Rules Practice Tests

Rules Practice Tests

Instructions

The following Practice Tests are examples of the types of questions that are included in the 100 question Exam that is given on the last day of a USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop.  In that Exam, the first 50 questions must be answered with “closed” books and notes (i.e., from memory); the second 50 questions are harder and the student is allowed to use hardcopy (not electronic) books and notes (i.e., Rules of Golf, Decisions on the Rules of Golf, study material, etc.).

Each of these Practice Tests is comprised of 25 questions (half as many questions as the actual Exam).  In order to duplicate the Exam environment, the student should time themselves when answering the Practice Tests.  Approximate time limits should be 35 to 40 minutes for a Closed Book Test and 60 to 70 minutes for an Open Book Test.  That corresponds to the 3.5 hours allotted for the Workshop Exam of 100 questions.

The Workshop Exam does not require you to provide a reference for your answer; however, doing so when you complete these Practice Tests is a terrific way to prepare.  After completing the Practice Test, go back and check your answers by looking them up in the Rules of Golf and the Decisions on the Rules of Golf books. 

To get maximum benefit from these Practice Tests, don’t look at the Answer sheets provided below until you have confirmed your answers in the Rules/Decisions books.

Use the Answer sheet as a final check of your answers.  All answers have been checked against the most recent issue of the Rules of Golf and the Decisions on the Rules of Golf.

Achieving a particular score on a Workshop Exam is not a “certification.”  However, various associations do use the Exam score as one criterion for invitation to officiate events.  Each group sets its own standard.

There is no secret “tip” that will help you score well on an Exam.  It takes time, energy, study, review and repetition.  If you know, understand and can apply the Rules, you will score well on an Exam.  Read each question as a problem to solve by applying the Rules of Golf.

In some Practice Test questions, you may be required to take the principle involved in a published Decision and apply it to a new or different set of facts.  Thus, spend your time and energy learning the Definitions, Terms, Rules, Decisions, and develop a strategy to solve various Rules scenarios.