Golf Cup
Target & Cue · 6 specs
Direct Answer
Official golf hole dimensions are governed by the USGA and The R&A (Rules of Golf Rule 1.1 / Equipment Rules Appendix IV). A regulation golf hole must have a diameter of exactly 4.25 in (108.0 mm) and a minimum depth of 4.0 in (101.6 mm). If a cup liner is inserted, the outer diameter of the liner must not exceed 4.25 in, and its top lip must be sunken at least 1.0 in (25.4 mm) below the green putting surface.
Source: USGA (United States Golf Association) / The R&A Rules of Golf Rule 1.1: The Hole · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Hole Diameter | 10.80 cm (4.250 in / 107.95 mm strictly enforced) |
| Minimum Hole Depth | 10.16 cm (4.00 in minimum depth into putting green turf) |
| Cup Liner Recess Depth | 2.54 cm (1.00 in minimum below the putting green surface) |
| Cup Liner Material | Cast Aluminum or Heavy Plastic with Central Flagstick Socket Standard |
| Flagstick Diameter | 1.27–1.90 cm (0.50–0.75 in fiberglass/carbon rod) |
| Recommended Flagstick Height | 2.13 m (7.0 ft / minimum 84.0 in above ground) |
The 4.25-Inch Origin at Musselburgh Links (1893)
- 1893 R&A Standardization: In 1893, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews adopted 4.25 inches as the mandatory hole diameter for all courses. The dimension is traditionally traced to the width of the hole-cutting implement historically used at Musselburgh Links in Scotland, reportedly a section of drainage pipe -- though the exact date and inventor of that original tool are not firmly documented.
- The 1-Inch Turf Lip: Sunken at least 1.0 inch below turf level to prevent thin-rimmed golf balls from deflecting off hard plastic or metal cup rims during lip-out putting attempts.