Rules

These challenging times present the perfect opportunity for us all to brush up on our Rules knowledge, irrespective of your ability level, says Chris Wallace, R&A Rules manager.

- Chris Wallace

Rules Education

Golf is a self-regulating game and it’s the responsibility of all golfers to apply the Rules when playing, so a sound knowledge of the basics will allow you to deal with the situations you most regularly encounter out on the course. Knowing how to proceed correctly may even save you a few shots as well!

For those looking to get started on the Rules, there are a number of free and easy-to-access resources available via the R&A website and the Rules of Golf app to help all golfers learn, understand and apply the Rules of the game.

The R&A Rules Academy is an online resource for golfers of all levels, which provides an interesting and easy way to learn the basics using diagrams, videos and illustrations. Participants can learn the fundamentals and test themselves with the most commonly occurring Rules situations, such as how to take relief for an unplayable ball, what options are available when your ball is in a penalty area and what you can and cannot do in a bunker or on the putting green.

All learning materials are free and you can work through at your own pace and take revision questions to test your understanding of the basics. There is also an optional exam at the end for those who want to try for the Level 1 Rules certificate.