Rule Tips
1. Work out the Nearest Point of Relief before lifting your ball.
There will be times when it is better to play your ball as it lies (if permitted by the Rules) rather than taking relief that means you have to drop your ball in a less favorable position.
2. Think before you drop a ball under the Rules.
If you find there are any loose impediments in the area that you are going to drop the ball you are permitted to remove them. It is wise to do so rather than have your ball come to rest against a stone or a twig. Also, try and drop the ball somewhere where its roll might be to your advantage. For example, it is easier to play a ball that has rolled down a slope to a smooth lie than play it off the face of a slope.
3. Ball falls off tee
There's a shocking amount of players that aren't 100 percent sure what to do when this happens. Simple: You get to re-tee without penalty. (Exception: You've already whiffed on the first shot. If the ball then falls off, you have to play it as it lies.)
Rules & Behavior Guides
All ORLGA members will adhere to the
USGA Rules of Golf
except where modified by the
ORLGA Local Rules
For further guidance see also
ORLGA Rules Summary
ORLGA Course Guidance
The Rules of Golf are effective worldwide from January 2019. They were revised to bring the Rules of Golf up to date to fit the needs of the game today. "It is the result of the Rules Modernization Initiative
conducted by past and present representatives of the Rules of Golf Committees of The R&A and the USGA, along with representatives from all levels of the game, and reflects
feedback from thousands of golfers worldwide."
Understanding the rules of golf will increase your enjoyment of the game. Below are some links to websites, web pages, and videos that hopefully will
answer some questions regarding common situations that occur before, during, or after play.
First and foremost is the R&A based in St. Andrews, Scotland. The R&A has provided an online resource for learning and understanding the Rules of Golf.
R&A Rules Academy
The USGA provides an excellent app for your iphone that gives you instant access to the Rules of Golf while you are playing the round. Be sure to download the app to your IOS or Android device.
USGA Rules of Golf Mobile App
The USGA has produced some web pages and videos explaining some of the Rules of Golf. Choose from the first three titles below to see them.
Below the first three links are web pages produced as a result of questions from our league members about how to apply specific golf rule or procedures.
If you have a suggestion for this web page, feel free to contact a web team
World Handicap System
2019 Rules of Golf Changes
USGA New and Changed Rules for 2019
USGA Rules of Golf Videos
Rules Corner - Videos to help learn Rules
15 Rules Golfers Need To Know
Scorecard Procedures
Golf Etiquette Presentation
Guidelines for Ready Golf
Match Play vs Stroke Play
USGA Rule 19 - Ball Unplayable
Water in Bunkers
Determine the Nearest Point of Relief
Rules Clarifications
When is a swing a stroke?
