USGA

The 14-club limit (Rule 4.1b of the Rules of Golf) applies in full: a player may start a stipulated round with no more than 14 clubs and may not add a club during the round except in narrow exceptions. Breach is a stroke-play penalty of two stroke...

Stroke play: 2 strokes per hole at which the breach occurred; maximum 4 strokes per round.

Serious caddie misconduct (cheating, intentional interference, dangerous behavior) may result in the player being penalized under Rule 1.2b and the caddie being removed from the championship grounds.

Each player must use a single caddie during the stipulated round; additional caddies are not permitted; Caddies wear a tournament-supplied bib displaying the player's name and number; The caddie is bound by the conduct expectations set forth in the Notice to Players; serious caddie misconduct can...

The course is mown into fairway, rough, intermediate cut, and green areas per the championship setup. The fairway-rough delineation is precisely maintained throughout the championship; the Committee's daily mark applies.

The USGA Player Conduct Policy applies to all entrants. Misconduct categories include: Disrespectful conduct toward officials, fellow players, caddies, spectators, or volunteers; Profanity audible to others; Throwing or damaging clubs in a manner that may be unsafe or that damages course property

All clubs and balls used in USGA championships must conform to the USGA Equipment Standards published by the USGA's Equipment Standards committee.

Spectators are managed by rope lines and trained marshals; sight-line management protects players during ball flight; "Fore!" is the universal warning call for an errant ball; players are responsible for shouting "Fore!" when their ball travels toward people; Players are responsible for clearing ...

Each USGA championship is contested on a specific host course (e.g., the 2026 U.S. Open: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, NY); The course is set up by the USGA Championship Committee in consultation with the host club's superintendent and architect; Course setup specifications include hol...

Per the 2026 USGA Local Rules: Distance-measuring devices that measure distance only are permitted; Devices that measure or display slope, wind, elevation, or other relevant conditions are NOT permitted during a stipulated round at USGA championships (the standard championship-level prohibition);...