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. Now, these have undergone a subsequent review and the updated Rules were adopted effective January 1, 2023.
The original initiative (for 2019) had two guiding themes:
- 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 for 2023 deal with a greater fine-tuning of the Rules and primarily deal with issues that have come up 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.
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 any 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 - 2024
IN-PERSON RULES CLASSES
Since 1999, the MGA has been conducting Rules Education programs; that will continue into 2024. 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!
NOTE: Each in-person session will be limited to 30 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: The schedule will be updated as dates are finalized; registration will open on Jan. 1.
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 introduced in 2019 and the updates effective 2023. The focus will be 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: $80 per person, $60 for Golf Industry professionals and $45 for current and active MGA Tournament Volunteers. NOTE: Each session is limited to 30 attendees.
- Monday, March 25, 2024 @ Bunker Hills Golf Club; Time: 8a-5p (CLOSED)
- Wednesday, April 3, 2024 @ Rush Creek Golf Club; Time: 8a-5p (CLOSED)
- Saturday, April 6, 2024 @ Valleywood Golf Course; Time: 8a-5p (CLOSED)
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- 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, $110 for Golf Industry professionals and $80 for current and active MGA Tournament Volunteers. NOTE: This session is limited to 30 attendees.
- Tuesday-Wednesday, April 16-17, 2024 @ Brookview Golf Course (CLOSED)
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 will need to register for each session individually.)
MGA "Rules on Tap" 2024 - The Live, Online Rules Program returns each
Thursday from
7:00-8:30 pm Central time from
February 15 - April 25. Below is the tentative lineup of topics (subject to change). And, if you missed any of the shows from last year, a library of the recordings is available for listenting at the
MGA Rules of Golf Channel online at GoToStage.com.
- Feb 15 - Welcome Back! Introduction & A Quick Overview for 2024 (Watch video)
- Feb 22 - Definitions: The Language of the Rules (Watch video)
- Feb 29 - Playing a Hole / Playing the Round (Rules 5-6) (Watch video)
- March 7 - Course Played as It Is Found (Rule 8) (Watch video)
- March 14 - How Do You Spell Relief? How? Where? (Rules 14-19) (Watch video)
- March 21 - Special Areas: Teeing Areas, Putting Greens & Bunkers (Watch video)
- March 28 - This Happened to my Ball: What Now? (Rules 9 & 11) (Watch video)
- April 4 - Why Do We Play This Game? (Rule 3) (Watch video)
- April 11 - Model Local Rules: What Are They? (Watch video)
- April 18 - A Masters Recap & Other Notable Items from Professional Golf (Watch video)
- April 25 - BONUS SESSION: The Pinsheet - Course Setup the MGA Way (Register)
Have you ever thought about helping out at an MGA event? The
MGA Tournament Volunteer 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. This is required for all new Tournament Volunteers. A session lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Registration is required and will open Jan 1. Once registration goes live, simply click on the desired session below to register.
- MGA Tournament Volunteer Orientation #1 - Tuesday, April 16, 6:00-7:30p (In-person @ Brookview)
- MGA Tournament Volunteer Orientation #2 - Tuesday, April 23, 10:00-11:30a (In-person @ MGA Office; Register)
- MGA Tournament Volunteer Orientation #3 - Wednesday, April 24, 7:00-8:30p (Online; Register)
Back for 2024 is the popular
"I Need a Ruling!" - An MGA Rules Discussion for 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 desired session below to register.
- SPECIAL SESSION: The Pinsheet - Course Setup the MGA Way - Thursday, April 25, 7-8:30p (Register)
- "I Need a Ruling!" - An MGA Rules Discussion for Players - Monday, April 22, 7-8:30p (Register)
- "I Need a Ruling!" - An MGA Rules Discussion for Players - Thursday, May 2, 7-8:30p (Register)
USGA RULES OF GOLF EXAMS
As an Allied Golf Association of the USGA, the MGA is authorized to offer and proctor the
80 Question Exam on behalf of the USGA. Although the details have yet to be finalized, the USGA plans to continue this opportunity into the 2024 season. Thus, the MGA will be making available this opportunity to its Tournament Volunteers as well as other interested individuals. The Test will be available as follows. Click
HERE to register!
- USGA 80-Question Rules Test - Thursday, April 25, 9a-1p (SIte: MGA Office or TBD)
This exam consists of 80 questions, each with four possible answers, testing the fundamental understanding of participants’ knowledge the Rules of Golf, definitions and interpretations. 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, however the use of electronic reference materials, including but not limited to personal computers, smart phones, iPads and the like, is prohibited.
