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Still Time To Sign Up To Learn The Rules - 2 Day Workshop at Broken Top This Week

There's still time to sign up for this week's 2-day Rules Workshop to be held at Broken Top Golf Club in Bend

Online Rules of Golf Education

Learn the Rules of Golf at home in your own time! What are my Options? is an online learning curriculum developed for beginners and experienced players alike.

In Memorium: Don Kowitz (1931-2012)

Long time respected volunteer and OGA Rules Official, Donald Joe Kowitz, Sr. died suddenly January 30, 2012 at the age of 80.

PDX Golf Show Special! Who Wants to be a Rules Official?

Ever wondered what it feels like to play "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Now's your chance to answer questions in our exciting and entertaining take on this game show with, "Who Wants to Be a Rules Official" at the Portland Golf Show on Friday, February 11 at 2:30pm. This post contains a short quiz and entry submission instructions - GOOD LUCK!

OGA Rules InDepth - McIlroy at Abu Dhabi

An in-depth look at what happened to Rory McIlroy on the 9th hole leading to a two-stroke penalty during the 2nd round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Order Your New Rules Books Today!

If you have not already ordered an updated Rules and/or Decisions book we will have both by the beginning of next week and are available to order online today at www.ogagolfshop.com.

Learning the Rules—A Cautionary Tale

Unfortunately, most golfers acquire Rules information by absorbing “knowledge” watching tournaments on TV and listening to their buddies who “know” the Rules - in 2012, why not find a better source?

Local Rules for Unpleasant Course Conditions

If you have lifted your ball in the rough, placed it within 6" and thought you were using preferred lies – please read on.

2012-2015 Rules of Golf - Summary of Changes

Last week the USGA and R&A released the revisions to the Rules of Golf that will come into effect on January 1, 2012 as part of their normal four year cycle. In general, these revisions continue the precedent set in 2008 (the last revision) where the Rules are becoming more player friendly and move to uniformity on all parts of the course. What follows is a brief synopsis of the more impactful changes.

Kevin Na - the whiff at TPC Summerlin

This weekend at TPC Summerlin, Kevin Na appeared to swing and miss on the 15th tee. Continue on to see the VIDEO and how the Rules of Golf apply to the incident.

Cantlay Learns The Rules The Hard Way at US Amateur

When Patrick Cantlay's caddie smoothed the sand after his player failed to extract his ball from that same bunker, Cantlay thought he was in breach of Rule 13-4 and, in a demonstration of his respect for the Rules, immediately conceded the hole to Kraft. Like many, he misinterpreted the rule as there was no penalty.

2012 PGA/USGA Rules Workshop Schedules Released

The PGA/USGA Rules Workshop also returns to the Portland area March 18 – 21

You’ll never see this on television, but you might during your next round!

It should never happen - but it does. Someone gets mad over missing a putt and takes a swipe at the ball or at the green and leaves a large divot in the putting surface. So what do you do? It depends somewhat on who you are. If you are the course superintendent or one of the maintenance staff and you see someone do this you might be tempted to move the player out of bounds. But what if you are a golfer? What are your options?

OGA Rules In Depth: Webb Simpson at the Zurich Classic

Webb Simpson correctly applied a one-stroke penalty for a breach of Rule 18-2b at the Zurich Classic. However, numerous online articles got the reason why incorrect. See why here.

OGA Rules Riddler #17

After a short break and repeated requests, OGA Rules Riddlers are finally back. In order to answer this one correctly you’ll need to ensure your thought process is free from “obstructions” as you help the Committee sort out Bobby’s drops, places and deflections to come up with the correct Ruling.

Rules Riddler #16 - Resolved

Over a third of responses correctly determined the result in the holiday three-ball match between Rudolph, Donder and Blitzen. Who will lead the sleigh? Read on to see how Rules Riddler #16 was resolved.

PDX GOLF SHOW SPECIAL - “Who Wants to Be A Rules Official?”

Ever wondered what it feels like to play "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Now's your chance to answer questions in our exciting and entertaining take on this game show with, "Who Wants to Be a Rules Official" at the Portland Golf Show on Friday, February 11 at 2:30pm. If you are interested in becoming a contestant with a chance to win great prizes, including a trip to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, be sure to read the instructions included in this post!

