USGA The Rules of Golf

The complete, unabridged USGA rules of golf, as previously adopted, comprising 35,512 words. This elegant print measures 27in x 40in and carries the complete text of the Official USGA Handbook.

The rules of golf are a set of standards and regulations for which players of the game are required to adhere, or otherwise face penalties for rule violations. Worldwide, the rules of golf are composed and overseen by rules of golf are composed and overseen by the international governing body of the sport of golf, the R&A (formerly The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews). The United States Golf Association (USGA), however, oversees the rules of golf for the United States and Mexico. Issued repeatedly, The Rules of Golf rule book also outlines the rules regulating amateur status.

While it is not an official numbered rule, one of the chief tenets of the rules of golf is placed on the inside cover of the R&A’s publication of The Rules of Golf: f the chief tenets of the rules of golf is placed on the inside cover of the R&A’s publication of The Rules of Golf: “Play the ball as it lies, play the course as you find it, and if you cannot do either, do what is fair. But to do what is fair, you need to know the Rules of Golf.”

Apart from the rules of golf, the game of golf also recognizes a particular protocol for appropriate behavior, or etiquette, which involves both respecting other players and the golf course itself. Golfers typically consider etiquette to be as significant as the very rules of golf.