What does it mean when a golf ball is OB?
A ball is OB only if the entire ball is OB. The penalty for OB is commonly called “stroke and distance.” This means that a one-stroke penalty is added to the score, and the ball must then be dropped as nearly as possible to the spot from which the original shot was played.
What is out of bounds (OB) in golf?
These are penalties that golfers are faced with on every single course they play and affect almost every player at least once in a round. Of those penalties, Out of Bounds also known as OB is considered the most penalizing.
What is an OB penalty in golf?
It's a stroke-and-distance penalty for hitting the ball out of bounds. That means, if you are playing by the rules, when you hit a ball OB you must add a penalty stroke to your score, then play another ball from the location of your previous stroke. (Rule 18.2b)
How do you mark out of bounds in golf?
Out of bounds will be marked in some way, often by the use of stakes or some barrier (a fence, for example). Items used to designate out of bounds are not considered obstructions, are considered to be fixed, and therefore cannot be removed in order to play a shot.
How is ob determined in golf?
OB stands for "out of bounds" and play is prohibited in that area, and OB is marked with white stakes (OB zone inside the course should be marked with white stakes with blue top to distinguish them from stakes that mark OB lines.)
Is OB a 2 stroke penalty?
Regardless of whether you choose to take relief, you must take a 2-stroke penalty. For example, if your drive went out of bounds, that is your first shot. Now, add two strokes for your penalty and your next shot after your new placement will be your fourth shot.
How many points is OB in golf?
HOW IT WORKS. Earn one point for every dollar you spend on your own golf fees, golf instruction fees and club sponsored clinics, as well merchandise in the golf shop at participating, daily-fee OB Sports and Troon Facilities. Your rewards add up quickly, so sign up in the golf shop and get started today!
How do you mark the ground under repair?
(2) How to Mark or Define the Edge of Ground Under Repair There is no specific colour of stakes or lines to be used for marking areas of ground under repair, but white or blue stakes or lines are commonly used. Yellow and red stakes or lines should not be used to avoid confusion with penalty areas.
How many strokes do you need for OB?
The penalty for OB is commonly called “stroke and distance.” This means that a one-stroke penalty is added to the score, and the ball must then be dropped as nearly as possible to the spot from which the original shot was played.
Is OB stroke and distance?
If a ball is lost or out of bounds, the player must take stroke-and-distance relief by adding one penalty stroke and playing the original ball or another ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).
What are OB rules?
Topic Overview: If you hit your ball out of bounds or lose it (you have three minutes to search for your ball before it becomes lost), your only option is to go back to the spot of your previous stroke to play under stroke and distance.
What is the difference between OB and hazard?
If a golfer hits their ball out of bounds, the golfer must return to the location from where the previous shot was hit (at the cost of a stroke). Unlike hazards, there is only one sort of out of bounds, as out of bounds often marks the course's property lines and/or the boundaries of the golf course.
What is the rule for Gur in golf?
If a player's ball in the general area lies in or touches a seam of cut turf, or a seam interferes with the player's area of intended swing, the player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.
What happens if a bunker is Gur?
Bunkers which are marked as GUR are classified as 'through the green'. Play is prohibited from these areas and relief must be taken in accordance with Rule 25-1 b.i. Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the nearest point of relief shall be determined which is not in a hazard or on a putting green.
Does Gur need to be marked?
Before marking any areas as ground under repair, the Committee is advised to conduct a thorough course review identifying areas that may need to be marked. Only when an inspection has been completed is it recommended that any marking should be undertaken.
What happens if you hit a ball out of bounds?
This is considered one of the most severe penalties in golf since the player looses both a stroke, and distance.
Why do you hit a provisional ball?
This is why in order to save time, many golfers will hit a provisional ball when they feel that their ball has flown out of bounds. A provisional ball is a second ball that is played (and must be announced prior to doing so) that will be used only if it is later discovered that the original ball went out of bounds. This saves the player time by not requiring him or her to return all the way back to the original spot to play another ball. If the player does manage to find their original ball in-bounds (lucky you!) the player is then allowed to pick up their provisional ball with no penalty applied. So, if you think your ball flew OB, reach back into your bag, announce you’ll be playing a provisional, and hit again.
