Golf Rules Explained: Fair Play, Amateur Status and Course Etiquette

Golf is governed worldwide by rules set jointly by The R&A and the United States Golf Association. The rule book was comprehensively rewritten in 2017 and the updated version took effect in January 2019. Its central principle is fairness: play the ball as it lies, play the course as you find it, and do what is fair when neither is possible. The rules also define amateur status. Players who accept payment for coaching or playing golf may be ineligible for amateur-only competitions, although limited expenses and non-cash prizes are permitted. Golfers are also expected to follow etiquette on safety, pace of play, fairness and caring for the course. These guidelines do not carry formal penalties, but they help make the game better for everyone.

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