The 30-Second (or 45-Second Sometimes) Rule

All PDGA Events

Starting in 2026, the long-standing “30-second rule” will receive an update. Tee shots, throws from drop zones, and putts within 20 meters of the target will still have the traditional 30-second limit. For all other throws, including approaches, scramble shots, or tricky fairway positions, players will now have 45 seconds to throw.

The timer begins only after the previous player has thrown, you are next to play, you’ve located and marked your lie, taken a stance, and confirmed the fairway ahead is clear. If the fairway suddenly becomes blocked or unsafe, the timer resets once it is clear again.

The first violation in a round results in a warning. Any additional violations in the same round result in a one-stroke penalty.

This change gives players more time to figure out difficult situations while keeping up pace of play on the tee and green where you should already understand the shot at hand. It also clearly defines when the countdown begins and resets.

The PDGA aims to give a more realistic amount of time to assess a position you have never seen and choose the best disc and line. Taking those few extra seconds to execute the best available shot will save time in the long run compared to rushing, making addition mistakes, and needing more throws to get up and down. Check out these Tips for Scrambling to use your extra 15 seconds to its fullest.

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Time Extensions

Majors and Elite Series Only

At PDGA Majors and Elite Series events, MPO and FPO players will now receive two time extensions per round.

A time extension adds 30 extra seconds to the shot clock, whether it’s a drive, approach, or putt. To use an extension, the player must announce it clearly to the group, and only one extension can be used per throw.

If a player runs out of time without calling an extension, another group member can call it on their behalf, using one of the thrower’s two available extensions. Once both extensions are used, any further time violations result in an automatic penalty with no warning. All extensions must be recorded on the scorecard.

This rule recognizes the added pressure and crowd factors at top-level events. It gives players a fair way to manage complex situations while keeping up pace of play. Hopefully, this rule change makes players more comfortable calling their cardmates on clear time violations as they will now be able to do so without issuing a stroke penalty for the first two offenses. For those of us not on the tour, these tips can help you make quick work of your approaches. 

For the complete list of rules updates for 2026, visit the PDGA Rules and Competition Manual.

The post 2026 PDGA Rules Updates: The New 30-Second Rule and Time Extensions Explained appeared first on Innova Disc Golf.