Golf vs KPMG Women's PGA Championship — Same Game, Different Rules
Same sport, different leagues. See exactly where R&A and PGA of America rules diverge.
| Attribute | Golf | KPMG Women's PGA Championship |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Individual Sports | Individual Sports |
| Organization | R&A | PGA of America |
| Players | 1 | 1 |
| Location | outdoor | outdoor |
| Season / Version | Rules 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) | 2026 KPMG Women's PGA Championship — Hazeltine National Golf Club, June 25-28, 2026 (field of 132 players) |
| Verification | 🏛️Official — R&A | 🏛️Official — PGA of America |
Comparison Summary
Golf and KPMG Women's PGA Championship share 7 rule topics. All 7 have different rules.
Key differences in: Section 2: Equipment, Section 3: Playing Area, Section 4: Players & Officials, Section 5: Rules of Play, Section 6: Scoring and 2 more.
Shared Rules — Side by Side(7 shared topics)
Section 2: Equipment
Rules differMaximum 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.
The KPMG Women's PGA enforces the One-Ball Rule during a stipulated round: the player must use a ball of the same brand and model. Breach is a stroke-play penalty of two strokes per hole at which the breach occurred, with a maximum penalty of four strokes per round.
Section 3: Playing Area
Rules differRule 2 defines the five defined areas of the course. Understanding these areas is essential because different Rules apply in each area.
The 2026 KPMG Women's PGA is contested at Hazeltine National Golf Club (Chaska, Minnesota) — a Robert Trent Jones / Rees Jones design that has hosted multiple major championships including the Ryder Cup, U.S. Open, and PGA Championship.
Section 4: Players & Officials
Rules differRule 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 ...
The 2026 KPMG Women's PGA features a field of 132 players determined through the published Qualifying Criteria: Past winners of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship (inclusive of all prior LPGA Championship winners); Professionals who have won an LPGA Major Championship in the previous five (5) year...
Section 5: Rules of Play
Rules differRule 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.
The PGA of America pace-of-play policy operates similarly to the USGA and LPGA frameworks, with championship-specific implementation: 72-hole stroke play over 4 rounds; Cut at 36 holes — typically top 70 and ties advance to the weekend (subject to championship-specific Notice to Players); The pla...
Section 6: Scoring
Rules differIn 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.
The KPMG Women's PGA Championship uses a sudden-death playoff: if players are tied after 72 holes, they play extra holes on pre-designated playoff holes until a single player wins a hole outright. The playoff holes are listed in the Notice to Players.
Section 7: Violations & Penalties
Rules differUnder 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)).
A breach of the Equipment Standards (non-conforming driver, non-conforming ball) is disqualification under Rule 4.1a.
Section 8: Safety Considerations
Rules differRule 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.
The three-tone air horn signals immediate suspension of play, typically for lightning. Players must stop play immediately, mark the ball position, and proceed to designated shelter.
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