Outcome Changes:

2019 Rules to 2023 Rules Comparison

This chart summarizes the substantive changes between the 2019 and 2023 Rules of Golf. While this document provides more
detail than the principal changes noted in the front of both the Rules of Golf and Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, it does not
detail every minor change that has been made. This chart does not detail points that were covered by the 2019 – 2022
Clarifications document as many of those points have been incorporated into the applicable Rule without the outcome changing.

Rules
Topic
Reference
Determining the area of the
course where the ball lies,
including whether the ball lies on
1.3b(2) the course.
Determining whether the ball
touches or is in or on an abnormal
course condition
A player breaches different Rules
1.3c(4)
or the same Rule multiple times
Additional
2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Notes
“Reasonable judgment” applies
when determining the area of the
Unclear when "reasonable
course where the ball lies, if it lies
judgment" should be applied
in or out of bounds, or if it touches
to these determinations.
or is in or on an abnormal course
condition.
Committees no longer have to
While there are exceptions, a Recommend
determine whether acts are related
player gets multiple penalties reading the Rule
or unrelated. Intervening events
if the breaches are unrelated. and associated
are used to determine whether a
If the breaches are related, Clarifications in
player gets multiple penalties.
the player gets multiple detail to
There are only two intervening
penalties only when there has understand the
events: completion of a stroke and
been an intervening event. revised Rule.
awareness of a breach..

Updated – 12/16/2022
 Rules Additional
Topic 2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Reference Notes
If a player tells the opponent
Rule has been
the wrong (course) handicap If a player gives the opponent
revised to be
before or during the match incorrect information in relation to
Meaning of “Handicap” a player is more accurately
and does not correct the their handicap and this results in
C. 3.2c(1)/2 responsible for when declared to reflect handicap-
mistake before the opponent the player giving too few or getting
opponent related
makes his or her next stroke, if too many strokes, the player is
conversations
the declared handicap is too disqualified under Rule 3.2c(1).
during a match.
high, the player is disqualified.
No requirement for multiple
Each marker must certify the
Player has more than one marker markers to certify the hole scores
3.3b(1) holes where they were the
during the round on the scorecard if the one marker
marker.
sees the player play all of the holes.
Player not responsible for showing
handicap on their returned
MLR L-2 can be
Player responsible for scorecard (committee responsible
used to put
Requirements around showing ensuring their handicap is on for calculating the player's
3.3b(4) responsibility
handicap on scorecard their returned scorecard as handicap strokes for the
back on the
well as its accuracy. competition and using that
player.
handicap to calculate the player's
net score).
A player normally must not MLR G-9 may be
Conforming club damaged during replace a club damaged during Except in cases of abuse, the player used to limit
4.1a(2) a round or while play is stopped a round (or while play is may repair or replace any damaged when a damaged
(under Rule 5.7a) stopped) except in limited club with another club. club may be
cases. replaced.

Updated – 12/16/2022
 Rules Additional
Topic 2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Reference Notes
Player allowed to remove the
external attachment before club is
Player not allowed to use the used to make a stroke without
Player starts round with non- club to make a stroke, even if penalty.
permissible external attachment external attachment is Penalty - no penalty if external
4.1a(3)
on club (such as a sticker on the removed before use. attachment is removed before club
clubface) Penalty - player disqualified if used to make a stroke, player
club used to make a stroke. disqualified if club used to make a
stroke with external attachment
still attached.
Player must not build a club
Player must not build a club from
from parts being carried by or
Building a club from parts being parts being carried by anyone on
4.1b(4) for them, but may build a club
carried the course, regardless of who they
from parts being carried for
are being carried for.
someone else.
The limitations apply to
strokes made on the putting
Limitations on using green-reading green and strokes made from The limitations apply only to
C. 4.3a/1
material off the green with a putter strokes made on the putting green.
when the player is attempting
to get the ball on the green.
Unclear if a player playing on
one course at a venue would
be considered to be
There is no penalty for a player
Practice on course or holes not 'practicing' in breach of Rule
5.2 & C. practicing on holes not being used
being used for competition 5.2b when they are due to
5.2/1 for any rounds of the competition
allowed play on another course at the
to be played on that day.
same venue (i.e. within the
same boundary) later in the
day.
Player makes a stroke at an
6.3b Penalty - General Penalty Penalty – One-stroke penalty
incorrectly substituted ball

