Six new PGA Tour rules take effect – covering fairway relief, pitch marks, and club repairs.
On Tuesday, the PGA Tour announced five new local model rules to players and added a rule change regarding preferred lies. This brings a total of six new rules starting next week at the Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii. Steven Rintoul, PGA Tour Vice President of Rules and Refereeing, told golf.com these changes are \”good, sensible outcomes for golf at the highest level,\” reflecting ongoing modernization efforts by the USGA and R&A effective from January 1, 2026.
Below we present the new rules and local model rules along with the reasoning behind them:
New Golf Rule Clarifies Penalties for Unintentional Ball Movement
Under Rule 9.4b, a player receives a one-stroke penalty if they move their resting ball and fail to replace it before their next stroke, even if unaware the ball moved or could have moved. The player does not play from a wrong place if later it is found they caused the ball movement. However, if the player notices ball movement, does not replace the ball, and plays from the new spot, the general penalty for playing from a wrong place applies.
This rule was prompted by an incident involving Shane Lowry at the 2025 Open Championship in Royal Portrush where he unintentionally moved his ball during a practice swing. After the round, officials imposed a two-stroke penalty based on video evidence. Lowry found the penalty \”hard to accept\” but accepted it without dispute.
Free Relief Now Allowed if Ball Lies in Another Player’s Pitch Mark
Previously, free relief was only allowed if the ball rested in the player’s own pitch mark. Now, under Rule 16.3b, a player may get free relief if an official determines the ball lies in a pitch mark beneath ground level made by another player’s shot. Repaired pitch marks do not qualify for relief, regardless of repair quality. This change was influenced by incidents including Lowry’s second-round ball at the 2025 Open Championship landing in another player’s pitch mark but denied relief.
Out of Bounds Applies Only from Tee Shots
To limit players exploiting course boundaries, the rule now states that inside boundary lines marked by white stakes count as out of bounds only when the ball is hit from the tee. This amendment avoids restricting shots around obstacles that previously prevented players from returning to the fairway, making play fairer.
Relief Allowed from Immovable Obstructions on Closely Mown Areas Near Greens
If the ball lies off the green but on a closely mown area where putting is a common technique, immovable obstructions such as sprinklers or microphone holes may obstruct play. Officials can grant relief under Rule 16.1 when the ball lies on the putting line in such conditions.
Players May Repair Damaged Clubs Using Spare Parts Carried in the Bag
Rule 4.1b(4) now allows players to carry spare club components and repair damaged clubs on-site during a round. This increases efficiency, avoiding lengthy trips to the locker room for repairs, and does not violate the 14-club limit as only parts,