USGA Rules Education

All members of the Sneds Tour are expected to be familiar with the USGA Rules of Golf.  It is the player's responsibility to know the Rules.  We believe this is a process, and it takes years to perfect your knowledge of the Rules and they are ever changing.  We have created this page to help you with your Rules education.  We hope that every player, parent and caddie will use this tool often.  The Rules can not be learned in one sitting, but studied over a period of time.


What do I need to know?
  • Every event on the Sneds Tour is played under the USGA Rules of Golf.
  • In addition, each player will receive a Sneds Tour Hard Card with specific Rules that Sneds Tour events are played under. (i.e The One Ball Rule is not in effect)
  • Each event will have a set of Local Rules specific to that facility in addition to the USGA Rules of Golf.
  • You should always carry your Rule Book and Hard Card with you. Take time to learn how to look up Rules in the book.  Using the index helps.
  • The Rules are in place to protect the player.  Knowing the Rules can help you more than hurt you.
  • Be familiar with Rule 20.1c(3).  When you are not sure what to do and a Rules Official is not around, you can use this Rule to continue without holding up play and find out the Ruling later.
  • A spectator is welcome to find a Rules Official or call the office (615-790-3336), and we will have one sent to your location.


You Should Also Know:

  • You will break a Rule sometime in your competitive career.  Even the greatest players in the world have broken Rules, some which resulted in the loss of a major championship.
  • Breaking Rules does not always mean a player is trying to cheat.  Many times players are unaware they are proceeding incorrectly.  As a fellow competitor, it is good etiquette to bring this to their attention before they incur a penalty.  If you knowingly intentionally let them break a rule and then call the penalty on them, you yourself may be subject to a penalty.


Golf's New Rules: Major Changes in 2019 - Click Here


The USGA has created some wonderful interactive videos to help you with the most common Rules you will come into contact with.  Click Here to be directed to these 12 short videos.


Here are some other helpful tools on the USGA website:


New Local Rule that eliminates the penalty when a ball is accidentally moved on the putting green.  Watch Video

Rules of Golf Quiz; Choose from 10, 18 or 25 questions that are basic, advanced or a mix - Click Here

15 Rules every golfer should know - Click Here

Information on Distance Measuring Devices - Click Here

Information on the Rules of Amateur Status - Click Here

Check out the USGA Rules FAQ's - Click Here

Get the scoop on the USGA's Rules Modernization Project - Click Here








www.snedstour.org | www.tngolf.org | www.tnjuniorgolf.com