Section 3: Playing Area
Course Setup
- 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 hole locations, tee positions, rough heights, fairway widths, green speeds, and bunker conditions
- Each round may use different hole locations and tee positions; the day's setup is published in the daily hole location sheet
Out of Bounds
Out of bounds is defined by the line between the course-side points of white stakes and fence posts at ground level. Where stakes and a fence are used together, the inside-edge-of-fence definition takes precedence at the discretion of the Committee.
Penalty Areas
- Penalty areas are defined by yellow or red stakes/lines per the host venue's setup
- When a penalty area is defined on only one side (typically a stream or shoreline), it extends to infinity in the other direction
- Relief options under Rule 17 apply with the championship-specific drop zones noted on the daily card
Ground Under Repair (GUR)
GUR is defined by white lines, with championship-specific declarations including French drains as GUR. Specific cart paths, signage, and championship infrastructure may be declared GUR at the Committee's discretion and noted on the daily card.
Closely-Mown Areas
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.