The Rules of Golf. No longer are they the "USGA" or "R&A" Rules. Together, The R&A, based in St Andrews, Scotland and the USGA, based in Liberty Corner, New Jersey govern the game worldwide, including writing and interpreting the Rules of Golf.
On January 1, 2019, a new "Modernized" set of Rules went into effect. The changes resulted from an initiative that began seven years prior in an effort to bring the Rules up to date to fit the needs of today's global game. They underwent a subsequent review and were further updated effective January 1, 2023.
- Even far-reaching Rule changes should be open for discussion, but golf's essential principles and character must be preserved.
- Revisions should be assessed with all golfers in mind, so that the Rules are easier to understand and apply not only for professionals and elite amateurs, but also for beginners, high-handicappers and typical club and recreational golfers at all levels of play around the world.
The revisions in 2023 provided a fine-tuning of the Rules and primarily dealt with issues that arose since the 2019 Rules were released. These changes continue the theme of making the Rules more easily understood and applied (and include the lessening of severity of penalties) while maintaining the required equity of treating like situations alike for all players. This includes the addition of new Rule 25 which modifies the existing Rules for players with disabilities recognizing that the Rules apply to ALL players.
Click
HERE for more information on the Rules. NOTE: The Rules as found on the USGA or R&A websites and apps are the Rules in effect through Dec. 31, 2026.
The Minnesota Golf Association (MGA) is available to provide answers to all Rules of Golf questions or concerns. The MGA is an experienced liaison between the USGA - the governing authority on the Rules of Golf in the United States - and its Member Clubs.
The MGA also is available to assist Member Clubs with any rules questions, as well as assist with course marking questions and to provide rules programs tailored for its golfers. For more information, please contact
Doug Hoffmann, MGA Director of Rules and Competitions, at Doug@mngolf.org or (Office) 952/345-3963 or (Cell) 612/964-4249.
Rules of Golf Resources
MGA Rules & Tournament Volunteer Education Programs - 2025
IN-PERSON RULES CLASSES
For more than 25 years, the MGA has been conducting Rules Education programs. The programs offered are designed to meet the needs for all individuals - beginners to tournament players, rules novices to experienced tournament officials. Rarely will a person be able to say they know the Rules well enough. And, the Rules can help players be more confident when playing because they can be certain that the procedure they followed is correct. If you play golf, you should attend! Once registration goes live, simply click on the "REGISTER" link for the desired session(s) to register.
NOTE: Each in-person session will be limited to 25 attendees.
As is the tradition, the MGA will be conducting
One-Day Rules Clinics and a
Two-Day Rules Workshop. Here is a brief description of the offerings:
MGA One-Day Rules Clinic
- This class serves as a great introduction to those who are relatively new to golf and/or the Rules or who need a refresher. It's also a great re-introduction to the "New and Modernized" Rules. The focus is on the terminology as well as the every day basics. This class will prepare you for most of what you will encounter on the course on a regular basis. It is a great "jumping off" point to your journey of becoming knowledgeable in the Rules if that is what you want. It is a must for anyone who is responsible for overseeing the Rules on behalf of a league, group, course or is a rules official.
- Instruction will include a PowerPoint presentation and video segments as well as interactive discussion. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided as well as beverages throughout the day. Attendees will receive a Rules of Golf and Official Guide to the Rules of Golf book as well as other materials.
- Cost: $90 per person. (Special rates of $70 for Golf Industry professionals and $50 for current and active MGA Tournament Volunteers are available.) NOTE: Each session is limited to 25 attendees.
- Monday, April 7, 2025 @ Brookview Golf Course; Time: 8a-5p (Register)
- Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ Valleywood Golf Course; Time: 8a-5p (Register)
MGA Two-Day Rules & Officiating Workshop
- As indicated by its name, this class is a more in-depth study of the Rules. It will cover the terminology and basics, but it also will go deeper and touch on more complex situations.
- Instruction will include a PowerPoint presentation and video segments as well as interactive discussion. Weather permitting, an outdoor session will be included on the afternoon of Day 1. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided both days as well as beverages throughout the days. Attendees will receive a Rules of Golf and Official Guide to the Rules of Golf book as well as other materials. This workshop is for individuals who already have a good understanding of the Rules and use them frequently while overseeing competitions at all levels or are interested in officiating at higher levels.
- Also, there will be an optional RULES EXAM at the conclusion of Day 2, allowing you to test your knowledge. This exam is required for persons wanting to become a Rules Official with the MGA.
