Six new PGA Tour rules take effect, ranging from fairway relief and pitchmark adjustments to equipment repairs.
On Tuesday, the PGA Tour announced five new local rules to players, adding a sixth change regarding preferred lies. These will come into effect at the season opener, the Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii, next week. Steven Rintoul, PGA Tour Vice President of Rules and Officiating, told golf.com the changes are \”good, sensible outcomes for golf at the highest level\” and are part of continued modernization of the rules that began in 2019, approved by USGA and R&A effective January 1, 2026.
New Penalties Clarify Unintentional Ball Movements
Under Rule 9.4b, a player now receives a penalty stroke if they move a resting ball and fail to replace it before their next stroke, even if unaware the ball moved. If later discovered the player caused the movement, they are not penalized for playing from a wrong place (Rule 14.7a – two penalties). However, if the player realizes the ball moved and plays without replacement, the general penalty applies. This change resulted from Shane Lowry’s incident at the 2025 Open Championship where he subtly moved a ball during a practice swing without noticing and was assessed a two-stroke penalty after review.
Relief Allowed When Ball Lies in Another Player’s Pitchmark
Previously, free relief from a ball resting in a pitchmark was only granted if the pitchmark belonged to the player. Now, per Rule 16.3b, players can receive relief if the ball lies in a pitchmark below ground level caused by another player’s stroke, as confirmed by an official. Repaired pitchmarks, even if imperfect, do not qualify for relief. This addresses repeated issues, including one involving Shane Lowry at the 2025 Open where relief was denied, affecting his next shot.
\”Out of Bounds\” Applies Only from the Tee
To prevent players from gaining unfair advantage by utilizing another hole’s fairway, out-of-bounds lines marked by white stakes inside the course will now only apply if the ball is hit from the tee. Previously, such areas restricted shots when obstacles blocked players from chipping back to the fairway. This adjustment applies only to shots from the tee.
Additional Rule Changes for Relief and Equipment Repairs
The new rules also provide relief options when the ball is on a short-mowed area near the green and is obstructed by immovable objects, such as sprinklers or microphone holes. Furthermore, Rule 4.1b(4) now allows players to repair damaged clubs during a round using replacement parts carried in their bag, streamlining repairs without penalty or long walks to the locker room.