Six new PGA Tour rules come into effect, covering fairway relief, pitchmarks, and club repairs.
On Tuesday, the PGA Tour informed players of five new local rules and added an amendment concerning preferred lies. This brings the total to six new rules effective at the season opener, the Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii. Steven Rintoul, PGA Tour Vice President of Rules and Officiating, told golf.com that these changes represent “good, sensible outcomes for golf at the highest level.” The new local rules, adopted by the USGA and R&A effective January 1, 2026, continue the modernization process initiated in 2019.
Below is an overview of the new rules and the reasoning behind these decisions:
New Golf Rule Clarifies Penalties for Unintentional Ball Movement
According to Rule 9.4b, a player incurs a one-stroke penalty if they move their stationary ball and fail to replace it before their next stroke, even if unaware the ball had moved or could have moved. The player does not play from a wrong place (Rule 14.7a – two strokes penalty) if it is later determined they caused the movement.
If the player notices the ball has moved but does not replace it and plays from the new spot, they incur the general penalty under Rule 14.7a for playing from a wrong place. Similarly, if it later emerges that the player moved the ball but incorrectly assumed they had not and need not replace it, they also receive the general penalty.
This rule arose from an incident involving Shane Lowry at the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush when a practice swing inadvertently moved his ball at the 12th hole without his knowledge. Officials reviewed TV footage post-round and issued a two-stroke penalty. Lowry found the penalty “hard to accept” but accepted it without dispute.
Relief Without Penalty for Ball Landing in Another Player’s Pitchmark
Previously, free relief could only be claimed if a ball rested in the player’s own pitchmark. Now, under Rule 16.3b, a player may take relief without penalty if an official determines the ball lies in a pitchmark below ground level made by another player’s stroke. However, repaired pitchmarks—whether intentionally or accidentally fixed—are not covered by this relief.
Repeated incidents, including one involving Shane Lowry during the 2025 Open, where his ball settled in another’s pitchmark and his request for relief was denied, prompted this rule. Lowry then missed his approach shot and expressed frustration with the ruling.