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R&A vs NCAA

AFirst Sport

R&A

Golf

First Sport

Details

Players1

Settingoutdoor

SeasonRules of Golf 2023 edition (effective 2023-01-01, current quadrennial cycle; jointly governed by The R&A and USGA; additional clarifications updated through 2026-04-08)

CategoryIndividual Sports

BSecond Sport

NCAA

Golf

Second Sport

Details

Players1

Settingoutdoor

Season2025-26 NCAA Golf Rules Book (Rules of Golf base + NCAA team match-play format, fall+spring season, NCAA Championship match play)

CategoryIndividual Sports

Shared Topics

Different Rules

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(7)

Section 2: Equipment

Different

R&A

Maximum Number of Clubs (Rule 4.1b): A player must not start a round with more than 14 clubs and must not have more than 14 clubs during the round. A player who starts with fewer than 14 clubs may add clubs up to that limit during the round, provided play is not unduly delayed.

NCAA

Conforming clubs (USGA/R&A list); Conforming golf balls (USGA/R&A list); 14-club limit per stipulated round (Rule 4.1b)

Section 3: Playing Area

Different

R&A

Rule 2 defines the five defined areas of the course. Understanding these areas is essential because different Rules apply in each area.

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Rule-by-Rule Comparison(7)

Section 2: Equipment

Section 3: Playing Area

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Section 4: Players & Officials

Section 5: Rules of Play

Section 6: Scoring

Section 7: Violations & Penalties

Section 8: Safety Considerations