Updated – 12/16/2022
 Rules
Topic 2019 Outcome
Reference
If two or more players agree
Player plays out of turn in stroke
to play out of turn to give one
6.4b(1) play to give another player an
of them an advantage, each of
advantage
them gets the general penalty.
Unclear whether a player is
allowed to restore worsened
A referee worsens a player's conditions when those
8.1d(2)
conditions affecting the stroke conditions have been
worsened by a referee during
a ruling.
If a ball at rest is moved by
natural forces (except after
Ball at rest moved by natural
9.3 being replaced on the putting
forces
green), the ball is to be played
from where is comes to rest.
Other than on putting green,
player is allowed to set object
10.2b(1) &
Getting help with line of play down to show the line of play
(2)
so long as object is removed
before making the stroke.
Player must not take a stance
Setting object down to help with
10.2b(3) for the stroke with an object
taking stance
set down.
Updated – 12/16/2022
Additional
2023 Outcome
Notes
Disqualification
If two or more players agree to play
still applies under
out of turn to give one of them an
Rule 1.3 if
advantage and one of them plays
players are
out of turn with the agreement in
aware this
place, each of them gets the
agreement is not
general penalty.
allowed.
Conditions affecting the stroke that
have been worsened by a referee
may be restored as allowed by Rule
8.1d(1).
If a ball at rest is moved by natural
forces after being dropped, placed
or replaced and comes to rest in a
different area of the course or out
of bounds, the ball must be
replaced and played from its
original spot. A ball on the putting
green must still be replaced if
moved after being replaced.
Regardless of area of the course, a
player is not allowed to set an
object down to show the line of
play.
Regardless of area of the course, a
player is not allowed to set an
object down to show the line of
play or to help with taking stance.
 Rules Additional
Topic 2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Reference Notes
The Rule has been re-written to
incorporate the relevant 2019
Clarifications and provide two
outcomes depending on whether
the caddie is standing behind the
player to (1) help with aiming, or
(2) help with something other than
Three Clarifications were aiming.
Caddie standing behind player
released in 2019 to explain
10.2b(4) once they start to take their
and limit the operation of the The area in which the caddie must
stance
Rule. not stand behind the player to help
them has been given a term (the
“restricted area”).

The Rule now allows for someone

other than the player's caddie (or
partner) to stand in the restricted
area to track the flight of their ball.

Updated – 12/16/2022
 Rules Additional
Topic 2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Reference Notes
Until January 1, 2025, a player may
use a self-standing putter by setting
it down right behind or right next
to the spot on which the ball came
to rest to help aim or to take a
Player may use a self-standing stance or position their feet.
C. 10.2b/1, putter by setting it down right
10.2b(3)/1 Using Self-Standing Putter for behind or next to the spot on From January 1, 2025, Rule
and Alignment Help which the ball came to rest to 10.2b(3) will apply to self-standing
10.2b(3)/2 help aim or to take a stance or putters and the acts described in
position their feet. the previous paragraph will no
longer be allowed. But a player will
still be allowed to use a self-
standing putter that conforms to
the Rules to make a stroke or take
other actions allowed by the Rules.

