what are the 43 rules of golf

What is'the rules of golf'?

The Rules of Golf content is intended for those who administer the game and who need to answer the variety of questions that can arise in relation to golf competitions. If you are a player, it is recommended that you should first consult 'The Player's Edition'.

What is rule 13-1 of the rules of golf?

Rule summary. 13-1 – The ball must be played as it lies except as otherwise provided in the rules. 13-2 – A player must not alter the lie of his ball, the area of his stance or swing, his line of play, or the area in which he is to drop or place a ball. The rule gives specific actions that are, and that are not,...

What is Rule 23 in golf?

Purpose: Rule 23 covers Four-Ball (played either in match play or stroke play), where partners compete as a side with each playing a separate ball. The side’s score for a hole is the lower score of the partners on that hole.

Is there a time limit on giving a ruling in golf?

• There is no time limit on giving such a ruling. (4) No Right to Play Two Balls A player who is uncertain about the right procedure in a match is not allowed to play out the hole with two balls.

What are the 3 most important rules in golf?

What are the most important rules in golf?A player must play the ball as it lies.There is a maximum number of clubs allowed in a player's bag during play.A player must tee up their ball behind the tee markers.Unplayable lies cause a one stroke penalty.In competitive play, advice is not allowed.More items...

What is the 40 second rule in golf?

A player should make a stroke in no more than 40 seconds (and usually in less time) after the player is able to play without interference or distraction, and. Committees should adopt a Pace of Play Policy (rather than only say they may do so).

Is there a 3 stroke penalty in golf?

The penalty stroke assessed is not the stroke made on the new ball; it is counted in addition to any and all swings made at the ball. For instance, hitting a ball into a water hazard, dropping a new ball at the position from which the last one was hit, then hitting the new ball counts as three strokes, not two.

What is the most important rule in golf?

Teeing up the ball is not only one of the most important rules of golf, it's one of the simplest to follow. However, it is often broken by excessively keen players looking to shorten a hole. The teeing area is a rectangle marked by the two tee markers and two-club lengths back, often around 40 square feet.

What is the golden rule in 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.

How many golf balls can a player carry in his bag?

nine golf ballsUnder the Rules of Golf, a golfer can carry as many golf balls as they want in their bag. Really, they can carry as many golf balls as they're willing to carry around themselves or their caddie is willing to lug around for them. Most PGA Tour golfers carry in the area of nine golf balls in their bag per round.

Is a lost ball a 2 stroke penalty?

The correct method of play would be to return to the spot from which the original ball was last played, and under penalty of one stroke, continue play from there. Yes, that means that a lost ball is a stroke and distance penalty.

What is the rule if you hit your tee shot out of bounds?

What this means is that you incur a one-stroke penalty and need to go back to the point from where you hit your last shot. For example, if you hit your tee shot out of bounds, you incur a one-shot penalty, must go back to the tee, hitting your third shot.

What happens if you hit your tee shot in the water?

Another huge change to the rules of golf is how to drop your golf ball. Whether you hit one in the water, take an unplayable or need relief, you previously had to drop the ball from shoulder height. Now you must take a drop from your knees. In fact, if you drop from your shoulders, you're actually given a penalty shot!

What is the first rule of golf?

1. “You must Tee your Ball, within a Club's length of the Hole.” Interesting Note: The first rules change in golf was to modify this from a single club length to two club lengths. Definition: Teeing Ground – The “teeing ground” is the starting place for the hole to be played.

Do and don'ts of golf?

Golf 101: Dos and don'ts for beginnersDO: Start on a practice range, not on the golf course. ... DON'T: Let your spouse or significant other become your primary teacher. ... DO: Learn how to grip the club properly. ... DO: Recruit friends to learn with you and make it an event! ... DO: Buy a glove.More items...•

What is the first basic etiquette rule in golf?

Whatever your groups' unique rules are, make them clear and make sure everyone understands before you begin. There are several golf etiquette practices that are universal: Lowest score on the previous hole tees off first. Player furthest from the hole goes first.

What are the rules of golf?

Rules of golf. The rules of golf consist of a standard set of regulations and procedures by which the sport of golf should be played. They are jointly written and administered by The R&A (which spun off from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 2004) and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

What were the rules before golf?

Before the rules of golf were standardised golf clubs commonly had their own set of rules, which while broadly the same had subtle differences, such as allowing for the removal of loose impediments, e.g. leaves and small stones.

What is the purpose of the decision on the rules of golf?

Decisions on the Rules of Golf, a book published every two years by the USGA and R&A to clarify questions raised by the Rules.

How often are the rules of golf published?

The Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status is published every four years by the governing bodies of golf (R&A/USGA) to define how the game is to be played. The Rules have been published jointly in this manner since 1952, although the code was not completely uniform until 2000 (with mostly minor revisions to Appendix I). Before 2012 the USGA and R&A presented the same content differently in separate editions. The same content is now published in a uniform fashion with similar formatting and covers — the only differences are now some spelling and their logos. The Rules Committee of The R&A, which was spun off from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 2004, has responsibility for upkeep and application of the rules worldwide except in the United States and Mexico, which are the responsibility of the United States Golf Association (USGA).

What is the rule for disqualifying a player in golf?

While none of these guidelines are enforced by penalty in and of themselves, the course authorities or other local "committee" may, under Rule 33-7, disqualify any player who acts in serious breach of etiquette, thereby violating the "spirit of the game".

What are some examples of rules often adopted in competitions?

