Six new PGA Tour rules come into effect, from fairway relief to pitchmarks and club repairs.
On Tuesday, the PGA Tour informed players of five new local model rules, including an additional change on preferred lies. The season starts next week with a total of six new rules at the Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii. PGA Tour Vice President of Rules and Referees Steven Rintoul told golf.com these are ‘good, sensible outcomes for high-level golf’ and part of the ongoing modernization of the rules that began in 2019, approved by the USGA and R&A effective January 1, 2026.
Here we present the new rules and local model rules, explaining the reasons behind the decisions:
New Golf Rule Clarifies Penalties for Unintentional Ball Movement
According to Rule 9.4b, a player receives a one-stroke penalty if they move their stationary ball and fail to replace it before their next stroke, even if unaware that the ball had moved. However, the player does not play from a wrong place (Rule 14.7a – two penalties) if it is later established the player caused the movement. If the player notices the ball moved and plays from the new spot without replacing it, the general penalty under Rule 14.7a applies. This new rule results from an incident involving Shane Lowry at the 2025 Open Championship, when he unintentionally moved the ball during a practice swing; officials later penalized him two strokes after reviewing footage. Lowry accepted the penalty despite finding it hard to swallow.
Relief Now Allowed When Ball Lies in Another Player’s Pitchmark
A rule change now allows a player to take free relief if their ball rests in a pitchmark made by another player, per Rule 16.3b. Previously, free relief was only granted when the ball lay in the player’s own pitchmark. Repaired pitchmarks do not qualify for relief, regardless of repair quality. This change follows repeated incidents including one involving Lowry at the 2025 Open where relief was denied when his ball landed in a pitchmark.
‘Out of Bounds’ Applies Only From the Tee
To prevent players from exploiting outer boundaries as shortcuts, ‘Out of Bounds’ (marked by white stakes) will only apply when the ball is played from the tee. Previously, players were sometimes restricted by boundaries when trying to chip from challenging spots. This rule now prevents unfair advantage seeking by limiting ‘Out of Bounds’ to tee shots.
Additional Rule Changes
Relief is now possible for immovable obstructions on closely mowed aprons that allow putting-like strokes. Players can repair damaged clubs on the course using parts carried in their bag, streamlining repairs without illegal equipment concerns. Also, the relief area on poor fairways is reduced from one club length (~46 inches) to one