OUR TOP 10 MOST COMMONLY USED RULES
Click here for the official USGA rule book.
LOCAL RULES
Local rules are very common at most golf courses. These rules supersede the standard rules. Example of a local rule would be “Lift, Clean & Place” in the fairway. This means, you may pick up your ball in the fairway, clean it, and return it back to it’s original spot…This local rule is generally posted during wet conditions. Check for any local rules when playing your next round of golf.
TEEING OFF WITHIN THE TEEING AREA
Be sure to tee your ball behind and between your designated tee markers. You may go up to 2 club lengths behind the tee markers.
PLAY THE BALL AS IT LIES
You must play the ball as it lies. You may not move it to a better spot. You should not touch or move your ball unless the rules permit it. Examples: To identify your ball, local rules, taking relief from an obstruction, car path, etc.
PLAYING THE BALL FROM A BUNKER
When in a bunker, you are not allowed to deliberately touch the sand to test the conditions. Also, for a total of 2 penalty strokes, you now have the option of dropping your ball outside the bunker (in direct line from the hole).
HITTING A BALL IN A PENALTY AREA
A penalty area is any location marked with red or yellow stakes. You have different options depending on the area: Option 1. Play the ball as it lies. Option 2. Go back to previous spot and hit again. Option 3. Measure 2 club lengths from the point your ball entered the area..no closer to the hole, drop a ball and play from there (This option is only valid for red staked areas). Option 4. You may drop your ball back in direct line from the hole and the point your ball entered the penalty area. Options 2-4 come with a 1 Stroke penalty. Option 1 is the only option resulting in no penalty.
PLAYING THE WRONG BALL
Many players find a ball in an area they believe their ball to be and assume it’s theirs. You should mark your ball prior to your round so it may be easily identified. Playing a wrong ball will cost you if you’re playing strictly by the rules.
HITTING A BALL OUT OF BOUNDS
Out of bounds is marked with white stakes. If you should hit your ball out of bounds, you must play another ball from where the previous stroke was made and add a 1-stroke penalty to your score. *Local rules may apply
HITTING YOUR BALL WITH A PRACTICE SWING
If you hit or move your ball during a practice swing it does not count as a stroke. You must replace the ball and take a 1 stroke penalty. Exceptions: There is no penalty when this occurs on the tee box or on the putting green
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH DEBRIS AROUND YOUR BALL
Without penalty, you may remove any loose impediments from around your ball. Examples: rocks, loose twigs or branches, acorns, etc. In the process of removing loose impediments, if your ball moves, you get a 1 stroke penalty.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU LOSE A BALL
If you should lose your ball, you must play another ball from where the previous stroke was made and add a 1-stroke penalty to your score. *Local rules may apply
WHEN YOUR BALL IS FOUND BUT UNPLAYABLE
If you find your ball in a unplayable situation…you have a few options, each of which comes with a 1-Stroke Penalty: Option 1. Go back to previous spot and hit again Option 2. Measure 2 club lengths from the unplayable ball no closer to the hole, drop a ball and play from there Option 3. Or, from the spot of your unplayable ball, you can go back as far as you want on a straight line from the hole and drop your ball.