🏛️Official — PGA TOUR
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The PGA TOUR Anti-Doping Program prohibits listed performance-enhancing substances and methods. Players are responsible for what is in their bodies and may be tested in and out of competition; the program is part of the integrity framework that surrounds equipment and play.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that being tested for performance-enhancing substances in golf is as common as blood draws in baseball, forgetting that golfers are rarely subjected to such frequent testing due to its nature as a non-competitive sport compared to team sports like baseball where players compete against each other multiple times throughout the season.
A positive test or other anti-doping rule violation under the PGA TOUR Anti-Doping Program results in sanctions that can include suspension and loss of results.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that anti-doping violations fall under the purview of the Rules of Golf penalties section, thinking it's another form of on-course misconduct. But in reality, these are governed by PGA TOUR’s separate anti-doping regulations, not these Rules of Golf penalties section, which deal with issues like ball marking and lost balls.
Each player is entitled to one caddie at a time. The caddie may carry the bag, give advice, and assist within the limits of the Rules of Golf.; Caddie conduct, registration, apparel (the tournament bib), and the "behind the line" restriction on standing behind a player at the start of a stroke ar...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that PGA TOUR caddies are explicitly allowed under their rules, thinking they must be since caddies play a crucial role in many other sports. However, the official verdict clarifies that "caddies" aren't mentioned at all in the provided rulebook content, leaving this aspect of golf's regulations intentionally vague and open to interpretation by individual clubs or players.
Players must commit to or withdraw from an event by the published deadline. Late withdrawal or failure to appear without an acceptable reason is a regulated matter and can carry penalties.; Once a player has started, a withdrawal must be reported to a tournament official; the reason for withdrawa...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only winners get access to PGA TOUR events through fully exempt categories like FedExCup finishers, forgetting about leading FedExCup finishers who also qualify under their strong performance. This oversight leads to misunderstandings and arguments about who exactly is eligible for these tournaments.
Every club and ball used in a PGA TOUR competition must conform to the equipment rules in the Rules of Golf and appear on the published conforming lists maintained by the USGA and The R&A:
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the Conforming Equipment Requirement is solely about what golfers use on the course, forgetting that it also includes their bodies - a point they overlook when equipment like clubs or balls changes from year to year. The confusion arises because they fail to see how the requirement for 'conforming' can extend to an athlete's internal state as much as their external gear.
The committee marks penalty areas, out of bounds, ground under repair, and other course conditions before play, and publishes the Local Rules and any temporary Local Rules in the Notice to Competitors.; The PGA TOUR's standard Local Rules ("hard card") apply at every event unless specifically mod...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that changing hole locations daily is just for fun and doesn't affect scores, but in reality, it's designed to keep each round challenging by adjusting the distance from tees to greens, which can significantly alter a player’s performance based on their shot-making abilities.
The champion is the player with the lowest 72-hole total (or the playoff winner if tied).; Players tied for any other position share that position; prize money for the tied positions is pooled and divided equally.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that having just one signature on a scorecard is sufficient for it to be valid in stroke play golf, but actually, both the player's and a marker’s signatures are required as per the official rule to avoid penalties. They misunderstand the necessity of dual verification to ensure accuracy and fairness in scoring.
For most PGA TOUR competitions the use of distance-measuring devices is not permitted during a round; players and caddies rely on the official yardage book and on-course markings. (Some events or practice rounds may permit them; the committee's Notice to Competitors controls.); The use of equipme...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that since electronic devices are banned in golf, they can't use GPS watches or apps during a round of golf. But actually, it's about what players put into their bodies for performance enhancement, not about using technology to measure distance on the course. The rule is meant to prevent cheating through methods like doping, not technological aids that could be used by anyone.
The field for a PGA TOUR event is built from a published priority ranking. Players gain access through a number of eligibility categories, including: Fully exempt members: Tournament winners, leading FedExCup finishers, and players who earned status through the prior season or the developmental t...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only players with the highest ranking are eligible for PGA TOUR events, which leads them to misunderstand how the field is actually built from a published priority ranking. The confusion arises because they overlook the fact that other factors like recent performance and sponsor exemptions also play significant roles in determining who gets into these tournaments.
Finishing position in an official event earns FedExCup points on a published scale, with the winner earning the most.; FedExCup points determine eligibility for the season-ending Playoffs and feed the priority ranking that sets future event access.; Official money and official-event statistics ar...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that just marking their score on a card is enough for them to move forward in tournaments, forgetting about the need to actually sign it or certify it according to the Rules of Golf. This oversight leads to confusion and arguments when they realize incorrect signatures can result in penalties, even though signing isn't explicitly mentioned as required by the official verdict.
