Comprehensive Golf Rules Guide

Rule 1: The Game

• Play the ball as it lies
• Play the course as you find it
• If you cannot do either, do what is fair
• Golf is played by the Rules and in the spirit of the game

Rule 2: The Course

• Boundaries are defined by stakes, fences, or lines
• Out of bounds is beyond the boundary edge nearest the course
• Penalty areas (water hazards) are marked with red or yellow stakes/lines
• Bunkers are prepared areas of sand

Rule 4: Equipment

• Maximum 14 clubs allowed in bag
• Clubs must conform to USGA specifications
• Cannot add clubs during round if started with fewer than 14
• Damaged clubs may be repaired or replaced under certain conditions
• Cannot share clubs with another player

Ball Specifications

• Ball must be on the List of Conforming Golf Balls
• Cannot alter ball's performance characteristics
• Can clean ball when lifted under a Rule
• Must use same ball throughout hole unless substitution allowed

Rule 9: Ball Played As It Lies

• Must not improve conditions affecting the stroke
• Cannot move, bend, or break growing or fixed natural objects
• Limited improvement allowed in teeing area
• May remove loose impediments (not in bunkers)

Rule 10: Preparing for and Making a Stroke

• Must make stroke at ball from where it lies
• Cannot anchor club against body during stroke
• Cannot have caddie deliberately position behind player during stroke
• Cannot make stroke with assistance or protection from elements

Rule 11: Ball in Motion Accidentally Hit

• No penalty if player accidentally moves ball in motion
• Play ball as it lies unless specific Rule applies
• Different rules apply for ball on putting green

Common Scenarios

• Ball hits player: No penalty, play as it lies
• Ball hits opponent: No penalty, player may play as it lies or replay stroke
• Ball hits flagstick: No penalty if not deliberately positioned

Rule 13: Ball Played As It Lies

Rule 16: Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions

• Immovable obstructions: Free relief
• Abnormal course conditions (casual water, ground under repair): Free relief
• Dangerous animal conditions: Free relief
• Embedded ball in general area: Free relief

Rule 17: Penalty Areas

• Red penalty areas: Lateral relief options
• Yellow penalty areas: Back-on-the-line relief
• One-stroke penalty for relief
• May play ball as it lies if possible

Rule 18: Stroke and Distance Relief

• Ball out of bounds: Stroke and distance
• Ball lost: Stroke and distance
• Unplayable ball: Multiple relief options
• All carry one-stroke penalty

Rule 13: Putting Green Specific Rules

• May mark, lift, and clean ball on putting green
• May repair ball marks and old hole plugs
• May remove sand and loose soil
• Cannot improve line of putt by repairing other damage
• Flagstick may be left in hole or removed

Common Putting Green Situations

• Ball marker moved by accident: Replace without penalty
• Ball hits flagstick: No penalty
• Ball hits another ball: No penalty, replace other ball
• Caddie tends flagstick: Ball must not hit flagstick