TV Viewers and the Rules of Golf

The year is young yet both Villegas and now Harrington have been DQ'd at tournaments for actions they committed during play that were called in by viewers of the telecast. What are your thoughts?

Villegas Signs Incorrect Scorecard in Hawaii

See the video and a detailed explanation of what happened to Camillo Villegas during the first round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. His ignorance of a two stroke penalty he incurred on the 15th hole led directly to his subsequent DQ for signing an incorrect scorecard.

Rules Riddler #15 - Resolved

Loose impediments and an unfortunate collision between the coin and the ball lead to three of the four penalty strokes incurred by Bob on the hole. Nearly one-quarter of responses were correct in this Riddler! Continue on to see how Bob's hole is resolved.

OGA Rules Riddler #16

Riddler 16 was penned with a holidays in mind, as Rudolph, Donder and Blitzen turn out for their regular December three-ball match. All three are playing great and through 17 holes the matches are all square. Donder has the honor on the 18th tee but Rudolph, always wanting to lead the way tees up and plays. Donder says to Rudolph, “You really should let the rest of us lead the way more often, Rudolph.” Continue on to enjoy one of the more difficult Riddlers to date.

The PNGA Updates their Preferred Lies Policy

After nearly 30 years of the same policy, the Pacifc Northwest Golf Association has recently updated their Preferred Lies Policy.

Poulter “fumbles” Away $500K in Dubai

We have all accidentally dropped our ball, a club or maybe a hat while playing. What happens when it strikes your ball in play or your ball marker? You have likely heard about the penalty stroke Ian Poulter incurred during the play-off at the Dubai World Championships. Though many have labeled the penalty "unfair" continue on to see why this Ruling makes perfect sense when you have a better understanding of the Rules that apply.

OGA Rules Riddler #15

Bob plays his tee shot into the hazard and after making a smart decision to drop the ball with the aid of some nearby grass he plays a great shot to the green only to drop his coin on his ball. Test your knowledge on the Rules of Golf with the latest Rules Riddler from the OGA.

Rules Riddler #14 - Resolved

Multiple unplayable drops and replacing a divot when not permitted led to a score that only 8% of responses correctly submitted. Continue on to see how this OGA Rules Riddler was resolved.

OGA Rules Riddler #14

After a perfect drive to the fairway on a par four, everything begins to go wrong for Tim ... or does it? More unplayable lies in Riddler #14. Test your knowledge on the Rules of Golf with the latest Rules Riddler from the OGA.

Rules Riddler #13 - Resolved

Did Jerry playing a wrong ball or did he play from a wrong place? Actually, Jerry used the eraser Rule to escape almost penalty free. Continue on to see how this OGA Rules Riddler was resolved.

OGA Rules Riddler #13

A ball is dropped and the original ball is found ... which ball should you play? Well, that depends on the situation. Test your knowledge on the Rules of Golf with the OGA's Rules Riddlers!

Rules Riddler #12 - Resolved

Playing a wrong ball, utilizing the unplayable ball Rule and dropping another ball just in case ... Julie is able to escape with a score of ????. Continue on to see how this OGA Rules Riddler was resolved.

OGA Rules Riddler #12

During a recent collegiate event a player found herself in all sorts of "trouble" with no idea what her score was on a hole. Can you help?

Rules Riddler #11 - Resolved

For the first time, the majority of the Committee (that's the hundreds of you that submitted an entry) came up with the correct answer to an OGA's Rules Riddlers! Congratulations for scoring both players with a six (6) on the hole in question. Read on to see why Jerry and Jim both scored a six on the hole.

Inside the Ropes at the 56th US Senior Amateur

There was a lot going on this weekend at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Fla. Not only were they hosting the 56th USGA Senior Amateur Championship which begin last Saturday, but the locals were also focused on the Ryder Cup.

OGA Rules Riddler #11

Test your knowledge on the Rules of Golf with the OGA's Rules Riddlers. These riddlers are written with an interest in educating players and dispelling the many "myths" associated with the Rules of Golf. Good luck . . . you'll need it!

Rules Riddler #10 - Resolved

The solution to Riddler #10 is now available. Learn when it is OK to "scout" a hole prior to play and why it is sometimes OK to touch the putting green on your line prior to play. About 10% of responses were correct in answering this Riddler ... read on to see how it was resolved!

