limited following consultation with

other golfing bodies throughout the world.

While it is considered important that the Rules be faithful

to their historical principles, they must be clear, comprehensive

and understandable, and the penalties must be appropriate.

The Rules need regular review to ensure these goals are met,

and this set of Rules is the latest stage of this evolution. The

principal changes are summarized on pages III to VI.

Both the USGA and R&A Rules Limited wish to promote

respect for and adherence to the Rules and to preserve the

integrity of golf at all levels.

We express our grateful thanks not only for the work done

by our respective committees, but also to all those others

whose varied contributions have made this revision possible.

The USGA wishes to thank in particular Jim Reinhart and

Paul Caruso, each of whom served as Rules Chairman during

this revision cycle.

The USGA also wishes to thank Rolex for its generous

funding of this publication.

James T. Bunch W. Michael B. Brown

Chairman Chairman

Rules of Golf Committee Rules of Golf Committee

United States Golf Association R&A Rules Limited