Rules of Golf

The NNWGA administers the Rules of Golf as established by the United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland, by providing officials at its various competitions and rules advice to member clubs. Educational rules workshops for all clubs are provided each year and individual clubs may request a special session. High school Girl's Golf teams are offered instruction on the Rules at an annual training session.

The basic premise of the Rules of Golf is:

Play the ball as it lies;

Play the course as you find it;

When that's not possible, do what's fair.

Golf is a game where the players call their own infractions. Even though rules officials are appointed at competitions, the players should compete with integrity. The rules keep the game fair for everyone. Don't feel guilty if you call a player on a rules infraction. We all learn from our mistakes and pointing out a breach of the rules will help that player to learn to play the game according to the Rules of Golf.

Whether you are just beginning or have been studying the rules for years, it is essential to have a current Rules of Golf book. Learn how to use it whenever a question arises. Always carry a rule book in your golf bag. It's indispensable. REMEMBER, the rules are there to help you and make the game more enjoyable for everyone. Clubs should have a copy of the Decisions on the Rules of Golf to help answer questions at club events.

There are no changes to the 2002-2003 Rules of Golf book this year. The Rules of Golf are distributed every two years. You can purchase copies of the current Rules of Golf, Deluxe (larger print) Rules of Golf, Decisions on the Rules of Golf and the Illustrated Rules of Golf from your association or at USGA Publications. You can also order a Desk Calendar with different Decisions on the Rules of Golf from What's the Ruling?. See the Golf Links page.

Go to the Links page to learn more about the Rules of Golf on the USGA site:

Rules of Golf and Amateur Status

Rules Quiz [test your knowledge about the rules]

Rule of the Day

Rules Vignettes [video clips on actual rules situations]