Updated – 12/16/2022
 Rules
Topic 2019 Outcome
Reference
The player's stroke does not
count if the ball in motion hit
any person, animal or
When ball played from putting
movable obstruction on the
11.1b(2) green hits something on putting
putting green. Model Local
green
Rule D-7 was introduced to
limit the instances when the
stroke does not count.
If the player fails to replay
Player fails to replay stroke made
their stroke after their stroke
11.2c(2) from putting green when required
did not count, they have
to do so
played from a wrong place.
Unclear if cleaning a ball that
14.1c Cleaning ball is not lifted results in a penalty
and under what Rule.
Player has played from a
14.2d Re-creating altered lie in sand wrong place if they fail to re-
create their original lie.
Updated – 12/16/2022
Additional
2023 Outcome
Notes
If the player does not replay the
stroke when required to do so
under this Rule, they get the
general penalty and the stroke
counts, but the player has not
played from a wrong place.
If a ball played from the putting
green hits:
• the player,
• the club the player used to
make the stroke, or
• a worm, an insect or a similar
animal
the stroke counts and the ball is
played as it lies. This change brings
the concepts from Model Local
Rule D-7 into the Rules.
If the player fails to replay the
stroke when required to do so,
they get the general penalty and
the stroke counts but the player
has not played from a wrong place.
Cleaning a ball that is not lifted
results in a one-stroke penalty.
If player plays from the right place
but fails to re-create their original
lie, they get the general penalty.
 Rules Additional
Topic 2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Reference Notes
While remaining within the
limits of the specific Rule, the
player may drop the ball one While remaining within the limits
club-length away from the line of the specific Rule, the player must
and if the ball rolls forward of drop the ball on the line and the
14.3b Back-on-the-line relief the reference point the ball ball must come to rest within one
must be dropped a second club-length in any direction of
time. Model Local Rule E-12 where it first touched the line.
allowed the ball to be played
from forward of the reference
point.
If a player tries to play from a
right place to fix their mistake, A player must report to the
Reporting to the committee after
they must report to the committee only when they have
14.7 trying to fix a serious breach of
committee before returning played two balls to fix their
playing from a wrong place
their scorecard. If not, they mistake.
are disqualified.
While remaining within the
limits of the specific Rule, the
player may drop the ball one
While remaining within the limits
club-length away from the line
of the specific Rule, the player must
and if the ball rolls forward of
drop the ball on the line and the
16.1c(2) Back-on-the-line relief the reference point the ball
ball must come to rest within one
must be dropped a second
club-length in any direction of
time. Model Local Rule E-12
where it first touched the line.
allowed the ball to be played
from forward of the reference
point.

Updated – 12/16/2022
 Rules Additional
Topic 2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Reference Notes
The reference point must be in the
There is no requirement for
general area. If the spot right
the reference point to be in
behind the ball is not in the general
the general area. In some
16.3b & area, the player must find the
Embedded ball relief situations, relief is not
C. 16.3b/1 nearest spot (no closer to the hole)
available if no part of the
in the general area and use that as
relief area is in the general
the reference point - see
area.
Clarification 16.3b/1.
While remaining within the
limits of the specific Rule, the
player may drop the ball one
While remaining within the limits
club-length away from the line
of the specific Rule, the player must
and if the ball rolls forward of
drop the ball on the line and the
17.1d(2) Back-on-the-line relief the reference point the ball
ball must come to rest within one
must be dropped a second
club-length in any direction of
time. Model Local Rule E-12
where it first touched the line.
allowed the ball to be played
from forward of the reference
point.
A player is allowed a
A new Clarification has been added
reasonable time to identify a
to clarify that one minute is the
Meaning of “reasonable time” ball after the search time
18.2a(1) & most time a player should be given
when identifying a ball found expires so long as it was found
C. 18.2a(1)/3 by the committee to identify a
within search time within the search time. What
found ball when it is found toward
is considered "reasonable" is
the end of the search time.
up to each committee.

