"For the good of the game" is the abiding principle used by the two independent rule making bodies in golf: The Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). Every four years these two organizations get together to review, revise and clarify the rules of golf, to make the game more understood and the rules more universally applied.

Because of golf's complex nature, one small change can have ripple effects throughout the world. So both authorities carefully discuss any proposed changes and make their final changes once both are in full agreement.

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