Advanced Golf Rules & Situations
Master complex rules situations and competitive golf scenarios
⚖️ Complex Rules Situations
Ball in Motion Hit by Another Ball
On the Putting Green
- • Player whose ball was hit: No penalty, replace ball
- • Player who hit the ball: 2-stroke penalty
- • Ball is played as it lies after collision
- • Exception: Both balls were on putting green when stroke made
Elsewhere on Course
- • No penalty to either player
- • Ball at rest: Replace to original position
- • Ball in motion: Play as it lies
- • Extremely rare occurrence
Wrong Ball Situations
Playing Wrong Ball in Stroke Play
- • 2-stroke penalty
- • Must correct mistake before next tee
- • Strokes with wrong ball don't count
- • Play correct ball from where it lies
Exchange of Balls by Opponents
- • Both players get 2-stroke penalty
- • Must exchange balls back
- • Continue from current positions
- • Common in match play confusion
🌊 Water Hazard Advanced Rules
Penalty Areas (Red Stakes)
Relief Options (1 stroke penalty)
- • 1. Play from last spot (stroke and distance)
- • 2. Back-on-the-line relief
- • 3. Lateral relief (2 club-lengths)
- • All options require 1-stroke penalty
Lateral Relief Details
- • Drop within 2 club-lengths
- • Not nearer the hole
- • From where ball crossed margin
- • Can use opposite side if available
Penalty Areas (Yellow Stakes)
Relief Options (1 stroke penalty)
- • 1. Play from last spot (stroke and distance)
- • 2. Back-on-the-line relief
- • No lateral relief option
- • More restrictive than red penalty areas
Back-on-Line Procedure
- • Draw imaginary line from hole through point
- • Go back as far as desired on that line
- • Drop within one club-length
- • Cannot be nearer to hole
🏆 Competitive Golf Specifics
Pace of Play Rules
Time Limits
- • 40 seconds per shot (when ready)
- • Additional time for first to play
- • 3 minutes for lost ball search
- • Committee may set specific times
Penalties
- • Warning for first offense
- • 1-stroke penalty for second
- • 2-stroke penalty for third
- • Disqualification possible
Monitoring
- • Groups put "on the clock"
- • Official timing begins
- • Individual player timing
- • Position on course matters
Scorecard and Scoring
Scorecard Rules
- • Player responsible for correct gross scores
- • Marker signs scorecard
- • Player signs and returns promptly
- • No changes after submission
Scoring Penalties
- • Wrong score lower than actual: DQ
- • Wrong score higher than actual: No penalty
- • No signature: DQ
- • Failure to return card: DQ
📖 Real Rules Decisions
Ball Moved by Wind After Address
Situation: Player addresses ball on green, wind moves ball before stroke is made.
Decision: No penalty. Replace ball to original position and continue play.
Rule 9.3: Natural forces moving ball at rest - no penalty, replace ball.
Ball Deflected by Maintenance Equipment
Situation: Ball in motion hits maintenance cart driven by course staff.
Decision: Stroke doesn't count, replay shot from original position with no penalty.
Rule 11.1: Ball deflected by outside influence - replay required.