The USGA does provide guidelines for hole locations, particularly for tournaments, but there are no set rules. http://www.usga.org/RulesFAQ/rules_a...dx=143&Rule=16 We have at least one course here in Atlanta that has very slick, hilly greens and is notorious for disregarding these guidelines. The USGA suggests holes should be at least four paces from the edge of greens, and further if there is a bunker or steep slope nearby. This course often places holes within two feet of the fringe. Also, holes should not be placed right at the edge of a steep slope, but this course does that all the time: "An area two to three feet in radius around the hole should be as nearly level as possible and of uniform grade. In no case should holes be located in tricky places, or on sharp slopes where a ball can gather speed. A player above the hole should be able to stop the ball at the hole."