OGA Rules Riddler #10

Rules Riddler #9 - Resolved

The solution to Riddler #9 is now available and includes numerous "legal" and "illegal" actions undertaken by the four-ball team of Mark and Jim with respect to the Rules of Golf. Over one-quarter of responses were correct in that the side finished the hole with a score of 10. Read on to see why!

US Amateur Day 3 - Referee Round of 64 - Short Version

Quick correction from yesterday before I'm headed off to bed and ... pairing for tomorrow afternoon's round of 16 (I'll get it right this time)

US Amateur - Day 2 - Long Version

Getting yelled at across the radio (kind of) was one of the many highlights during my second day at the 110th US Amateur.

US Amateur - Day 2 - Short Version

A very short teaser of Day 2 at the US Amateur

US Amateur - Day 1

5 hour rounds (with good reason) and dinner with Mike Davis - a great day one at the US Amateur!

US Amateur - Rules Assignments

Assignments were released this morning for the Rules Committee working the 2010 US Amateur at Chambers Bay.

Inkster DQ’d at Safeway Classic

Sue Witters, LPGA Rules Official explaining why Juli Inkster was disqualified after the 2nd round of the LPGA's Safeway Classic at Pumking Ridge.

Dustin Johnson and the Bunker at the PGA

An explanation including the video of Dustin Johnson's two-stroke penalty on the final hole of the PGA Championsihp.

Interesting Rulings in the 1st Round of the 44th Pacific Coast Amateur

With a field of elite amateurs, players rarely get into much trouble, though there were two interesting Rulings involving the Committee from day one.

Rules Riddler #8 - resolved

In the eighth installment of our Rules Riddler, 10% of responses recevied were correct to determine that "Tom's" adventures added up to a very large number ... read on to see how large.

OGA Rules Riddler #9

One lucky entrant (of those that submit correct answers to the Rules Riddler which appears every two weeks) will win the chance of a lifetime at the Jeld-Wen Tradition. We will be drawing for the opportunity to meet the greats of the game as an honorary starter. Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Hale Irwin, Bernhard Langer and many more. To enter, submit your answer to rules@oga.org with the subject line: RULES RIDDLER #9. Entries must be received by August 10th at noon PT. All correct answers will receive one entry in the drawing. Good luck . . . you'll need it!

And they say Golf Rules are Complicated

Every once in a while, the Rules of Golf are made to look rather simple ...

Interesting Rulings in the 2nd Round of the 2010 Oregon Mid-Am

Wrong Balls and Serious Breaches must be corrected while an Exception to a common Local Rule catches a player off guard.

OGA Rules Riddler #8

One lucky entrant (of those that submit correct answers to the Rules Riddler which appears every two weeks) will win the chance of a lifetime at the Jeld-Wen Tradition. We will be drawing for the opportunity to meet the greats of the game as an honorary starter. Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Hale Irwin and many more. To enter, submit your answer to rules@oga.org with the subject line: RULES RIDDLER #8. Entries must be received by July 27th at noon PT. All correct answers will receive one entry in the drawing. Good luck . . . you'll need it!

Rules Riddler #7 - Resolved

In the seventh installment of our Rules Riddler, 16% of responses recevied were correct to determine that the club championship was decided by a single stroke ... read on to see who won.

Interesting Rulings in the 1st Round of the 2010 Oregon Mid-Am

Livestock, provisional balls and a 36-stroke "penalty." The first day at the Oregon Mid-Amateur was plenty exciting for the Committee.

101st Oregon Amateur - Interesting Rulings - Match Play

Once the Championship moves into match play, administering the Rules of Golf takes a on a very different form where the respoinsiblity for ensuring your opponent follows the Rules is primarily up to ... the player. Under the Rules of Golf, we are prohibited from intervening in a match.

Oregon Amateur - Interesting Rulings Day 2

The final day of stroke play qualifying was fairly uneventful although it included an uncommon Ruling where a player ended up on a putting green on the wrong hole.

Oregon Amateur - Interesting Rulings Day 1

Here are a few of the more interesting Rulings from the first round of the Oregon Amateur.

Two lucky OGA Members win US Open Tickets!

The OGA recently gave away two sets of US Open tickets to two OGA Members. Congratulations to Del Spiker and Esther Moe!

Interesting Rulings from the US Open Sectional Qualifier

At the recent US Open Sectional Qualifier there were a handful of interesting Rulings. An in depth explanation is provided here.