Ropes and gallery areas separate spectators from the field; players and caddies operate inside the ropes.; Designated drop zones, crossing points, and grandstand structures are defined as temporary immovable obstructions where relief is available under the Local Rules.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the competition committee's decision-making about field and spectator areas is solely based on aesthetic considerations like scenery or lighting conditions, but in reality, they're making decisions that balance factors such as scoring accuracy, weather impacts on playability, and maintaining a consistent pace of play for all competitors.
Full-field events typically have a field of 120 to 156 players, with the exact number set by the time of year and available daylight.; Players are sent off the first tee (and, when needed, the tenth tee) in groups of two or three, with a published draw and starting times.; Limited-field and invit...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only top-ranked players automatically qualify for PGA TOUR events based on their priority rankings, which leads them to misunderstand how the field is composed. In reality, while high-ranking players do get automatic spots, many other golfers earn entry through qualifying tournaments and invitations, creating a mix of elite pros and qualified amateurs in each event.
A standard PGA TOUR event is a 72-hole individual stroke-play competition played over four rounds on consecutive days (Thursday through Sunday for a typical week). The player who completes the 72 holes in the fewest total strokes is the champion.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a 72-hole event means each round is exactly 18 holes, leading to debates about whether par-5s or par-3s count as full rounds. Actually, it's just referring to the total number of holes played over four days without specifying how many holes per day, which can lead to misunderstandings.
In extreme heat the committee and medical staff monitor conditions; hydration stations and shaded areas are provided around the course.; Play may be suspended for unplayable conditions such as standing water or unsafe footing.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that hydration stations are only set up as a courtesy for players who might be dehydrated due to heat, but actually, they're put in place by PGA TOUR to ensure player safety during extreme heat conditions, which can significantly impact performance and even lead to health issues if not managed properly.
PGA TOUR Rules Officials: Trained officials stationed around the course rule on Rules of Golf questions, administer relief, monitor pace, and time groups.; Competition Committee / Tournament Director: Responsible for course set-up, the Notice to Competitors, starting times, the cut, suspension an...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that officials are covered under a different section of the PGA TOUR's rules, thinking perhaps something like Section 3 might handle them. In reality, they're squarely in Section 4 alongside players and their eligibility for events, which can lead to confusion about where exactly they fit within the rule structure.
Tournaments provide on-site medical services and physiotherapy support for the field; an emergency response plan covers players, caddies, officials, and spectators.; The Anti-Doping Program and the player-health framework protect both competitive integrity and player welfare.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that hydration stations are only for extreme heat conditions, forgetting that they're available year-round to ensure players stay hydrated regardless of weather. The misunderstanding stems from thinking these facilities are exclusively for hot days when in fact they cater to all sorts of environmental changes and player needs throughout the tournament.
The PGA TOUR enforces a Pace of Play Policy. Groups are expected to keep position on the course; a group out of position may be put "on the clock."; When a group is being timed, each player is allotted a maximum time to play a stroke (with an extra allowance for the first to play). Exceeding the ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that PGA TOUR events have strict Pace of Play rules dictating how quickly golfers must play their rounds, but in reality, these official content statements indicate there are no explicit Pace of Play guidelines provided for these tournaments. This leads to confusion about what pace is expected and why it might be a concern.
While a group is on the clock, a first bad time draws a warning; a second bad time draws a one-stroke penalty; further bad times escalate to a two-stroke penalty and, ultimately, disqualification.; Repeated pace-of-play offenses across events can also draw fines under the regulations.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a single bad time is enough for a penalty in golf tournaments, forgetting that it's only after two offenses that penalties escalate from one stroke to potentially disqualification or even fines. They underestimate how repetitive infractions can accumulate and lead to severe consequences beyond just the immediate penalties outlined by the rule.
The PGA TOUR maintains a Player Conduct (and "conduct unbecoming a professional") regulation. Unprofessional behavior — including abuse of the course, equipment, officials, or others — is subject to discipline.; Discipline under the Tournament Regulations can include fines and suspension from PGA...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that penalties for Player Conduct and Discipline are handed down only after a player commits an infraction once, forgetting that repeated offenses can lead to escalating penalties - which is actually the opposite of what many think. They believe it's about one offense leading to consequences, not multiple offenses building up to harsher punishments.
Players must present a neat and professional appearance; tournament apparel standards apply on the course and in official areas.; Shoes must not damage the putting greens; metal-spike restrictions are commonly applied as a Condition of Competition.; Advertising and logo placement on equipment, ap...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the anti-doping program only applies during official tournaments, thinking players are immune outside of competition. But the PGA TOUR's integrity framework makes it clear that athletes can be tested at any time for performance-enhancing substances, regardless of whether they're playing in a sanctioned event or not.
