Six new PGA Tour rules come into effect, covering fairway relief, pitch marks, club repairs and more.
On Tuesday, the PGA Tour informed players of five new local model rules, adding a sixth for preferred lies. These changes will kick off at next week’s Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii. Steven Rintoul, PGA Tour Vice President of Rules and Officiating, told golf.com that these are good, sensible outcomes for top-level golf. The rules, adopted by the USGA and R&A from January 1, 2026, continue the modernization process begun in 2019.
New Rules Clarify Penalties for Unintentional Ball Movement
According to Rule 9.4b, a player receives a one-stroke penalty if they move a resting ball and fail to replace it before their next stroke, even if unaware that the ball moved or could move. However, if it’s later found the player caused the movement, they are not deemed to have played from a wrong place under Rule 14.7a (two-stroke penalty). If the player notices the ball has moved but doesn’t replace it and plays from the new spot, they receive the general penalty under Rule 14.7a. This rule was inspired by an incident at the 2025 Open Championship where Shane Lowry slightly moved his ball during a practice swing without realizing it and was later penalized two strokes after review.
Relief Now Allowed for Balls in Another Player’s Pitch Mark
Previously, free relief could only be taken if the ball rested in the player’s own pitch mark. Now, under Rule 16.3b, a player can get relief if an official determines the ball lies in a pitch mark made by another player below ground level. Repaired pitch marks, regardless of repair quality or method, don’t qualify for relief. This change follows repeated incidents, including a notable case involving Shane Lowry at the 2025 Open where his request for relief was denied after his ball landed in another player’s pitch mark.
‘Out of Bounds’ Applies Only from Tee Shots
To discourage exploiting course boundaries, ‘Out of Bounds’ lines (usually marked by white stakes) will now only apply when the ball is played from the tee. Previously, players were sometimes restricted near these boundaries mid-hole, limiting shot options. This amendment aims to clarify the rule limiting ‘Out of Bounds’ penalties to tee shots only.
Relief from Immovable Obstructions on Closely-Mown Areas
If the ball lies off the green, immovable obstructions normally don’t entitle relief under Rule 16.1. But if the closely-mown area around or on the fringe can be reasonably putted on, sprinkler heads or microphone holes may be considered obstructions. Officials may grant relief if these affect the player’s line of play.
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