How far behind a water hazard can a ball be dropped?
Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped; or
What is the penalty for a ball that is not found in a water hazard?
If a ball is found in a water hazard or if it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in the water hazard (whether the ball lies in water or not), the player may under penalty of one stroke:
Where to drop a ball outside the water hazard?
As additional options available only if the ball last crossed the margin of a lateral water hazard, drop a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than (i) the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard or (ii) a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole.
Is a stroke and distance penalty in OB?
The difference here being that unlike the white staked OB area, a player is allowed to drop the ball behind the hazard and does not need to return to the spot from which the ball was originally played, so it is not considered a “stroke and distance” penalty.
Why do golf courses have out of bounds?
4) Some courses have ‘internal out of bounds’ for reasons of safety or to ensure a hole is played in the way in which it was designed rather than via another potentially easier route down another fairway. Whatever you think of that, you have to honour it even if your ball is lying in the clear with a perfect route in to the green. Frustrating sometimes, but probably for the overall good of all playing the course!
What are the rules of golf?
Rules Of Golf: Out Of Bounds. Out of bounds may be defined in a number of ways – white stakes, lines on the ground, fences, walls, railings – but if your ball has strayed beyond them, the first thing to remember is that there is no option within the Rules to drop a ball under penalty at the point where your ball crossed ...
How to play a ball that is lying in bounds?
1) You may stand out of bounds to play a ball that is lying in bounds. 2) The out of bounds line extends vertically upwards, so if your ball is lodged in a tree on the boundary, you will have to make your judgment on that basis.
What happens if your ball goes out of bounds?
If your ball is definitely out of bounds, you must play another ball from where you last played under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 14.6) , whether from the tee or fairway. So if it was your tee-shot that had gone OOB, you would now be playing three off the tee.
What does it mean to stand out of bounds?
1) You may stand out of bounds to play a ball that is lying in bounds.
Where is the out of bounds line?
Where out of bounds is defined by white stakes or a fence, the out of bounds line is the nearest inside points at ground level of the stakes or fence posts.
Why do referees carry string around?
Clearly this may sometimes become a matter of tricky judgment with the naked eye, but it is not unknown for referees in big events to carry a piece of string around with them to help them determine if a ball lies in or out of bounds!
What is a final exception in golf?
A final exception is when a new Local Rule which provides an alternative to stroke and distance relief is in effect . This Local Rule is recommended for casual play and not for competitions involving highly-skilled players. If it is in effect, for two penalty strokes, you can estimate the spot where your ball is lost or went out ...
How far can you drop a golf ball in the fairway?
You can drop a ball in the fairway within two club-lengths of that fairway edge point, or anywhere between there and the estimated spot where your ball is lost or went out of bounds. To see this visually and learn more about how this optional Local Rule works, click here.
What to do if you hit a ball out of bounds?
If you hit your ball out of bounds or lose it (you have three minutes to search for your ball before it becomes lost), your only option is to go back to the spot of your previous stroke to play under stroke and distance.
What does "lost" mean in baseball?
Definition of Lost. Definition of Out of Bounds. Definition of Provisional Ball. Rule 18 - Stroke-and-Distance Relief; Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball.
What is provisional ball?
If you are then unable to find your original ball, or you find it out of bounds, your provisional ball is your ball in play under stroke and distance, and you don’t have to take the time to walk all the way back to the spot of your previous stroke.
What is an OB in disc golf?
The Basics of OB. Some disc golf holes have areas that are out of bounds or, more familiarly, OB. These areas are not considered part of the course, and when you land in them, you add one extra stroke to your score. For example, if your first throw is OB, the OB penalty would count like a second throw, and your next real throw would technically be ...
What are OB lines?