OGA Rules Riddler #7

One lucky entrant (of those that submit correct answers to the Rules Riddler which appears every two weeks) will win (4) anyday tickets to the US Senior Open at Sahalee Country Club on July 29 - August 1 in Sammamish, Wash. To enter submit your answer to rules@oga.org with the subject line: RULES RIDDLER #7. Entries must be received by June 29th at noon PST. All correct answers will receive one entry in the drawing. Good luck . . . you'll need it!

Rules Riddler #6 - Resolved

In the six installment of our Rules Riddler, nearly one third of responses were correct to determine that the match ended ... Riddler #6 has been resolved!

OGA Rules Riddler #6

One lucky entrant (of those that submit correct answers to the Rules Riddler which appears every two weeks) will win (4) anyday tickets to the US Senior Open at Sahalee Country Club on July 29 - August 1 in Sammamish, Wash. To enter submit your answer to rules@oga.org with the subject line: RULES RIDDLER #6. Entries must be received by June 15th at noon PT. All correct answers will receive one entry in the drawing. Good luck . . . you'll need it! SPECIAL CONTEST FOR TWO SETS OF WEEK LONG US OPEN TICKETS - VIEW THE RIDDLER TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN WIN!

Rules Riddler #5 - Resolved

In the fifth installment of our Rules Riddler, over 75% of the responses believed Cynthia incurred a penalty for the actions described. Mark had great difficulty on the hole and in this Riddler breached multiple Rules on his way to a 9. What did Cynthia score? Riddler #5 has been resolved!

OGA Rules Riddler #5

One lucky entrant (of those that submit correct answers to the Rules Riddler which appears every two weeks) will win (4) anyday tickets to the US Senior Open at Sahalee Country Club on July 29 - August 1 in Sammamish, Wash. To enter submit your answer to rules@oga.org with the subject line: RULES RIDDLER #5. Entries must be received by June 1st at noon PT. All correct answers will receive one entry in the drawing. Good luck . . . you'll need it!

Rules Riddler #4 - Resolved

92% of the responses received believe Casey incurred a penalty for his actions. Riddler #4 has now been resolved!

OGA Clarifies Rules Regarding Distance Measuring Devices

All players who intend to use an artificial device to measure distance during play of an OGA Championship or OGA Tour event should first confirm they are using a conforming device.

OGA Rules Riddler #4

One lucky entrant (of those that submit correct answers to the Rules Riddler which appears every two weeks) will win (4) anyday tickets to the US Senior Open at Sahalee Country Club on July 29 - August 1 in Sammamish, Wash. To enter submit your answer to rules@oga.org with the subject line: RULES RIDDLER #4. Entries must be received by May 18th at noon PT. All correct answers will receive one entry in the drawing. Good luck . . . you'll need it!

Rules Riddler #3 - Resolved

Sixty-two (62%) percent of respones felt either no penalties at all were incurred by the player (choice A = 4) or the player should be disqualified (choice E). What was the correct answer to Rules Riddler #3? Only 11% of respondents got it right!

Rules Riddler #2 - Resolved

Nearly three quarters of the responses received Ruled that the player either scored 4 (43% of responses) or must be disqualfied (31% of responses). What was the correct answer?

OGA Rules Riddler #3

A new OGA Rules Riddler appears every two weeks in your E-revisions and the Rules page of the OGA Website. The April 21st Rules Riddler and the answer to the April 7th question is available now . . . good luck . . . you'll need it!

OGA Rules Riddler #2

A new OGA Rules Riddler appears every two weeks in your E-revisions and the Rules page of the OGA Website. The April 7th Rules Riddler and the answer to March 24th questions is available now . . . good luck . . . you'll need it!

Rules Riddler #1 - Resolved

More than half of the responses received said the scores for players A,B & C were 2, 3 & 5 respectively (Answer A). Was that the correct answer?

“Mr. X please mark the scorecard of Mr. Z”

At a recent European PGA Tournament, the Open de Andalucia, a player was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard . . . so was the marker.

OGA Rules Riddler #1

The OGA Rules Riddler is a new feature of E-revisions and the Rules page of the OGA Website. A new Rules Riddler will appear every two weeks . . . good luck . . . you'll need it!

Check your Grooves - Database Now Available

A searchable database is now available to check your grooves . . . do your clubs conform . . . will the new Rule even affect you? Read on to find out!

