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PGA TOUR vs R&A

AFirst Sport

PGA TOUR

Golf

First Sport

Details

Players1-72

Settingoutdoor

Season2026 PGA TOUR Player Handbook and Tournament Regulations

CategoryIndividual Sports

BSecond Sport

R&A

Golf

Second Sport

Details

Players1

Settingoutdoor

SeasonRules of Golf 2023 edition (effective 2023-01-01, current quadrennial cycle; jointly governed by The R&A and USGA; additional clarifications updated through 2026-04-08)

CategoryIndividual Sports

Shared Topics

Different Rules

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(5)

Section 2: Equipment

Different

PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR Anti-Doping Program prohibits listed performance-enhancing substances and methods. Players are responsible for what is in their bodies and may be tested in and out of competition; the program is part of the integrity framework that surrounds equipment and play.

R&A

Maximum Number of Clubs (Rule 4.1b): A player must not start a round with more than 14 clubs and must not have more than 14 clubs during the round. A player who starts with fewer than 14 clubs may add clubs up to that limit during the round, provided play is not unduly delayed.

Section 3: Playing Area

Different

PGA TOUR

A PGA TOUR event is contested over an 18-hole golf course, almost always set up to a par of 70, 71, or 72. Total yardage for a TOUR set-up commonly falls in the range of roughly 7,100 to 7,600 yards, varying by course, elevation, and conditions.

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Rule-by-Rule Comparison(5)

Section 2: Equipment

Section 3: Playing Area

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Section 5: Rules of Play

Section 6: Scoring

Section 8: Safety Considerations