Rules of Golf
As the governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada holds the exclusive right to govern, publish and distribute the Rules of Golf in Canada.
The Rules are typically updated every four years through the work of the R&A and the United States Golf Association. A joint committee of these associations, on which the Chair of Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee sits, is charged with revising, modernizing and improving the Rules of Golf. These two documents form the complete Rules of Golf that are used universally throughout the world of golf.
For clubs or committees in charge of competitions, the Conditions of Competition and Standard Local Rules that Golf Canada implements at all championships is posted for your reference. In addition, a list of local rules that should be considered is available on the Golf Canada website.
Rules of Golf Publications
‘Full Rules of Golf’: The full edition of the Rules will be written in the third person and will include illustrations. The Rules of Golf is intended to be the primary publication for officials and is expected Golf Club Committees and Referees will use the publication as their primary Rules of Golf resource.
Click here to view the 2023 Rules of Golf.
The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf: This guidebook contains information to best support committees and officials. It includes interpretations on the Rules, Committee procedures (available local rules and information on establishing the terms of the competition), and the Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities. It is a “long-form” resource document intended as a supplementary publication.
Click here to view the 2023 Official Guide.
Purchase Guide to the Rules of Golf
The official guide is currently available for purchase through the Golf Canada Shop.
Resources
Smartphone Apps
Please use the links below to view the official R&A or USGA Rules of Golf apps.
Rules Education
In addition to publishing the Rules of Golf, Golf Canada is committed to train and educate all golfers that could ultimately lead to national certification as a Referee.
In 2019 Golf Canada adopted the R&A’s Rules Education system. One of the main objectives of the Rules Modernization Initiative was to create consistency around the world in many facets of the Rules of Golf, including educating and training referees. The exams that Golf Canada will use and the designation by marks achieved will be consistent throughout the countries allied to the R&A, such as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
While Golf Canada traditionally has employed a four-level system, the R&A’s Rules Education program consists of a three-tiered approach. In order to align the programs, Golf Canada’s current Levels 1 and 2 were consolidated into just one level (the new Level 1). Separate programs are maintained for individuals who wish to continue through our Rules Education Pathway at the provincial and national level, which are the new Level 2 and Level 3.
LEVEL 1
Level 1 provides an interesting and easy way to learn the basics of the Rules of Golf. This level will focus on Etiquette, the principle definitions and commonly encountered situations on the course. As part of the Level 1 program, students will be able to test their knowledge by taking the review questions at the end of each section before attempting the online Level 1 Exam.
LEVEL 2
Level 2 (provincial certification) seminars will be conducted by provincial golf associations, and the curriculum will begin to look at the more important playing rules in detail. Some of the complexities that are found in the guidebook are introduced along with also implementing on-course demonstrations. Level 2 (Provincial) is designed for individuals with an interest in becoming a provincial or national referee along with providing training for those who wish to further their rules knowledge.
2024 Rules of Golf Level 2 Seminar – Red Deer Golf & Country Club, March 1, 2 & 3, 2024
Level 2 Exam Preparation Session
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 & Part 5 – to be uploaded
Seminar information and registration can be found here.
LEVEL 3
Level 3 (national certification) will consist of a three-day seminar run by Golf Canada. It serves to give guidance and advice on refereeing at the highest level. This program is intended for experienced referees who wish to improve both their technical and practical knowledge as a referee.
For more information on Level 3, and a listing of seminar dates and locations, visit Golf Canada
Equipment
The List of conforming drivers and conforming golf balls are universal lists used by all golf associations.
Ask a Rules Expert
Golf Canada is pleased to provide assistance in any questions that you might have regarding The Rules of Golf and Rules of Handicapping.
You may be able to find the answer to your question by reviewing the information included on our Rules of Golf and Rules of Handicapping pages. If you still have a question, please complete the form by using the following link (Ask an Expert) our experts will be happy to help
PLEASE NOTE: If you have a Rules question regarding a provincial competition currently taking place (the competition has not closed), then you may contact John Deneer, Director Competitions and Athlete Development to discuss.
To contact Golf Canada for a ruling during a national championship event, please call Mary Beth McKenna, Director of Rules and Competitions at 905-808-1809.
If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a detailed message including your name, title (Rules Chair, Professional, etc.) phone number where you can be contacted and a description of the incident requiring a ruling. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.