2023 RULES CHANGES

2023 RULES CHANGES

USGA 2023 Key Rules Changes (PDF)

The 5 key changes to the Rules of Golf in 2023 include: 

1. Club Damaged During Round: The Rule has been amended to allow a player to replace a club that  is damaged during a round, provided the player did not damage it through abuse. 

2. Ball Moved by Natural Forces: A new exception provides that a ball at rest must be replaced if it  moves to another area of the course or comes to rest out of bounds after being dropped, placed or  replaced. 

3. Back-on-the-Line Relief Procedure: The back-on-the-line relief procedure, often used for penalty  area and unplayable ball relief, has been simplified so that the player now drops their ball on the line,  and the ball must come to rest within one club-length of where it is dropped. 

4. Handicap Usage in Stroke Play: With the continued growth of score-posting technology following the  adoption of the World Handicap System™, players are no longer penalized for failing to put their  handicap on their scorecard in stroke play. The committee will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of  each player’s handicap. 

5. Modifications for Players with Disabilities: The modifications to the Rules for players with  disabilities have been made part of the Rules and are in effect for all players who are classified in the  categories covered in Rule 25. 

While USGA does not consider the following a key rule change, be aware - 

Rule 6.3 Ball Used in Play of Hole b. Substitution of Another Ball While Playing Hole Prior to 2023, the penalty for illegal substitution of a ball was 2 strokes; in 2023, the penalty became 1  stroke.

Some Other Rules Information