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Rules
Hub
The Rules are comprehensive and provide answers to the many issues that arise in a game that is played worldwide on many different types of courses by players of all abilities.
Explore Rules
Our aim is to bring The Rules of Golf in line with the way the modern sport is played, while maintaining it’s challenge.
Rules
Rules of Golf
The Rules of Golf are comprehensive and provide answers to the many issues that arise in a game that is played worldwide on many different types of courses by players of all abilities.
Rules Resources
The Rules App
Keep the Rules in your pocket with The R&A Rules App.
Download the comprehensive app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
World Handicap System
The World Handicap System has made it easier for all golfers to get a handicap, which can be used anywhere worldwide. Remember, you don’t have to be a member of a club.
You can take your first steps towards getting a handicap by submitting your scores over nine or 18 holes at a local golf club.
Submitting scores regularly will give you an accurate handicap that reflects your playing ability. Many national associations now have smartphone apps so you can submit your scores and check your handicap record.
Equipment
The role of Equipment Standards can essentially be split into three main areas:
- to evaluate submissions of new equipment for conformance to the Rules of Golf
- to conduct fundamental research into the physics of golf
- and to constantly review the Equipment Rules to ensure that they remain relevant to today’s equipment and continue to ensure that skill is the dominant ingredient to success.
Rules
Blog: The R&A Rules App - New Features for 2023
To improve the user experience, the App has been revamped to provide more visual aids, diagrams and videos that help to explain the Rules and provide guidance for many common situations.
In our latest blog, Grant Moir, Executive Director – Governance, provides an overview of the updates made for 2023.