Golf is a sport with a long tradition and an extensive set of rules. Although it may seem complex, most situations are covered by some basic rules that all players should know. This article guides you through the most important rules – from the first shot at the teeing ground to when the ball is in the hole.
A golf course typically consists of 9 or 18 holes, each hole with a teeing ground, fairway, rough, hazards (bunkers, water), and a green with a flag and hole. The player may have a maximum of 14 clubs in the bag during a round.
Each hole starts from the teeing ground, which is marked with two tee markers. The ball must be placed between and up to two clubheads behind these markers. Playing outside this area typically costs two penalty strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play.
See our article about playing from the tee:
The player with the lowest score on the previous hole has "honor" and plays first.
After the shot from the tee, play continues towards the green. The player must play the ball as it lies without improving the lie by pressing down grass, removing sand, or moving objects that are fixed.
Loose natural objects (leaves, small stones) may be removed unless the ball is in a bunker or hazard – here special rules apply.
When the ball is on the green, it may be lifted to be cleaned, but it must be properly marked (e.g., with a coin behind the ball). The player may repair pitch marks, but not press down the line of the putt.
The flagstick may remain in the hole or be removed at the player's wish. The ball is considered holed when it is below the edge of the hole and at rest.
Out of Bounds (OB) is marked with white stakes or fences. If the ball is OB, or not found within 3 minutes, the player must take one penalty stroke and play a new ball from the same place as the previous shot (stroke and distance).
To save time, a player may declare a "provisional ball" from the place where the previous shot was played, if in doubt whether the ball is lost or OB.
See our article about course markings:
When the rules allow the ball to be dropped, this must be done from knee height and the ball must land and remain within the permitted drop area (normally one or two club lengths from the reference point).
Relief without penalty is given if the ball lies on e.g. a path, sprinkler head or other immovable obstruction. When taking relief without penalty, the ball must still be dropped according to the applicable procedures.
The rules of golf emphasize etiquette – i.e. consideration for other players and the course. This includes:
In tournaments, stroke play (lowest number of strokes wins) or match play (most holes won wins) is often used. Here it is especially important to follow the order of play and all procedures to avoid disqualification.
| Situation | Penalty Stroke |
|---|---|
| Ball in water hazard | +1 stroke |
| Ball Out of Bounds | +1 stroke (stroke and distance) |
| Accidentally moves the ball | No penalty (unless it is in play in certain situations) |
| Plays wrong ball | +2 strokes in stroke play (loss of hole in match play) |
The rules of golf are extensive, but with knowledge of the most common situations, you can play safely, fairly, and in good sportsmanship. Practice and experience will help remember the details, but respect for the spirit of the game is always the most important.
