The R&A is golf's world rules and development body and organiser of The Open Championship. It operates with the consent of more than 130 national and international, amateur
and professional organisations, from over 120 countries and on behalf of an estimated 30 million golfers in Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and The Americas (outside the USA and Mexico).The United States Golf Association (USGA) is the game's governing body in the United States and Mexico.
In this section of Golf Seek, we provide an overview of the rules [for those who are beginners to golf and simply want o hit the fairway and knock a few golf balls around a] and the specific rules as published by the R&A [in a simple format so that you can view the rules via a mobile phone or PDA whilst on the golf course or sat at your computer]. the R&A reviews the official golf rules every 2 years and remains the authority for golfing rules. You can view the R&A website here.
The ethos of Golf is best described by the R&A:
"Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire.The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be.This is the spirit of the game of golf."