
As for double hits, if a player hits his ball twice in one stroke, accidentally or intentionally, he must count the original stroke and incur a one-stroke penalty, and then play it where it lies. In effect, it’s a one-shot penalty.
Full Answer
Can you lie about double hits in golf?
For example, if a player was in a hypothetical situation in which a double hit would improve his shot, that player could proceed to commit a double hit and then claim it was accidental. Since there is no way to prove he is lying, he would not be penalized, according to the new rules.
Did you accidentally hit your golf ball twice in one stroke?
Rules School: Accidentally hit your ball twice in one stroke? No matter your skill level, every golfer has experienced a double hit in their career. The ball pops up perfectly into the path of your follow through and you clip it again, changing its path.
What happens when you double hit a golf ball?
No matter your skill level, every golfer has experienced a double hit in their career. The ball pops up perfectly into the path of your follow through and you clip it again, changing its path. And while this might be a cool party trick, it’s quite embarrassing when it happens on the golf course.
What is the new rule for hitting a golf ball twice?
While the rule still includes a number of scenarios and nuance, it is much easier for golfers and officials to make a proper ruling. The key word in the new rule is “accidentally”. If you accidentally strike your ball twice in a single stroke, you do not count the second hit and no penalty is incurred, but you must play the ball where it lies.

Why is double hit not a penalty?
Reasons for Change: Where a double hit occurs as part of a single stroke and was not the intention of the player, it was felt unfair and unnecessary for the player to be penalized. Just as there is no penalty if a player’s ball accidentally deflects off his or her body, equipment or caddie, there is no need for a penalty when a player accidentally ...
What are the new rules for golf?
2019 Rule: Under Rule 10.1a, if the player’s club accidentally hits the ball more than once during a single stroke: There will be no penalty and the ball will be played as it lies.
What happens if you hit a ball twice in one stroke?
As for double hits, if a player hits his ball twice in one stroke, accidentally or intentionally, he must count the original stroke and incur a one-stroke penalty, and then play it where it lies. In effect, it’s a one-shot penalty. The New Rule: The new changes simplify both of these rules considerably, eliminating the distinction between ...
What is the old rule in golf?
The Old Rule: Rule 19 of the old Rules of Golf governs what to when a ball in motion is deflected or stopped, and it’s a doozy. With so many complicated decisions and scenarios with different guidelines, it’s no wonder why golf’s governing bodies chose to update the rule. In the old rules, the key point of distinction is whether a player deflects ...
What is the new rule for deflection?
According to new Rule 11.1, if a player deflects or stops his own ball in motion there is no penalty and he must play it as it lies.
What happens when a golf ball is deflected?
If after being deflected the ball comes to rest on the player or his equipment, the ball must be dropped or placed on the green closest to where it came to rest.
What is the key point of distinction in football?
In the old rules, the key point of distinction is whether a player deflects his own ball, or if an outside agency is the source of the deflection. If an outside agency deflects or stops a ball in motion, you must play the ball where it lies, with two exceptions. But here we’re specifically concerned with scenarios in which a player deflects his own ...
What is the word that pops up in an alarming number of the new rules?
In fact, it’s just one word, a word that pops up in an alarming number of the new rules: “accidentally.”. Both of these new rules are dependent on the violation being unintentional.
Did Tiger Woods get charged with a double hit?
Tiger Woods was nearly charged with a two-stroke penalty for this suspected double hit at the 2018 Hero World Challenge. On Jan. 1, more than 30 changes to the Rules of Golf — some small, others significant — will take effect. To get you ready, this holiday season GOLF.com is rolling out a series, “The 12 Days of Rules Changes,” to ensure you ...
Who was the first Taiwanese player to win a PGA Tour card?
First, Mike, let’s spare a thought for T.C. “Two Chip” Chen, remembered for one cruel twist of fate while leading the 1985 U.S. Open rather than his playoff victory over none other than Ben Crenshaw at the 1987 Los Angeles Open or for being the first Taiwanese player to earn a PGA Tour card. Rules.
Did Pro break the rules?
Pro is told he broke the rules — an hour after he was told he didn’t. Like Bill Buckner in the 1986 World Series, Scott Norwood in 1991’s Super Bowl XXV or Chris Webber in the 1993 NCAA Division I Basketball Championship, no one wants his worst moment to be his legacy, nor should it be.
Even the Pros Are Susceptible
Whether it's a tough lie or bad technique, double hits can unfortunately occur although they are fairly uncommon. They are most often caused by flipping the clubhead past your hands with your wrists. As you scoop under the ball and the ball pops up, your clubhead can hit it again as it's racing past your hands.
Avoid a Double Strike
Remember, when you are faced with a poor lie, especially in long or unpredictable grass that a double hit is a possibility. There are however steps you can take to avoid getting this penalty:
