Golf rules are notoriously complicated. There are so many infringements to keep track of, it can be difficult to learn them all.
That said, the rules were simplified in 2018. Now less extensive, there are only 24 rules, as opposed to 34.
I’ve taken the time to summarize the most common rules, especially for beginners, so you don’t need to read the entire rules book. Although, I would encourage you to do so!
Learn these and you’ll be set to play with anyone, friend or stranger.
Who makes the rules?
Before I begin, it’s worth mentioning who makes the rules up.
There are two governing bodies that dictate the rules of golf. The R&A, which represents The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, and the USGA, or the United States Golf Association.
Between both of them, they each have rules committees made up of past and present representatives from all levels of the game, reflecting feedback from thousands of golfers across the globe.
Know your golf rules: Introduction to the game
Rule 1.1 lists the most basic rule of golf:
Golf is played by striking your ball with a club, and each hole starts from the teeing area and ends when your ball is holed on the putting green.
You should normally play the course as you find it and play your ball as it lies.
USGA Rulebook
I think this goes without saying, but it’s worth mentioning since we’re talking about basic golf rules.
Beyond that, you’re expected to act with integrity and honesty, meaning don’t purposely cheat! Play by the rules and assess your own penalties.
How do you win golf?
In stroke play, finishing the round with less strokes than your opponents will result in a win. In match play, the player (or team) that wins more holes than the other wins the match.
Of course there are a number of other golf games, these are just the most common.
This doesn’t account for handicapped scoring either.
All of this is referenced in much greater detail in Rule 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the Player’s Edition rulebook.
How many clubs can you carry in your bag?
According to Rule 4, you are allowed up to a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag. You do not need to have or use all 14, just don’t have any additional clubs.
These can be a combination of whatever you want. Typically, this is a combination of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters.
Where do I tee my ball up?
According to Rule 6, for your first stroke, the ball must be played from inside the teeing area.
Keep in mind, there are multiple teeing areas, which are meant to accommodate different level handicaps. If you chose to hit from the back tees, you need to play the entire round from the same tees, unless otherwise noted.
If you tee off outside the correct teeing area, you will be assessed a two stroke penalty. Failure to re-hit your ball from the teeing area, even after the penalty, will result in disqualification.
The player who won the previous hole has “honors” and gets to tee off first. For the first hole of the round, honors is determined by a random method like tossing a coin.
A hole starts when you make a stroke.
What happens if you play the wrong ball?
You must use the same ball from the teeing area to the hole, except when the ball is lost or out of bounds. So, if you play the wrong ball, you will be assessed a two stroke penalty (or loss of hole in match play).
In stroke play, the stroke(s) made with the wrong ball do not count. After you assess the penalty, you must return to playing your original ball. If you don’t return to your original ball, you are disqualified.
Play the ball as it lies
The general rule of thumb is that you cannot improve the lie of your ball. You must play the ball where it came to rest on the course.
For instance, if you lift the ball up to identify or clean it, you must return the ball back to its original spot. Failure to mark the spot of the ball before lifting it up will result in a one stroke penalty.
If you accidentally move your ball there is no penalty.
Unplayable lies
If you’re in a difficult situation and want relief, you can take what is called an “unplayable ball”. You may take an unplayable anywhere on the course, except in a penalty area. In most cases you would incur a one stroke penalty.
There are three options for unplayable relief:
- Play the ball at the spot where the previous stroke was made.
- A point on the course chosen by the player that is on the reference line and is farther from the hole than the spot of the original ball (with no limit on how far back on the line).
- Take lateral relief from the original spot of the ball, up to two clubs length.
Rule 19 covers your relief options for an unplayable ball.
When can you get free relief with no penalty?
Loose impediments, movable obstructions, abnormal course conditions, dangerous animal conditions or an embedded ball are all ways to get free relief in golf. These are not treated as part of the challenge of playing the course and free relief is generally allowed.
You can also take free relief if your ball lands on a putting green for a different hole.
Loose impediments are unattached natural objects such as sticks, leaves, twigs, and blades of grass so long as they are not fixed or growing, solidly embedded in the ground, or sticking to the ball.
A movable obstruction can be anything from a rake, to a golf towel that fell off someone’s bag.
Abnormal course conditions are classified as animal holes, ground under repair, immovable obstructions or temporary water. Common instances of these are if your ball lands on the cart-path, in a puddle in the general area of play, or in an area under repair by the course.
Rules 15 and 16 go into more detail about these.