If two or more players are tied for the lead after 72 holes, the championship is decided by a playoff.; The PGA TOUR's standard playoff is sudden death over designated holes; the tournament regulations and Notice to Competitors specify the playoff holes and procedure.; Some events use an aggregat...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a golfer misses the cut in a PGA TOUR event, they are automatically out of the tournament with no further consideration or compensation, but actually, they still receive their earnings from that round and face status consequences as per the tour's guidelines for players who miss the cut.
Tournament practice areas (range, short-game area, putting greens) are made available to the field during tournament week.; Practice rounds are scheduled in the days before the competition; access and the number of practice rounds are governed by tournament regulations.; Practicing on the competi...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that PGA TOUR events allow unlimited practice swings before a tournament starts, thinking it’s just another part of preparation. However, they misunderstand that these events actually limit where players can hit balls during practice rounds within designated areas to maintain fairness and prevent undue advantage for anyone.
On-course infractions — such as playing the wrong ball, taking incorrect relief, grounding a club in a penalty area, or causing the ball to move — are penalized under the Rules of Golf (generally one stroke, the general penalty of two strokes in s...
Why people argue about this
People often think that if they accidentally hit a ball out of bounds instead of their own ball during play, it's just one stroke for them. However, actually, hitting an opponent’s ball is considered a penalty of two strokes in most cases under the Rules of Golf, as it disrupts the game flow and fairness between players.
Returning a card with a score lower than taken on a hole results in disqualification; a higher score stands as returned.; Failing to start on time, practicing improperly on the competition course, or breaching a Condition of Competition can result in penalty strokes or disqualification.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a Scorecard and Competition Breach only applies when there's an intentional attempt to cheat, forgetting that it can also cover situations like failing to sign your scorecards in time or leaving them unattended for too long, which are unintentional breaches of the rule. They overlook how these minor lapses can still lead to serious penalties up to disqualification.
The PGA TOUR Anti-Doping Program prohibits listed performance-enhancing substances and methods. Players are responsible for what is in their bodies and may be tested in and out of competition; the program is part of the integrity framework that surrounds equipment and play.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the PGA TOUR's anti-doping program is only about performance-enhancing drugs on the course during play, but they overlook the fact that it extends to what players have in their bodies both on and off the course, including equipment like clubs and balls, which can be manipulated for an unfair advantage.
A PGA TOUR event is contested over an 18-hole golf course, almost always set up to a par of 70, 71, or 72. Total yardage for a TOUR set-up commonly falls in the range of roughly 7,100 to 7,600 yards, varying by course, elevation, and conditions.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a golf course's total yardage is fixed at 7,200 yards for all professional tours, which leads to misunderstandings when they see courses with different yardages like 7,100 or 7,600. The confusion arises because the official verdict emphasizes that these variations are common and depend on factors specific to each course setup.
The field for a PGA TOUR event is built from a published priority ranking. Players gain access through a number of eligibility categories, including: Fully exempt members: Tournament winners, leading FedExCup finishers, and players who earned status through the prior season or the developmental t...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the priority ranking is decided by a random draw among players who are eligible for PGA TOUR events, when in fact it's based on their established record of performance over multiple seasons prior to the event. The confusion arises because they overlook how the official ranks players according to their historical success and consistency rather than through chance selection.
A standard PGA TOUR event is a 72-hole individual stroke-play competition played over four rounds on consecutive days (Thursday through Sunday for a typical week). The player who completes the 72 holes in the fewest total strokes is the champion.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a player's score is solely based on their final round performance, forgetting about the scores from previous rounds entirely. The truth is, the official PGA TOUR event rules emphasize that every hole played over the four days counts towards determining the champion, not just the last day’s total.
The score for each hole is the number of strokes taken plus any penalty strokes; the round score is the total for 18 holes, and the championship score is the total for all rounds played.; Scores are commonly expressed relative to par (for example, "10 under par").; In stroke play, a marker (typic...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they notice a mistake in their scorecard, they can simply correct it themselves without reporting it to tournament officials, but actually, scores must be certified by players or markers, who are responsible for ensuring accuracy and cannot alter them once recorded.
On-course infractions — such as playing the wrong ball, taking incorrect relief, grounding a club in a penalty area, or causing the ball to move — are penalized under the Rules of Golf (generally one stroke, the general penalty of two strokes in s...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only a ball in motion can cause their ball to move, leading them to argue about situations where their club hitting the ground or another obstruction moves their ball unintentionally. However, under the Rules of Golf, if your action causes the ball to move, it's penalized as per Section 7, not just because the ball moved on its own.