How to Learn the Rules of Golf

A step-by-step approach to help you learn the Rules of Golf.

Decisions on the Rules of Golf, 2010 revisions

Changes to to the 2010-11 Decision on the Rules of Golf will include 28 new decisions, 51 revised decisions and one withdrawn decision. They will become effective, January 1, 2010.

Local Rules for Handling Aeration Holes

Without help from the Committee, a player is not permitted to take relief from an aeration hole without penalty.

USGAs New Groove Rules Explained

An explanation of how the New Groove Rule will, or likely will not, affect you.

Answers to the Jeld-Wen Rules Contest

Scores of entries were received though only one was returned with alll five correct answers.

Weir’s crazy weekend at the Canadian Open

In an unusual chain of events, Mike Weir called over a Rules Official on the 18th hole during Saturday's 2nd round at the 2009 Canadian Open.

Billiards on the PGA Tour

During Saturday’s play at the 2009 Canadian Open, Leif Olson had a most unusual hole in one. Benefiting from a “Rub of the Green,” Olson scored an ace with an 8-iron bank shot on 132 Par 3 fifteenth.

Open Championship - Tiger on the 10th

Tiger Woods lost his original ball on ten not because he abandoned it but because the time allotted for search ran out.

Oregon Amateur Final Round - Men

An in depth review from the referee of the men's finals during the 100th Oregon Amateur.

Interesting Rulings, Oregon Amateur, Day 5

In the quarterfinals a player's ball came to rest overhanging the hole. How does Rule 16-2 apply?

Interesting Rulings, Oregon Amateur, Day 4

Recalling an opponent's stroke and changing the competition course in the middle of the round both occured in Thursday play at the Oregon Amateur.

What if a Player and Opponent Cannot Agree?

In match play, when a dispute arises between you and your opponent the Rules allow you to file a claim.

In Match Play a Different Set of Rules Apply

The Rules for Match Play and Stroke Play are so substantially different that the Committee is prohibited from combining the two formats. What follows is a brief explanation as to the most striking contrasts in the Rules.

Interesting Rulings, 100th Oregon Amateur, Day 2

Playing a second ball and a ball moving after address in a hazard were two Rulings from Day 2 of the 100th Oregon Amateur at Bandon Dunes

Interesting Rulings, 100th Oregon Amateur, Day 1

From wrong balls to wrong teeing grounds here is a summary of some of the more interesting Rulings from Day 1's play at the 100th Oregon Amateur at Bandon Dunes.

What to do when your ball moves

During the Oregon Amateur, high winds contribute to confusion of what to do when a ball at rest moves.

How legal is your Distance Measuring Device?

A recent Golf Week article may lead to confusion regarding the use of Distance Measuring Devices on the course.

Kenny Perry at the FBR

A video has recently surfaced of Kenny Perry that has led to confusion with respect to the proper application of Rule 13-2.

“Oh” no . . . that’s not how Rule 26 works

Ji Young Oh received a great break at the Kraft Nabisco. Even the best Rules Officials can slip up occasionally.

Johnson, the two stroke penalty at Riviera

Vincent Johnson was penalized 2 strokes at the Northern Trust Open when his failed to replace his ball.

Chambers Bay . . . what a “waste . . . area”

The Rules of Golf interplay in a unique way with a prevalent feature of Chambers Bay – waste areas or waste bunkers.

Are the Rules Complicated?

I recently read an article comparing the Rules of Golf to those of other sports. Read on . . . you might be surprised.

2009 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop

PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops may not be perfect for all but for me, there's no better way to spend four days.

Welcome to Outside Agency

“Anyone can learn the rules, you just have to put in the time” David Hayes, USGA Manager of Rules – May 2007

Known or Virtually Certain

An in depth explanation of how the term Known or Virtually Certain is applied throughout the Rules of Golf.

Play the Ball as it Lies - Part 2, Hazards

What is the most basic principle behind the Rules of Golf? Playing the ball as it lies . . . even in a hazard. Part 2 of 2

Play the Ball as it Lies - Part 1

What is the most basic principle behind the Rules of Golf? Playing the ball as it lies . . . Part 1 of 2

Advice vs. The Rules of Golf

The most common Rules of Golf breach during a social round of golf would be Rule 8-1; Advice. How well do you know the Rule?