Can you use a tee on the fairway
You cannot tee your ball in the fairway, unless the tee box happens to be there. Remember, you have to play the ball where it lies after your initial tee shot. Teeing the ball back up would result in a penalty.
Bunkers
Before making your stroke, you must not touch the sand in the bunker with your hand, club or rake.
Specific to your club, you must not touch the area right in front or behind of your ball, in making a practice swing. This is called grounding your club.
The general rule is that your actions in touching the sand cannot improve the conditions affecting your stroke, or you incur a general penalty, which is two strokes.
Putting Green
The most important thing to know is that whomever’s ball is furthest from the pin, goes first. Otherwise, there are a few other nuances but as long as you don’t walk in someone else’s line, you should be okay.
The putting green is the only area on the course that is specially prepared for playing your ball along the ground. That said, you may repair damage to the putting green without penalty. You may also remove any sand or loose soil.
You are not allowed any deliberate testing of the greens. By that, the rule states you can’t roll a ball to gain an advantage
Players are allowed to leave the flagstick in or out.
What are the course boundaries and out of bounds?
Rule 2.1 has the most basic definition:
Golf is played on a course. Areas not on the course are out of bounds.
USGA Rulebook
There are five areas of a course…
- the general area
- the teeing area you must play from in starting the hole you are playing
- all penalty areas
- all bunkers
- the putting green of the hole you are playing
Penalty Areas
Penalty areas are normally bodies of water, or other areas defined by the course as lost or unable to be played. They’re marked with red or yellow stakes.
Typically, you can assess a one stroke penalty if you go into a penalty area. Depending if the area is marked with a red or yellow stake will determine your relief options, aka where you can replace the ball. This is all covered in Rule 17.
You can also play your ball as it lies, without penalty, although this may not be possible.
What if I can’t find my ball?
If you can’t find your ball, it is either out of play, or in a penalty area. You don’t need to find your ball in order to prove this. Depending if this area is marked with a red or yellow stake will determine where you can get relief and replace your ball.
What if my ball goes out of bounds?
If you hit the ball anywhere not in the five defined areas of the course, the ball is considered out of bounds. Rule 18 goes into more detail of how to play this.
Even if you find your ball out of bounds, you cannot hit it. You must assess the stroke penalty and re-hit your ball from its original spot.
What is a provisional shot?
If your ball leaves the general area of play and may be lost or out of bounds, you can hit a provisional tee shot. This is in an effort to save time, since your next shot would be from the original spot.
Before hitting a provisional, you need to announce that you are playing a provisional shot.
If you find your original ball, the provisional ball is just that. Otherwise, your provisional ball becomes the ball in play.
The official guide to the rules of golf
The official rulebook can be found online on the USGA website. For most golfers, the abridged “Player’s Edition” will suffice. It’s written with the focus on the average golfer.
The full rules version is available alongside, however, for a majority of golfers the succinct version will be more than enough. I read through it and can attest, there weren’t any stones unturned.
What is the golden rule of golf
Play the ball as it lies. Don’t move, bend, or break anything growing or fixed, except in fairly taking your stance or swing. Don’t press anything down.
Is there a two penalty for a double chip?
No, there is no penalty if the double chip was unintentional, however, you must play the ball where it lands. This is a newer rule from the revised version that came out in 2018. This change was made in an attempt to provide more leniency for accidental deflections.
Under the old rules, you would incur an additional stroke penalty for hitting the ball while it was moving in the air. This rule change is welcomed by high-handicap golfers around the world.
How long can you look for your ball?
If you cannot find your ball in under three minutes, it is considered lost. Under previous rules, golfers were allowed up to five minutes to locate. The updated rule is in line with other rules designed to help speed up the pace of play.
How long can a player take to hit their shot?
Although this would be hard to enforce, players are allowed a maximum of 40 seconds to hit their shot. This rule was updated to align with the improved pace of play. That said, I imagine if you attempted to incur a one stroke penalty against your opponent for taking too long they would have a dispute.
Conclusion
I’m going to be really honest here. If you’re just beginning golf, it’s more important to get out there and swing the club rather than focus on keeping your score 100% accurate.
A majority of golfers never break 100. Chances are you’re not trying out for the tour, or even an amateur one at that. Your most competitive golf will be in a charity golf outing, member/guest tournament, or a course hosted event.
Obviously, playing in an official tournament you will need to play by the book. But if you’re just out there having fun with friends, there’s no need to beat yourself up.
In conclusion, I covered the most basic rules you will need to know to play a round of golf. Rest assured, if you follow these you’ll be invited back for another round.
Read More: Now that you know the basic rules of golf, check out our guide on the basics of golf etiquette.