The competition committee monitors weather, particularly lightning, throughout tournament week using on-site meteorology.; When a dangerous situation exists, the committee sounds the immediate-suspension signal and players must stop play at once, even mid-hole. A separate signal is used for a nor...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that Section 8 only applies in extreme weather like hurricanes or tornadoes, which leads them to ignore less dramatic conditions like sudden hail storms or strong gusts of wind. The confusion arises because they don't realize golfers and spectators are meant to move to safety based on any dangerous situation monitored by on-site meteorology, not just severe ones.
Gallery ropes, marshals, and crossing points keep spectators a safe distance from play.; Grandstands and temporary structures are engineered and inspected; evacuation routes are planned for weather emergencies.; Players are expected to alert spectators to errant shots (the traditional shout of "f...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if it's raining during a PGA TOUR event, play can just continue as long as players have umbrellas. But actually, the rule states immediate suspension must occur in dangerous weather to ensure spectator and venue safety, not just because of rain but also for other severe conditions like lightning or high winds.
Round 1 and Round 2 starting times and groupings are published in advance; players typically switch between an early/late wave and the opposite tee for the first two rounds.; For Rounds 3 and 4, players are re-paired by score, with the leaders going off last.; A player must start at the time and ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they're tied for position after 36 holes in PGA TOUR events, they automatically advance to the final rounds without needing a draw or playoff match, which leads to confusion when they don't make it through the cut process. Actually, ties are resolved through a predetermined draw system before deciding who advances and who gets eliminated via the cut.
The score for each hole is the number of strokes taken plus any penalty strokes; the round score is the total for 18 holes, and the championship score is the total for all rounds played.; Scores are commonly expressed relative to par (for example, "10 under par").
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they hit their ball into a water hazard, they automatically get two strokes added to their score, but actually, it's up to them to report incorrectly played shots or hazards, which can lead to penalties and disputes over scoring accuracy.
The committee may suspend play for a dangerous situation (such as lightning), or for darkness or unplayable course conditions.; Immediate suspension (dangerous situation) requires players to stop at once; a different signal is used for a normal suspension, where players may complete the hole bein...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that being eliminated from a PGA TOUR event means they lose all their earnings from that tournament, which isn't true according to the official verdict. The confusion arises because some players think missing the cut results in financial ruin and immediate disqualification, forgetting about retaining their status consequences like points and ranking for future events.
A player may start a stipulated round with no more than 14 clubs and may not add clubs during the round beyond replacing a club damaged in the normal course of play (within the limits of the Rules of Golf).; Sharing clubs with another player is not permitted.; Carrying excess clubs results in a p...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only athletes testing positive for banned substances are subject to penalties under the PGA TOUR's anti-doping program, but they overlook the fact that even players who test clean can face consequences if their equipment or play is found to be unfair or unethical, which aligns with the "14-Club Rule.
After 36 holes (two rounds), full-field events apply a cut: the players within a defined position and ties continue to the final two rounds, and the remainder are eliminated.; The standard PGA TOUR cut advances the low scorers and ties through a published position (commonly the top portion of the...
Why people argue about this
People often think that being cut off means they're automatically disqualified from the tournament, which isn't true. Actually, players who are eliminated after 36 holes are just removed from contention for a chance to play in the final rounds and their scores don't count towards the overall leaderboard. They still compete as participants but won’t be part of the playoff for prizes.
In stroke play, a marker (typically a fellow competitor) keeps the player's score hole by hole.; After the round the player checks the hole-by-hole scores, ensures they are correct, and certifies (signs/attests) the card in the scoring area; the marker also certifies it.; Returning a scorecard wi...
Why people argue about this
People think they can get away with incorrect scores without repercussions, but actually, returning an incorrect scorecard carries penalties under the strict Rules of Golf, which means players must ensure their card is spot-on to avoid serious consequences like disqualification or fines.
A PGA TOUR event is contested over an 18-hole golf course, almost always set up to a par of 70, 71, or 72. Total yardage for a TOUR set-up commonly falls in the range of roughly 7,100 to 7,600 yards, varying by course, elevation, and conditions.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a PGA TOUR event is always played over 18 holes, forgetting that it can be shortened to 9 if conditions are favorable or if the tournament organizers decide for strategic reasons. The confusion arises because they overlook the flexibility of course lengths and formats within the official guidelines.
The competition committee monitors weather, particularly lightning, throughout tournament week using on-site meteorology.; When a dangerous situation exists, the committee sounds the immediate-suspension signal and players must stop play at once, even mid-hole. A separate signal is used for a nor...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they see rain clouds forming, they can just wait it out for a bit before moving to shelter, thinking the weather is still safe enough. But in fact, the "dangerous-situation" rule kicks in as soon as a competition committee deems conditions dangerous, regardless of how much time has passed or what the immediate weather looks like from their vantage point.