Understanding golf’s rules can feel like learning a new language, but at their heart they protect the spirit of fairness and respect. When we grasp the essentials, the game flows with simplicity.
“Etiquette is the soul of golf; it turns rules into respect.”
Teeing Off & Order of Play
- Use a tee within the tee markers; never tee up ahead.
- The player with the lowest score on the previous hole tees off first, but feel free to play “ready golf” when safe.
- Count every stroke, including the times you swing and miss.
Ball in Play
- Play the ball as it lies; do not improve your lie by moving or pressing down the ground.
- If your ball is lost or out‑of‑bounds, take a penalty stroke and replay from the original spot.
- You may declare an unplayable lie anywhere except in a penalty area; drop within two club lengths or back on a line, adding one stroke.
Hazards & Bunkers
- In sand, avoid grounding your club before the stroke.
- In penalty areas, you may play the ball as it lies or take relief with a one‑stroke penalty: drop where the ball last crossed the margin.
On the Green
- Mark your ball with a coin or marker before lifting it.
- Repair your ball mark and one other.
- Avoid stepping on another player’s line.
Pace & Courtesy
- Keep up with the group ahead; be ready when it’s your turn.
- Let faster groups play through.
- Stay silent and still during others’ shots; safety and respect come first.
By focusing on these fundamentals and carrying yourself with kindness, you honour the game’s heritage. Let simplicity guide you, and the rules will feel like companions rather than constraints.
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