Other than water, OB lines are often indicated by paths (paved or not), fences around other park facilities ( e.g., athletic fields), stakes, and flags on courses during casual play. During tournaments or on courses with diligent caretakers, painted lines or thin rope/twine are also common.
What happens when you throw a third shot in golf?
Like normal OB, the player is throwing their third shot from the drop zone. Normally, the player will continue throwing from the drop zone until a shot lands in bounds. Sometimes there is no drop zone. In this case, players replay the hole from the tee with the OB penalty stroke applied to their score.
Why is the disc on the left in the water?
The disc on the left is in because it is touching an area beyond where the water line begins. Though its edge is out of the water, the right disc is OB because it's completely surrounded by water and no part of the disc touches or overhangs a spot before the water line starts.
What is drop zone in island holes?
Often, island holes have "drop zones.". These are places where any player whose disc does not come to rest on the island must throw their next shot from. That means a player could cross in-bounds but come to rest OB and still go to the drop zone just the same as someone whose disc never entered the in-bounds area.
Why is the left disc in disc golf?
The left disc is in because a part of the disc is touching an in-bounds area. The middle disc is clearly out because it is completely in the OB area. For people just learning the more official rules of disc golf, the right disc is probably the trickiest call to make because the disc is touching the OB line. Like we said earlier, all of the OB line ...
Why is the left disc in?
The left disc is in because its edge extends into the in-bounds grass. The right disc is out because the entirety of the disc is OB. When an OB path is dirt, gravel, or crumbling at the edges, it can be a hard call to say where the path ends and grass or dirt begins. In casual play, just use your best judgement.
What is the penalty for playing a ball at the spot from which the original ball was last played?
a. Proceeding Under Stroke and Distance#N#At any time, a player may, under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5 ), i.e., proceed under penalty of stroke and distance.
What happens if a player fails to meet the above requirements before playing another ball?
If a player fails to meet the above requirements prior to playing another ball, that ball is not a provisional ball and becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1); the original ball is lost.
What happens if the provisional ball is lost outside a water hazard?
If the original ball is lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play, under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1).
What happens if you hit a provisional ball in golf?
If he makes a stroke with the provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place, the original ball is lost and the provisional ball becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1).
What rules do you have to follow when you lose a ball in a water hazard?
If a ball may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds, to save time the player may play another ball provisionally in accordance with Rule 27-1. The player must: (i) announce to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play that he intends to play a provisional ball; and.
When to abandon provisional ball?
When Provisional Ball to be Abandoned. If the original ball is neither lost nor out of bounds, the player must abandon the provisional ball and continue playing the original ball. If it is known or virtually certain that the original ball is in a water hazard, the player may proceed in accordance with Rule 26-1.
What is the exception to the rule of 18-1?
Exception: If it is known or virtually certain that the original ball, that has not been found, has been moved by an outside agency ( Rule 18-1 ), is in an obstruction (Rule 24-3), is in an abnormal ground condition ( Rule 25-1) or is in a water hazard (Rule 26-1), the player may proceed under the applicable Rule .
What is an OB in golf?
OB Defined. According to the USGA, out of bounds is defined as “beyond the boundaries of the course or any part of the course so marked.”. This boundary is marked by white stakes (and lines connecting them) that are considered “fixed,” which means players are not allowed to move them. A player can stand out of bounds to hit a ball ...
What happens if a player believes the first ball is OB?
Alternatively, if he believes the first ball is OB, he is allowed to hit a provisional ball. If it was indeed OB, the provisional ball becomes his third shot, and he plays his fourth shot from where it landed. In either case, if he finds that the original ball is in bounds, he plays his second shot from there.
What does it mean when a golf shot goes out of bounds?
It is a sickening feeling: You stand on the tee, hit one of your longest tee shots of the day … and it goes out of bounds. Often simply referred to as being “OB,” out-of-bounds shots carry a stiff penalty that really hurts your score; however, you can incur even more penalty strokes by taking your OB penalty incorrectly.
What happens if a ball turns out to be OB?