Updated – 12/16/2022
 Rules
Topic 2019 Outcome
Reference
Player is responsible for the
correct handicap on the
scorecard. If the handicap was
Wrong handicap on scorecard too high, the player would be
20.2d(2) results in the wrong player disqualified from the handicap
winning the competition competition, if the handicap
was too low, that handicap is
used to calculate the player’s
net score.
If a player breaches any of the
three Exceptions, they get
21.1c Penalties in Stableford
points deducted from their
total points.
If a player breaches any of the
three Exceptions, they get
21.3c Penalties in Par/Bogey
holes deducted from their
total holes won.
Updated – 12/16/2022
Additional
2023 Outcome
Notes
As per Rule 3.3b(4), the committee
is responsible for calculating the
player’s handicap strokes for the
competition and using it to
calculate the player’s net score. If
the committee miscalculates
either, this is an administrative
mistake and there is no time limit
for correcting the player’s net score
and the result of the competition.
All penalties are applied as they are
in regular stroke play, except for
the five times a player gets zero
points on the hole instead of being
disqualified. That means the
penalty may not impact on the
player’s score (for example if the
player would have scored 0 on the
hole before they got the penalty).
All penalties are applied as they are
in regular stroke play, except for
the five times a player loses the
hole instead of being disqualified.
That means the penalty may not
impact on the player’s score (for
example if the player would have
“lost” the hole before they got the
penalty).
 Rules
Topic 2019 Outcome
Reference
Players responsible for
Requirements around showing ensuring their individual
22.1
handicap on scorecard handicaps are on their
returned scorecard.
A player is in breach of Rule
10.2b(4) if their partner stands
behind them once they start
to take their stance for the
22.6 Standing behind partner
stroke unless the player takes
the stance again. In
Foursomes, the penalty will
therefore apply to the side.
Players responsible for
Requirements around showing ensuring their individual
23.2b(1)
handicap on scorecard handicaps are on their
returned scorecard.
Updated – 12/16/2022
Additional
2023 Outcome
Notes
Players not responsible for showing
handicaps on their returned
MLR L-2 can be
scorecard (committee responsible
used to put
for calculating the players’
responsibility
handicap strokes for the
back on the
competition and using that
players.
handicap to calculate the players’
net score).
New Rule 22.6 prohibits a partner
from standing behind the player to
gain information for the side’s next
stroke and if the partner does so,
the side gets the general penalty.
This is in addition to the limitations
in Rule 10.2b(4) on the player.
Players not responsible for showing
handicaps on their returned
MLR L-2 can be
scorecard (committee responsible
used to put
for calculating the players'
responsibility
handicap strokes for the
back on the
competition and using that
players.
handicap to calculate the players'
net score).
 Rules Additional
Topic 2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Reference Notes
If a player in Four-Ball
New Rule 23.8 prohibits a partner
breaches Rule 10.2b(4) due to
from standing behind the player to
the positioning of their
gain information for their own next
partner behind them, the
stroke and if the partner does so,
player gets the general
23.8 Standing behind partner the partner gets the general
penalty under Rule 10.2b(4).
penalty
The partner gets no penalty
This is in addition to the limitations
unless the breach helped
in Rule 10.2b(4) on the player.
them.
The player does not
automatically get a penalty The player's advice giver is held to
Restrictions on giving help for under Rule 10.2b(4) for their the same standards for applying
24.4b
advice givers advice giver standing behind Rule 10.2b(4) that their caddie,
them once they start to take partner and partner's caddie are.
the stance for the stroke.
The modifications are treated
as local rules and are not in
The modifications have the same
General - Modifications for players effect unless put into effect by
25 status as any other Rule and are in
with disabilities a committee who may choose
effect for all competitions.
which of the modifications to
put into effect.
A visually impaired player may set
A visually impaired player
an object on the ground to help
Rule 10.2b(3) for visually impaired must not take a stance for the
25.2c with taking a stance, but the object
players stroke in relation to an object
must be removed before making
they set on the ground.
the stroke.
Unless clarified by a
committee, the player's stroke If a ball played from the putting
Status of assistive mobility device does not count if their ball green accidentally hits their
25.4k
in relation to Rule 11.1b played from the putting green assistive mobility device, the ball
accidentally hits their assistive must be played as it lies.
mobility device.

