Golf Rules, Handicaps and Course Management Resources

For accurate answers about rules, handicaps and course management, go to the bodies that set the standards. This hub lists the primary sources.

Rules and governing bodies

• The R&A governs golf worldwide outside the United States and Mexico, and publishes the Rules of Golf jointly with the USGA.
• The USGA governs golf in the United States and Mexico and publishes rules, equipment standards and course research.

Handicaps

• The World Handicap System site explains how Handicap Index, Course Rating and Slope Rating work.

Course management

• The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is the professional association for golf course managers, offering education and research.

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Why go to the source

Golf forums and social media are full of confident but outdated answers about what devices are allowed, how handicaps are calculated or how a ruling applies. The governing bodies update the Rules and their official interpretations periodically, and handicap procedures are administered by national associations under the World Handicap System. When a question matters, for example in a club competition or when buying a device for tournament play, check the official wording rather than relying on memory or hearsay.

Cover photo by Accolade Creative on Unsplash.