If his original ball turns out to be OB, he simply picks it up, adds his penalty shots and plays the provisional. If, however, the original ball is in bounds, it is still in play; he plays his original ball without penalty, and just picks up the provisional ball.
What happens if a player hits his first ball and finds it has gone OB?
Example: From the Tee. If a player hits his original ball (first shot) and finds that it has gone OB, he picks up the ball and takes a one-shot penalty (second shot), walks back to the tee, and hits a new tee ball (third shot). Alternatively, if he believes the first ball is OB, he is allowed to hit a provisional ball.
What is provisional ball?
Provisional Ball. In order to speed up the game, if a player believes that his shot has gone out of bounds, he may tell his playing partners that he is going to play a provisional ball.
Is a two stroke penalty a two stroke penalty?
In effect, this is a two-stroke penalty, since the player has gained no distance from the original shot; it is as if the original shot had never been played at all. Because of this, repeated OB shots can add several shots to a player’s score quickly.
What is 27-1 penalty?
It's interesting that 27-1 deems "for you" that you took a stroke and distance penalty, while in Tiger's situation the other day, where he was assessed a two-shot penalty for taking a drop from an embedded ball in sandy soil, the rule didn't "deem" for him a one stroke unplayable lie penalty after he took his inappropriate drop.
Is it right or wrong to be out of bounds in golf?
Right or wrong, it is allowed by the rules of golf.#N#Out of Bounds#N#“Out of bounds’’ is beyond the boundaries of the course or any part of the course so marked by the Committee.
Is Augster correct in your reasoning?
Augster. You are correct in your reasoning. As I stated our local know-it-all influenced the outcome.
Can you take a stroke penalty?
First, as mentioned earlier, you can always take a stroke and distance penalty. This is probably one of the few places in the rules where there are no restrictions on when you can take stroke and distance (literally "At any time...). Funny enough, the rule goes on to remove all doubt by saying if you hit another ball from the previous spot, you are deemed to have taken a S&D penalty. Rule 27-1 if you are curious.
Can a player deem a ball unplayable?
Only the player can deem his ball to be unplayable - that Rule/penalty can not be assigned to his actions without the player previously deeming his ball unplayable - see Decision 34-3/6.
Why is it important to have a well marked course?
A well-marked course allows a player to play by the Rules and helps to eliminate confusion for players. For example, a player may not know how to proceed if a pond (penalty area) is not marked or if he or she is unable to determine if a ball is in bounds or out of bounds.
When a penalty area is bordered by parts of the general area where a ball could be lost, it?
When a penalty area is bordered by parts of the general area where a ball could be lost, it may affect the player’s ability to establish if it is known or virtually certain that the ball is in the penalty area and the player would , therefore , not be able to take penalty area relief using Rule 17.
How far apart should you put your tee markers?
There are no restrictions on the width of the teeing area, but it is good practice to place the two tee-markers 5 to 7 paces apart. Placing them further apart than this makes it more difficult for a player to determine if the ball has been teed within the teeing area and can result in divot holes covering a much larger area on par-3 holes.
How to identify ground under repair?
It is recommended that the Committee identify ground under repair by using paint, stakes or some other clear way of defining it such that there is no doubt as to where the edge of the area is.
What color should boundary stakes be?
Use of Stakes. Boundary stakes should be white, though another colour may be used. There may be existing stakes already in place that are a different colour, or the Committee may have a reason for using a different colour to distinguish them from some items on the course.
What can a committee mark?
The Committee can mark the course’s boundary in many ways. Stakes or painted lines can be placed in position by the Committee. Existing fences or walls can be used to define boundaries, as can the edge of other permanent structures such as roads or buildings.
Where should the stakes be placed in a penalty area?
Where lines are used to define the edge of a penalty area and stakes are used to identify the penalty area, it is at the Committee’s discretion whether the stakes should be placed on the line or just outside the edge of the penalty area . Placing stakes just outside the painted line ensures players are entitled to free relief from the hole made by the stake if the stake was to fall out or be removed and the ball came to rest in the hole.
