What Resources are for me?
This section gives guidance on the information you should focus on either as a golfer, a Committee member or a Referee.
Online versions of the rules:
Overview
The Player’s Edition of the Rules of Golf is the publication written for you the golfer. Although its text is edited, it gives you the same answer that is in the full Rules of Golf and so it is a functioning Rule book. Diagrams and videos are also included to help you learn and understand the Rules.
The R&A website and App also contain many helpful videos and a visual search function which is designed to help you find the Rules for the most common situations more quickly.
Resources available
The Rules Academy aims to help all golfers learn the most important aspects of the Rules, click here to get started.
Overview
Golf Administrators should familiarise themselves with the full Rules of Golf which is the publication intended for those who administer the game.
The Committee Procedures section of the Official Guide also contains practical guidance for those involved in running day to day play at golf courses or running competitions at all levels of the game, and includes Model Local Rules that the Committee can adopt to meet local needs.
Resources available
The Rules Academy aims to help all golfers and Committee members learn the most important aspects of the Rules, click here to get started.
Local Rules creator application
Click here to access The R&A's Local Rules creator application.
Policy Guidance for autoscore scorecards - Which score to count Golf Australia is regularly asked questions about autoscore score cards. A common query is: "If two different scores are recorded for the same hole (e.g. the number '5' autoscore box is selected but a '4' has been written down) which score should count?" After discussion with The R&A, GA has produced the following statement to assist those clubs and competition organisers who use autoscore score cards. “The R&A considers the use of ‘autoscore score cards’ to conform with the Rules of Golf. However, The R&A does not currently consider the Rules to stipulate which recorded individual hole score should count in the instance of a discrepancy between a written score and an entry in the autoscore section of the card. It is The R&A’s view that each individual Committee has the authority to make its own determination in this respect. To assist Committees in making such a determination, Golf Australia recommends that the following policy be adopted by those Committees using autoscore score cards: If two different scores are recorded for the same hole (eg the number ‘5’ autoscore box is selected but a ‘4’ has been written down) the higher score will count. (If only a number is recorded, or only an autoscore box is selected, that number or autoscore selection will be the score to count.)" Note: This is only a recommendation. Each Committee is free to develop its own policy in this regard after taking into consideration all local circumstances. (For example, it is permissible for a Committee to adopt a policy deeming that only a recording in the autoscore section of the card will be accepted.) For those clubs looking to use the alternative Local Rule to stroke & distance for a Lost Ball or a ball Out of Bounds. The following is an option to adopt on the scorecards in the following short-form:
The Model Local Rule for Alternative to Stroke and Distance for Lost Ball or Ball Out of Bounds is in effect. For full details, diagrams, and video, visit the Local Rules Creator page on the R&A website.
Special Rules for Sand Greens
Throughout Australia, there are around 400 courses that have greens comprised of oiled sand or some other similar material, usually due to the prohibitive cost of maintaining grass greens by small clubs in rural areas.
The player is able to smooth the putting surface with a provided smoother/rake prior to putting. Certain conditions apply to the smoothing process and how to mark the ball on the green.
UPDATE: The Special Rules for Sand Greens have been amended in line with the changes to the Rules for 2019. This includes modifications to the Rule numbers and other minor text changes.
View the document below for the complete Special Rules for Sand Greens
Overview
All referees should familiarise themselves with the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf. This is a reference book for those involved in the administration of the game at all levels and contains the sections below. It is also available on the website and in the Rules App.