Updated – 12/16/2022
 Rules
Topic
Reference
Local Rule: Ball deflected by
MLR E-11
power line
Local Rule: Permitting the use of
MLR E-12 mats on parts of the general area
cut to fairway height or less
Local Rule: Restricting the use of
MLR F-5 to situations where both
MLF F-5 the ball and the obstruction are in
part of the general area cut to
fairway height or less
Local Rule: Ball hits temporary
MLF F-22
elevated line or cable
Updated – 12/16/2022
Additional
2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Notes
A player's stroke does not
A player must replay their stroke if
count if the ball is deflected by
it is deflected by a power line. If
a power line. If the player
they do not, the stroke counts and
does not replay the stroke,
they get the general penalty but
they have played from a
have not played from a wrong
wrong place but the stroke
place.
does not count.
This Local Rule is now included in
This Local Rule was available
the Model Local Rules in the
on request.
Official Guide for completeness.
This option is within the
principles of the Model Local This Local Rule is now included in
Rule and is used by several the Model Local Rules in the
Tours and National Official Guide for completeness.
Associations.
A player’s stroke does not
A player must replay their stroke if
count if it is known or virtually
it is known or virtually certain that
certain that it hits a temporary
it hits a temporary elevated line or
elevated line or cable. If the
cable. If they do not, the stroke
player does not replay the
counts and they get the general
stroke, they have played from
penalty but have not played from a
a wrong place but the stroke
wrong place.
does not count.
 Rules
Topic
Reference
Local Rule: Temporary immovable
MLR F-23
obstructions (TIOs)
Local Rule: Relief from immovable
MLR F-24
obstructions in penalty areas
Local Rule: Player has interference
from abnormal course condition
such as a narrow fence or wall
MLR F-25 where the nearest point of
complete relief may be on the
other side of the abnormal course
condition
Updated – 12/16/2022
2019 Outcome
A committee can allow players
to take relief from
interference by TIOs on the
either side of the TIO rather
than limiting relief to the
nearest side. But when taking
relief on the other side for
physical interference using the
procedures in Rule 16.1, the
committee must determine
what is the other side or the
committee can limit relief so
that relief on the other side is
not available when using the
procedures in Rule 16.1.
When a player's ball is in a
penalty area, they are not
allowed to take relief from
immovable obstructions.
No Model Local Rule detailed,
though such a Local Rule is
allowed.
Additional
2023 Outcome
Notes
A committee can allow players to
take relief from interference by
TIOs on either side of the TIO. But
this additional option does not
apply when a player takes relief
using the procedures in Rule 16.1.
A committee can allow players
relief from immovable obstructions
when their ball is in a penalty area.
They should specify which
obstructions relief is allowed from,
rather than allowing relief from all
obstructions.
Local Rule available to state that
the nearest point of complete relief
must be determined without
crossing over, through or under the
abnormal course condition.
 Rules Additional
Topic 2019 Outcome 2023 Outcome
Reference Notes
Gates in boundary fences and
walls are not part of the
A committee can treat closed gates
boundary object and are
as part of the boundary object, not
obstructions unless the
Local Rule: Gates in boundary allowing them to be moved when
MLR F-26 committee defines them to be
fences and walls in such position. If a gate is open, it
integral. But even when
is treated as a movable obstruction
integral, if the gate is
and may be moved.
movable, it is treated as a
movable obstruction.
MLR G-4 Local Rule: One ball Rule Penalty – General Penalty Penalty – One-stroke penalty
Rule 4.1a(2) states that a
player normally must not Rule 4.1a(2) states that except in
The outcome of
replace a club damaged during cases of abuse, the player may
introducing MLR
a round (or while play is repair the club or replace it with
G-9 under the
Local Rule: Restricting when a stopped) except in limited another club.
2023 Rules is the
MLR G-9 broken or significantly damaged cases. MLR G-9 allows a player
same as when it
club may be replaced to replace a club that has been MLR G-9 limits replacement to
was introduced
broken or significantly cases where the club is broken or
under the 2019
damaged by the player or significantly damaged, which does
Rules.
caddie except in cases of not include a club that is cracked.
abuse.
Unless MLR G-11 is in effect,
players may use any written,
A committee can prohibit players
printed, electronic or digital
Local Rule: Prohibiting use of from using any written, printed,
materials so long as it meets
MLR G-12 written, printed, electronic or electronic or digital materials to
the size, scale and other
digital materials help read their line of play on the
requirements of
putting green.
Interpretation 4.3a/1 when
the limitations apply.
A committee cannot prohibit
Local Rule: Prohibiting practice on A committee may prohibit practice
MLR I-2 practice on practice putting
or near previous putting green on practice putting greens.
greens.

Updated – 12/16/2022
 Rules
Topic
Reference
Local Rule: Bad times in multiple-
MLR K-2
round stroke-play competitions
Local Rule: Modification of penalty
under Rule 3.3b(2) when
MLR L-1
scorecard missing player or
marker certification
Local Rule: Making player
MLR L-2 responsible for handicap on
scorecard
Local Rule: Committee determines
that there is clear evidence that a
player’s ability to putt is
MLR M-3 significantly and negatively
impacted by ataxia or athetosis,
and the player holds a WR4GD
pass or EDGA Access pass
Updated – 12/16/2022
2019 Outcome
No permission detailed in
Model Local Rule to carry bad
times throughout the
competition, though this
would be allowed.
If a player returns their
scorecard without their
certification or their marker's
certification, they are
disqualified.
See Rule 3.3b(4) above.
Unpublished position that in
the limited circumstances
detailed, the player is exempt
from penalty under Rule 10.1b
(Anchoring the Club).
Additional
2023 Outcome
Notes
Bad times may carry throughout
the stroke-play competition.
A committee can modify the
disqualification penalty to two
penalty strokes in the event it is
returned without the player or
marker certification.
Rule 3.3b(4) states that there is no
requirement for a player's handicap
to be shown on the scorecard.
However, a committee can put this
responsibility back on the player.
Now published in the Official
Guide.