Six new PGA Tour rules take effect, covering fairway relief, pitchmarks, and club repairs.
On Tuesday, the PGA Tour informed players of five new local model rules and added a rule change regarding preferred lies. The season kicks off next week at the Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a total of six new rules effective. Steven Rintoul, PGA Tour Vice President of Rules and Officiating, told golf.com these are \”good, sensible outcomes for golf at the highest level.\” The changes continue the modernization of the Rules of Golf, which has been underway since 2019 and adopted by the USGA and R&A for January 1, 2026.
The new rules and local model rules are outlined below, explaining the rationale behind them:
New Golf Rule Clarifies Penalties for Accidental Ball Movement
Under Rule 9.4b, a player incurs a one-stroke penalty if they move their stationary ball and fail to replace it before the next stroke, even if unaware the ball moved. However, if it is later discovered the player caused the movement, they have not played from the wrong place as per Rule 14.7a (two-stroke penalty). If the player noticed the ball had moved, did not replace it, and played from the new spot, the general penalty under Rule 14.7a applies. This rule was inspired by an incident involving Shane Lowry at the 2025 Open Championship, where a slight ball movement during a practice swing led to a two-stroke penalty after officials reviewed footage.
Relief Without Penalty Now Allowed for Ball in Another Player’s Pitchmark
Previously, relief without penalty was allowed only if the ball lay in the player’s own pitchmark. New Rule 16.3b permits relief if an official confirms the ball rests in a pitchmark below ground level created by another player’s stroke. Repaired pitchmarks remain unaffected, regardless of repair quality. This change followed repeated incidents, including Lowry’s case at the 2025 Open, where his request for relief was denied when his ball landed in a competitor’s pitchmark.
“Out of Bounds” Now Only Applies from the Tee
To prevent players from taking advantage by using other holes’ fairways as shortcuts, inside boundaries marked by white stakes will only be considered out of bounds if the ball is played from the tee. Previously, players faced restrictions near obstacles preventing them from chipping back onto the fairway. This update limits out-of-bounds designation to tee shots only.
Relief Allowed for Immovable Obstacles on Closely Mown Aprons
If a ball is not on the green, immovable obstacles normally do not grant relief unless the closely mown apron or green edge allows putting as a common stroke. Examples include sprinklers or microphone holes, where officials may grant relief under the new Rule 16.1 if the obstacle interferes with the line of play.
Players May Repair Damaged Clubs Using Replacement Parts Carried in Their Bag
Rule 4.1b(4) now allows players to repair damaged clubs during the round using components carried in their bag, such as replacement clubheads. Previously, repairs or club replacements often required trips to the locker