- Cost: $150 per person (Special rates of $125 for Golf Industry professionals and $100 for current and active MGA Tournament Volunteers are available.) NOTE: This session is limited to 25 attendees.
- Tuesday-Wednesday, April 22-23, 2025 @ Southview Country Club (Register)
Times: Tuesday - 8a-5p; Wednesday - 8a-3p; Optional Exam & Review - 3p-6p
ONLINE RULES PROGRAMS
In addition to the In-Person sessions, the MGA again will be conducting three different online programs as listed below. Once registration goes live, simply click on the desired session below to register. (NOTE: You need to register for each session individually.) All online sessions are conducted using the "Go To Webinar" platform.
MGA "Rules on Tap" 2025 - The Live, Online Rules Program
- "Rules on Tap" returns for its sixth season each Thursday from 7:00-9:00 pm Central time from February 13 - April 24. All shows are conducted on the GoToWebinar platform and require you to register for each show. Once registration goes live, simply click on the "REGISTER" link for the desired session(s) to register.
- The lineup of topics is below. Each show is recorded, so if you miss any show, or wish to watch any from the last two years, a library of the recordings is available for listenting at the MGA Rules of Golf Channel online at GoToStage.com.
- Feb 13 - Welcome Back! Introduction & Definitions: The Language of the Rules
- Feb 20- The 5 Parts of the Course (Rules 2, 6.2, 12, 13 & 17)
- Feb 27- Why Do We Play This Game? (Rule 3)
- March 6 - Course Played as It Is Found (Rule 8)
- March 13 - Playing a Hole / Playing the Round (Rules 6 & 5)
- March 20 - How to Keep Playing When the Ball is not on the Course (Rule 14)
- March 27- Relief - Why? How? Where? When? (Rules 15-19)
- April 3 - The Ball at Rest and In Motion (Rules 9 & 11)
- April 10- Model Local Rules: What Are They?
- April 17- A Masters Recap & Other Notable Items from Professional Golf
- April 24- BONUS SESSION: The Pinsheet - Course Setup the MGA Way
MGA Tournament Volunteer Orientation
- Have you ever thought about helping out at an MGA event? The Orientation is for anyone wanting to become a tournament volunteer for the MGA. The program covers the steps necessary to become a volunteer, the different classifications of tournament volunteer, expectations (of you and the MGA) and the other details of volunteering for the MGA. Each session lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Attendance at an Orientation is required for all new Tournament Volunteers. Registration is required. Once registration goes live, simply click on the "REGISTER" link for the desired session(s) to register.
- MGA Tournament Volunteer Orientation #1 - Tuesday, April 15, 10:00-11:30a (In-person @ MGA Office)
- MGA Tournament Volunteer Orientation #2 - Monday, April 21, 1:00-2:30p (Online)
- MGA Tournament Volunteer Orientation #3 - Wednesday, April 30, 7:00-8:30p (Online)
Back for 2025 is the popular
"I Need a Ruling!" - The Rules for Tournament Players. This quick, 90-minute session is designed to help players with the rules and most common situations they face on the course, such as embedded balls, penalty areas, GUR and unplayable balls. It also will cover other "need to know" items beneficial for anyone who competes at any level. Once registration goes live, simply click on the "REGISTER" link for the desired session(s) to register.
- SPECIAL SESSION: The Pinsheet - Course Setup the MGA Way - Thursday, April 24, 7:00-9:00p
- "I Need a Ruling!" - The Rules for Tournament Players - Monday, April 21, 7:00-9:00p
- "I Need a Ruling!" - The Rules for Tournament Players - Thursday, May 1, 7:00-9:00p
USGA RULES OF GOLF EXAMS
As an Allied Golf Association of the USGA, the MGA is authorized to offer and proctor the official
USGA 80 Question Exam on behalf of the USGA. The MGA will make available this opportunity to its Tournament Volunteers as well as other interested individuals. A
USGA Advanced Rules Certification is awarded to anyone scoring 70 or better on the exam.
This exam consists of 80 questions, each with four possible answers, testing the fundamental understanding of participants’ knowledge of the Rules of Golf, definitions and clarifications. Part I (questions 1-40) is closed book, no reference materials are allowed while answering these questions. Part II (questions 41-80) is open book and open notes. Beginning in 2025, the use of the "Rules of Golf App" is permitted during the open book section.
Please contact Doug Hoffmann (Doug@mngolf.org) if you are interested in taking this exam.
