Golf Tournament Rules & Regulations

Updated January 2, 2010
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  • DESCRIPTION
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Certain rules and regulations must be followed in order to play in golf tournaments. The United States Golf Association sets the rules for golf for both match and stroke play in the United States.

Stroke Versus Match Play

In match play, the winner is the golfer who wins the most holes over the course. In stroke play, the winner is the one with the lowest total score for all 18 holes.

Handicaps

Any handicaps should be noted before your round gets under way. Adding any additional handicaps during course play will results in forfeiture of the tournament.

Order of Play

Under non-match play rules, the golfer whose ball is farthest from the hole goes first. In match play, the option is given to the player whose ball is the closest.

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Practice Swings

A practice swing while you're on the hole does not count as a stroke. You must stand back from the tee and ball. Between holes, golfers can practice their swings in designated areas on the course.

Golf Clubs

During play, the golfer can't enhance his clubs by adding tape or other items that add weight to the club. Prior to the hole, golfers can tape their clubs but not add bulge, which provides an unfair advantage.

Courtesy

As the golfer is set to tee off, no members shall cause distractions by making noises.