Rules often adopted in competitions, for example the prohibition on using automotive transportation during a round and Rules related to Temporary Immovable Obstructions (TIOs).

What is the code of conduct in golf?

In addition to the rules, golf adheres to a code of conduct known as etiquette, which generally means playing the game with due respect for the golf course and other players. Eti quette is often seen as being as important to the sport as the rules themselves.

What is Rule 3 in golf?

Purpose: Rule 3 covers the three central elements of all golf competitions: Playing either match play or stroke play, Playing either as an individual or with a partner as part of a side, and Scoring either by gross scores (no handicap strokes applied) or net scores (handicap strokes applied).

What is the purpose of the Rules of Golf?

The Rules of Golf content is intended for those who administer the game and who need to answer the variety of questions that can arise in relation to golf competitions. If you are a player, it is recommended that you should first consult 'The Player's Edition'.

What is Rule 17?

Purpose: Rule 17 is a specific Rule for penalty areas, which are bodies of water or other areas defined by the Committee where a ball is often lost or unable to be played. For one penalty stroke, players may use specific relief options to play a ball from outside the penalty area. Read more.

What is Rule 14 in tennis?

Purpose: Rule 14 covers when and how the player may mark the spot of a ball at rest and lift and clean the ball and how to put a ball back into play so that the ball is played from the right place. When a lifted or moved ball is to be replaced, the same ball must be set down on its original spot. When taking free relief or penalty relief, a substituted ball or the original ball must be dropped in a particular relief area. A mistake in using these procedures may be corrected without penalty before the ball is played, but the player gets a penalty if he or she plays the ball from the wrong place.

What is the rule for playing the ball as it lies?

If the player’s ball comes to rest and is then moved by natural forces such as wind or water, the player normally must play it from its new spot.

What is free relief in golf?

These conditions are not treated as part of the challenge of playing the course, and free relief is generally allowed except in a penalty area. The player normally takes relief by dropping a ball in a relief area based on the nearest point of complete relief. This Rule also covers free relief when a player’s ball is embedded in its own pitch mark in the general area.

How to play golf round 5?

Players are expected to: Start each round on time, and Play continuously and at a prompt pace during each hole until the round is completed. When it is a player’s turn to play, it is recommended that he or she make the stroke in no more than 40 seconds, and usually more quickly than that.

How far back can you drop a golf ball?

Drop a ball within one club-length to either side of a straight line from the hole through the point where your ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area, going back as far as you'd like.

Can a caddie stand behind a ball?

Your caddie or partner is not allowed to stand on or close to a line behind your ball while you are taking your stance and until your stroke is made.

Where did the first golf rules come from?

The rules were originally known as the 13 Articles and were implemented to govern the first Challenge for the Silver Club tournament played at Leith Links in Edinburgh, Scotland. John Rattray won that initial tournament, and his signature appears at the bottom of the 13 Articles, the John Hancock of golf.

What are the 13 articles of golf?

Here are the 13 Articles and their modern equivalents: 1. “You must tee your ball, within a club’s length of the hole.”. Modern rule: 6.2b (1) Teeing area rules — Your ball is in the teeing area when any part of the ball touches or is above any part of the teeing area. You may stand outside the teeing area in making the stroke at a ball in ...

What is the 6.2b rule?

Modern rule: 6.2b (2) Teeing area rules — Ball May Be Teed or Played from Ground. The ball must be played from either: A tee placed in or on the ground or the ground itself. For purposes of this Rule, the “ground” includes sand or other natural materials put in place to set the tee or ball on. 3. “You are not to change the ball which you strike ...

What happens if you remove a ball from the putting green?

If your moved ball had been at rest anywhere except on the putting green or in the teeing area, you get one penalty stroke. 5.

What is the rule for changing the ball you strike off the tee?

3. “You are not to change the ball which you strike off the tee.”. Modern rule: Rule 6.3a Holing out with the same ball played from the teeing area — A player may play any conforming ball when starting a hole from the teeing area and may change balls between two holes.

What is the penalty area for a ball?

Modern rule: Rule 17.1 a-d Options for your ball in penalty area — Penalty areas are defined as either red or yellow. This affects your relief options. You may stand in a penalty area to play a ball outside the penalty area, including after taking relief from the penalty area. Your ball is in a penalty area when any part of it lies on or touches the ground or anything else inside the edge of the penalty area or is above the edge or any other part of the penalty area. You may either play the ball as it lies without penalty or play a ball from outside the penalty area by taking penalty relief. If your ball has not been found and it is known or virtually certain that it came to rest in a penalty area you may take penalty relief under this Rule. But if it is not known or virtually certain that your ball came to rest in a penalty area and the ball is lost, you must take stroke-and-distance relief.

What is the rule for removing a loose impediment?

Modern rule: Rule 15.1a&b Removal of loose impediments — You may remove a loose impediment without penalty anywhere on or off the course and may do so in any way (such as by using your hand or foot or a club or other equipment). If your removal of a loose impediment causes your ball to move, your ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated). If your moved ball had been at rest anywhere except on the putting green or in the teeing area, you get one penalty stroke.

Overview

History

Before the rules of golf were standardised golf clubs commonly had their own set of rules, which while broadly the same had subtle differences, such as allowing for the removal of loose impediments, e.g. leaves and small stones. In the late 19th century, most clubs began to align themselves with either the Society of St. Andrews Golfers, later the R&A, or the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, later the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.

Rules of Golf (book)

Etiquette

Definitions

Decisions

Notable rule changes

External links