What you can't watch without
The rules you will see every few minutes, in the order you meet them. Each opens on its answer.
B · Beginner · 13 rules · Step 1 of 4Scoring and forms of play
Starting and playing a hole
- What are the parts of a golf course called in the Rules?The Rules divide the course into five areas: the teeing area of the hole being played, every penalty area, every bunker, the putting green of the hole being played and the general area, which is everything else.
- What counts as a stroke in golf?A stroke is the forward movement of the club made to hit the ball.
- Can you move things that are in the way of your shot in golf?Two principles run through the Rules: play the course as it is found and play the ball as it lies.
- When is a golf ball officially in the hole?A ball is holed when it is at rest in the hole with all of it below the surface of the green.
Lost balls, out of bounds and penalty relief
- What happens when a golf ball goes out of bounds?A ball is out of bounds only when all of it lies outside the boundary of the course, which is usually marked by white stakes or lines.
- What is the rule for a lost ball in golf?A lost ball is one not found within three minutes of the player or caddie starting to search.
- What do you do when your golf ball goes in the water?A penalty area is water, or other ground the Committee marks, edged in red or yellow.
Bunkers and putting greens
- What are you not allowed to do in a bunker?In a bunker the player must not touch the sand with the club right in front of or behind the ball, in a practice swing or on the backswing, and must not test the sand.
- What can you do on the putting green in golf?On the putting green a player may mark, lift and clean the ball, repair almost any damage and brush away sand and loose soil.