There are 34 rules for the game of golf.  28 rules regularly come into play for golfers at all skill levels. 

The Rules of Golf are reviewed regularly by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland, and the United States Golf Association, and a revised Rules of Golf booklet is published every four years.

Do you have a Rules Question?

As a service to member clubs, the SGA's accredited rules officials are available to conduct half-day or evening rules workshops for golfers. The SGA also conducts more advanced rules clinics, and works with the RCGA to host a national rules clinic (Level 4) intended for golfers interested in learning more about the application of the rules, or wishing to work with the SGA as rules officials at provincial tournaments.

You are invited to send us your specific questions about the rules of golf. Our volunteers will respond to your questions, and common questions or comments will also be posted on the web site.

Email your rules question or comment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Rules of Golf and Decisions on the Rules of Golf

• Ammendments to the 2008-2009 Edition of Decisions on the Rules of Golf (PDF)
• R&A/USGA Joint Decision on Distance Measuring Devices (PDF)

Many clubs and golfers have questions about the rules of golf and areas such as amateur status, including what is allowed to be given and accepted as prizes, and what kinds of competitions involving money are permitted.  The following are links or PDF downloads to help clarify some questions you or your club may have:

• Rules of Golf (R&A)
• Rules of Golf (RCGA)
• Decisions on the Rules of Golf (R&A)
• Rules and Decisions on the Rules of Golf (USGA)

Amateur Status 

• Rules of Amateur Status (RCGA)
• Amateur Status Waiver Form
• Application for Reinstatement to Amateur Status

Conforming Golf Balls and Non-Conforming Clubs

• List of non-conforming clubs, conforming golf ball clubs, updated by the USGA/RCGA

Rules of Golf Books

Rules of Golf books are available from the Saskatchewan Golf Association for $2 each. Clubs and golfers may also wish to purchase a copy of the extensive Decisions on the Rules of Golf book, a small-format book of more than 600 pages, which provides detailed information about how the rules have been applied to real-life situations.

For further information about purchasing rules books, or about rules clinics, call the SGA at 306-975-0850, or send an email.