Golf rules, clearly explained
Practical guidance for the situations golfers face most often, written for ordinary rounds, competitions, beginners and juniors.
The rules you need on the course
Select a situation to see the practical answer, then follow the official R&A link for the governing rule. The official Rules of Golf and any applicable Local Rules always take precedence.
Lost ball or out of bounds
When to play a provisional ball, the stroke-and-distance procedure and why three minutes matters.
The search is limited to three minutes. If the ball is not found outside a penalty area, or is out of bounds, return under stroke and distance. A provisional ball can save time when the original might be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds.
Penalty areas
How to identify the reference point and understand the available relief options before dropping.
Play the ball as it lies or take relief for one penalty stroke. Yellow penalty areas provide stroke-and-distance or back-on-the-line relief; red penalty areas also provide lateral relief. The reference point is based on where the ball last crossed the edge.
Unplayable ball
The three standard relief choices, the penalty involved and the special position when a ball lies in a bunker.
Only the player may decide that a ball is unplayable. For one penalty stroke, use stroke and distance, back-on-the-line relief or lateral relief within two club-lengths, not nearer the hole. Special options apply in a bunker. This rule does not apply in a penalty area.
Ball moved
What changes when the player, an opponent, an outside influence or natural forces move a ball.
Natural forces usually mean playing from the new spot. A ball lifted or moved by a person or outside influence is generally replaced, with any penalty depending on the cause. On the putting green, a ball that moves after it has already been lifted and replaced goes back to its original spot.
Bunkers and loose impediments
What may be touched, what remains prohibited and how to avoid an unnecessary penalty.
Loose impediments may be removed, but if that action moves the ball it must be replaced and a penalty will normally apply. Before the stroke, do not test the sand or touch it with the club immediately in front of or behind the ball, during a practice swing or in the backswing.
Putting green
Marking, lifting, replacing, repairing damage and dealing with a ball that moves after being replaced.
Mark the ball before lifting it; it may then be cleaned and must be replaced. Permitted damage may be repaired. If a ball moves after it has already been lifted and replaced, return it to its original spot regardless of what caused the movement.
Check the official rule
Use the R&A Player’s Rule Finder and official Rules app for the governing text, diagrams and situation-specific guidance.
Editorial note: The Global Golfer provides general explanations for readers. Competition decisions should be checked against the current official Rules of Golf and any applicable Local Rules.