Playing golf isn't just about hitting a good shot; you also need to understand the rules and etiquette on the course. Most beginners are surprised by the rules of golf. Understanding the rules can make playing golf much more comfortable and enjoyable.
It's perfectly normal to be confused, as golf terms and procedures are quite unique. You don't need to understand and memorize everything right away; just focus on the essentials first. The rest can be learned by doing. Read this article to learn the golf rules that beginners must understand.
Basic Rules When Starting a Shot
When starting your tee off, the tee should be positioned in the correct teeing ground and suited to your shot style . Practically, a tee that's too low can easily get the ball stuck and reduce distance, while a tee that's too high can make directional control more difficult.
For drivers, the ball is generally set slightly higher for cleaner contact. Meanwhile, for irons or hybrids, the tee is lower because the goal is more control. Regarding the order of play, the player who received the honor (usually the winner of the previous hole) usually hits first.
After everyone has hit their tee shots, the next turn is determined by the position of the golf ball furthest from the hole (the one who hits the ball furthest first). It's important to understand that the teeing ground is the official area for teeing off, designated by two tee markers.
So, you should hit from within that area, not in front of the marker. Also, make sure you don't disturb other players, wait your turn quietly, and ensure your hitting area is safe.
Also Read: How to Care for Golf Equipment to Make it Durable and Long-Lasting
Various Basic Rules During the Game
1. The ball must be played from its original position.
In golf, the ball must be played from its original position. This means you can't move the ball slightly to make it easier to hit, flatter, or closer to the target. This rule is what makes golf fair; your results are determined by your ability to handle course conditions.
If you move the ball without permission (for example, for a specific reason specified in the rules), it can be considered a foul and result in a penalty. So, if you're unsure whether a move is allowed, assume it's not allowed until you're certain there's a valid reason.
2. Calculation of Each Stroke
Your score is the total number of strokes taken until the ball enters the hole. So, it's not just good shots that count; misses, stray shots, or bad shots still count.
A missed shot (whiff) also counts. If you swing with the intention of hitting the ball but don't hit it at all, it still counts as a stroke. Essentially, once you "commit" to a stroke, it counts.
Also Read: Basic Golf Techniques You Must Master Before Playing
3. Out of Bounds & Lost Ball
If your ball is out of bounds (OB) or lost (lost ball), the way to continue the game is to take a stroke and distance. This means returning to the spot where you hit it, adding one penalty stroke, and then hitting it again from there. To save time, if you suspect the ball might be out of bounds or difficult to find, you can hit the provisional ball first before going to find the first ball.
There's an exception, often used for casual play. Some courses implement Local Rule E-5 (an additional option) so you don't have to return to the previous shot spot. If this local rule applies, you can drop the ball in the designated area, but the penalty is two strokes.
4. Hazard & Bunker
The hazard (water area) is now commonly called the penalty area . If your ball enters the water area, you have two options:
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Play the ball as it is (if possible),
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Relief with a 1 stroke penalty.
The most common penalty options for this situation are to repeat the previous stroke ( stroke-and-distance ), move straight back from the point where the ball last entered ( back-on-the-line ), and specifically for the red penalty area, you are allowed to drop to the side within a certain distance ( lateral relief ).
Bunkers (sand) also have special rules for fair play. You're allowed to clear loose objects like leaves or small stones from the bunker and touch the sand under certain conditions. However, you shouldn't touch the sand directly in front of or behind the ball with your club, and you shouldn't test the sand before hitting. Violations usually result in a general penalty.
Also Read: Golf Driving Range: How to Practice Your Swing Effectively
General Penalties in Golf
Common Penalties in Golf
| Type of Violation | Example of an Event | Impact / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Touching the ball intentionally | Taking the ball and then shifting its position to make it easier to hit (without any valid rule reason). | Penalty stroke Generally a penalty is awarded + the ball must be returned to its starting position (according to local rules/game format). |
| Hit outside the playing area | Ball out of bounds: goes over the fence/OB stake, into the restricted area, or out of bounds of the hole. | Stroke + distance Usually add 1 penalty and repeat the stroke from the previous position (or use local rule if applied). |
| Wrong playing order | Playing first when it should be another player's turn (e.g. match play or certain tee-off rules). | Situational: Can request a replay of the shot/subject to consequences according to the format (match play vs stroke play have different effects). |
| Using equipment that does not comply with regulations | Using sticks/clubs that do not comply with the provisions, or the number of sticks exceeding the tournament limit. | Penalty Usually the penalty per hole/overall depends on the violation and the format of the match. |
Good Golf Etiquette
Golf etiquette is important because golf isn't just about scoring, but also about respecting other players and maintaining a comfortable game. Try to maintain silence while others are hitting.
Avoid loud conversation, sudden movements, or standing in areas that obstruct your view. These small habits help other players stay focused and create a more professional atmosphere.
In addition, you also have to help speed up the tempo of play, prepare your shot when your turn is almost up, find the ball quickly, and don't take too long to make decisions.
Now you understand the rules of golf, right Svargans?
Understanding the rules of golf makes the game fairer and more enjoyable, because you know what is allowed and what is not, and how to resolve situations on the course without debate.
This also makes you more confident when playing with others, because you won't hesitate when the ball gets stuck or you find yourself in a tricky position. Focus on the basic rules first before moving on to advanced techniques.
As you practice and play more, the rules will feel more natural because you'll experience the situations firsthand. So don't stress about memorizing everything at once. The important thing is to understand the basics, then let on-field experience reinforce them.
