There is no longer a penalty for merely touching the line of play on the putting green (the term “line of play” applies everywhere on the course including the putting green, and the term “line of putt ...

Learn more about the 2023 updates to the Rules of Golf below. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to the Rules Department any time at rules@usga.org or 908-326-1850.

The USGA announced it has elected Kevin Hammer, of Boynton Beach, Fla., as its 68th president at the Association’s Annual Meeting in New York, N.Y. Hammer will serve a two-year term spearheading the ...

During the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, you’re going to hear the name kikuyugrass quite a bit, but most golfers have probably never played on this ...

Effective from Jan. 1, 2010, the USGA adopted additional specifications for grooves and punch marks in the impact area of irons, wedges, fairway woods and hybrids. The additional specifications are ...

Learn more about the leadership of the United States Golf Association, as well as the USGA's non-profit mission, vision statement, and our annual awards, given to individuals who impact golf at the ...

Course Ratings are based on normal playing conditions, but the difficulty of a golf course can vary substantially from day to day, due to: Course conditions, Weather conditions, and/or Course set-up.

In 1991, the USGA established the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program. This program is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, ...

Your Course Handicap is the number of strokes you’ll receive (or give) on a specific golf course. For an 18-hole round, it's calculated as follows: Course Handicap = Handicap Index X (Slope Rating / ...

What is the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP)? My state is part of the program; how can my athlete get on their State Junior Team? If an athlete is part of the USNDP, are they automatically a ...

USGA Members are essential to the success of our vision to create a more welcoming, sustainable and accessible game for all golfers. By funding research and innovation to foster the sustainability of ...

Video - Course Handicap Explained Video - Find Your Target Score Video - Playing Handicap Explained Video - Handicap Allowances How the WHS™ Works - Course Handicap and Playing Handicap Article - ...