PDGA Certified Rules Official Exam—
2026/2027 Edition Verified Questions and
Rationales
,Part 1: General Rules and 2026 Updates
1. Starting in 2026, how much time does a player have to make a fairway shot
(scramble/approach) after addressing their lie?
a) 30 seconds
b) 45 seconds
c) 60 seconds
d) No time limit
Rationale: The 2026 PDGA rule update introduced a 45-second clock for fairway
shots, while tee shots, drop-zone throws, and putts within 20 meters remain at 30
seconds.
2. In 2026, what action officially starts the shot clock for a player?
a) The previous player’s disc comes to rest
b) The player picks up their mini marker
c) The player addresses their lie
d) The player reaches for a disc in their bag
Rationale: The clock now starts when the player “addresses their lie,” which
includes actions like marking with a mini, using a rangefinder, or clearing casual
obstacles.
3. At PDGA Majors and Elite Series events, how many time extensions may an
MPO or FPO player use per round?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
Rationale: In top-tier events, players receive two time extensions per round, each
, adding 30 seconds. The extension must be announced, and only one can be used
per throw.
4. What happens if a player in an Elite Series event runs out of time without
calling an available time extension?
a) Automatic one-stroke penalty
b) A group member may call the extension on their behalf
c) The throw is replayed without penalty
d) The player is disqualified
Rationale: Another group member can call a remaining time extension on behalf of
the thrower, using one of the thrower’s two available extensions.
5. Under the 2026 rules, which of the following is NOT a 30-second shot?
a) Tee shot
b) Drop-zone throw
c) Putt within 20 meters
d) Approach shot from 50 meters
Rationale: Tee shots, drop-zone throws, and putts within 20 meters keep the
30-second limit. All other fairway shots are 45 seconds.
6. What is the new mandatory scorekeeping rule for 2026 in Australia?
a) Only the player with the lowest score must keep score
b) Every player on a card must keep an independent scorecard
c) Only the first and last players keep score
d) Scorekeeping is optional if the group agrees
Rationale: Following a 2025 transition, every player on a card must now keep an
independent scorecard. Refusal to keep score results in disqualification.
2026/2027 Edition Verified Questions and
Rationales
,Part 1: General Rules and 2026 Updates
1. Starting in 2026, how much time does a player have to make a fairway shot
(scramble/approach) after addressing their lie?
a) 30 seconds
b) 45 seconds
c) 60 seconds
d) No time limit
Rationale: The 2026 PDGA rule update introduced a 45-second clock for fairway
shots, while tee shots, drop-zone throws, and putts within 20 meters remain at 30
seconds.
2. In 2026, what action officially starts the shot clock for a player?
a) The previous player’s disc comes to rest
b) The player picks up their mini marker
c) The player addresses their lie
d) The player reaches for a disc in their bag
Rationale: The clock now starts when the player “addresses their lie,” which
includes actions like marking with a mini, using a rangefinder, or clearing casual
obstacles.
3. At PDGA Majors and Elite Series events, how many time extensions may an
MPO or FPO player use per round?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
Rationale: In top-tier events, players receive two time extensions per round, each
, adding 30 seconds. The extension must be announced, and only one can be used
per throw.
4. What happens if a player in an Elite Series event runs out of time without
calling an available time extension?
a) Automatic one-stroke penalty
b) A group member may call the extension on their behalf
c) The throw is replayed without penalty
d) The player is disqualified
Rationale: Another group member can call a remaining time extension on behalf of
the thrower, using one of the thrower’s two available extensions.
5. Under the 2026 rules, which of the following is NOT a 30-second shot?
a) Tee shot
b) Drop-zone throw
c) Putt within 20 meters
d) Approach shot from 50 meters
Rationale: Tee shots, drop-zone throws, and putts within 20 meters keep the
30-second limit. All other fairway shots are 45 seconds.
6. What is the new mandatory scorekeeping rule for 2026 in Australia?
a) Only the player with the lowest score must keep score
b) Every player on a card must keep an independent scorecard
c) Only the first and last players keep score
d) Scorekeeping is optional if the group agrees
Rationale: Following a 2025 transition, every player on a card must now keep an
independent scorecard. Refusal to keep score results in disqualification.
