Section 7: Violations/Penalties
Rules of Golf Penalties
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 stroke play, or disqualification for the most serious breaches). The PGA TOUR Rules Officials administer these rulings on the course.
Pace-of-Play Penalties
- 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.
Scorecard and Competition Breaches
- 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.
Player Conduct and Discipline
- 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 TOUR competition. Disciplinary matters are generally handled confidentially under the regulations.
- Commitment and withdrawal violations, media obligations, and pro-am obligations are all regulated and can carry fines.
Anti-Doping Violations
- 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.