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R&A vs USGA

All Categories Athletics Board Games Card Games Combat Sports Computer Games Cycling Dice Games Equestrian Esports Gymnastics Individual Sports Motor Sports Party Games Playground Games Racquet Sports Team Sports Tile Games Video Games Water Sports Winter Sports All Categories Athletics Board Games Card Games Combat Sports Computer Games Cycling Dice Games Equestrian Esports Gymnastics Individual Sports Motor Sports Party Games Playground Games Racquet Sports Team Sports Tile Games Video Games Water Sports Winter Sports

All Categories Athletics Board Games Card Games Combat Sports Computer Games Cycling Dice Games Equestrian Esports Gymnastics Individual Sports Motor Sports Party Games Playground Games Racquet Sports Team Sports Tile Games Video Games Water Sports Winter Sports

AFirst Sport

R&A

Golf

First Sport

Details

Players1

Settingoutdoor

SeasonRules of Golf 2023 edition (effective 2023-01-01, current quadrennial cycle; jointly governed by The R&A and USGA); 2026 Model Local Rules update effective 2026-01-01, including MLR A-4 (embedded ball), GUR relief, and damaged club replacement provisions

CategoryIndividual Sports

BSecond Sport

USGA

USGA Championship Golf

Second Sport

Details

Players1

Settingoutdoor

Season2026 USGA Local Rules and Terms of the Competition — FINAL (applies to all USGA championships and qualifying rounds)

CategoryIndividual Sports

7

Shared Topics

7

Different Rules

0

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(7)

Section 2: Equipment

Different

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.

USGA

USGA championships apply the One-Ball Rule: during a stipulated round, the player must use a ball of the same brand and model. The penalty for breach is, in stroke play, two strokes per hole at which any breach occurred (with a maximum penalty of four strokes per round).

Section 3: Playing Area

Different

R&A

Rule 2 defines the five defined areas of the course. Understanding these areas is essential because different Rules apply in each area (Rule 2).

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USGA

Out of bounds is defined by the line between the course-side points of white stakes and fence posts at ground level. Where stakes and a fence are used together, the inside-edge-of-fence definition takes precedence at the discretion of the Committee.

Section 4: Players & Officials

Different

R&A

Rule 1.2a requires all players to act with integrity (by following the Rules and being honest in all aspects of play), show consideration to others (by playing at a prompt pace, keeping noise down, and ensuring their safety), and take care of the ...

USGA

The field size and eligibility criteria are championship-specific: U.S. Open: 156 players, including past champions, top-ranked players from the Official World Golf Ranking, exempt categories, and qualifiers from local and sectional qualifying rounds; U.S. Women's Open: 156 players, similar exemp...

Section 5: Rules of Play

Different

R&A

Rule 5.1: A round consists of playing the holes of the course in the correct order, unless the Committee allows or requires another order. A round consists of 18 holes unless a shorter number is set by the Committee.

USGA

The USGA enforces a pace-of-play policy designed to keep play moving and to penalize unreasonable delay. The policy works as follows: Stroke play: most USGA championships (U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open, U.S. Senior Open) use 72-hole stroke play over 4 rounds; Match play: U.S. Amateur, U.S. Women's...

Section 6: Scoring

Different

R&A

In stroke play, the player's score for each hole is the number of strokes made (including penalty strokes). The player's total for the round is the sum of all hole scores.

USGA

From 2018 onward, the U.S. Open playoff format is a two-hole aggregate playoff followed by sudden death: The player who completes the stipulated round in the fewest strokes wins; 72-hole total (4 × 18 holes) determines the championship in stroke-play events; A cut is applied after 36 holes in U.S...

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Different

R&A

Under the Rules of Golf 2023, the general penalty is defined as: two strokes in stroke play, and loss of hole in match play. Unless a specific Rule provides for a different penalty, the general penalty applies (Rule 1.3c(4)).

USGA

, using a non-conforming driver) is disqualification under Rule 4.1a.

Section 8: Safety Considerations

Different

R&A

Rule 5.7a requires all players to stop play immediately when the Committee signals a suspension for a dangerous situation (one prolonged siren blast in most competitions). If a player does not stop play promptly, the Committee may impose the disqualification penalty.

USGA

The three-tone air horn signals immediate suspension of play, typically for lightning. Players must stop play immediately, drop the ball as it lies (or mark with a small marker), and proceed to designated shelter.

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