January 2026 Rule of the Month
Scenario: A player unintentionally hits the ball twice with a single stroke.
Old rule: The player was dinged twice. Once for the initial stroke and then assessed a one-stroke penalty for hitting a ball that was still in motion.
New rule: Now players are granted much more leniency under Rule 10.1a which states, “If your club accidentally hits the ball more than once, there has been only one stroke and there is no penalty.”
Their explanation is a simple one: “Accidental deflections are, by definition, an accident,” the USGA says. “The outcome in such cases is random and unpredictable, and it results in a disadvantage for the player as often as it results in an advantage.”
This rule is consistent with the change they made for balls accidentally deflected by part of the player’s body when the ball is in motion, which also now holds no penalty.
“Treating all accidental deflections the same no matter who or what caused them will simplify the Rules by providing consistency.”
So while a double hit might still make you blush, don’t worry about it
Rule 10.1