Golf Rules FAQ

This Golf Rules FAQ covers golf rules codified by the USGA and the R&A. The Rules of Golf can be found on those governing bodies' Web sites, or by clicking over to our Golf Rules section. If you can't find an answer to a question you have, try posting your question in the "Rules Discussion" section of our Golf Forum.
Poll: How well do you follow the Rules of Golf?

• My ball hit an overhead power line - do I get to replay the shot?

• My ball is stuck in a tree - what are my options?

• Should rakes be left inside or outside of bunkers?

• Ball markers: Do the rules say what should - or shouldn't - be used?

• Do I get relief from aeration holes on the putting green?

• What do red, yellow and white stakes or lines mean on a golf course?

• Do golfers playing as singles have any standing on the course?

• What does "keeping that point between you and the hole" mean?

• What club do I use to determine the nearest point of relief, and when measuring club-lengths?

• I found the ball my opponent is searching for - do I have to tell him?

• I thought my ball was lost and put a second ball into play, then discovered my first ball in the hole. Which ball counts?

• Can I place a golf club on the ground to help line me up for a stroke?

• Must a ball be literally "unplayable" in order to be declared unplayable under Rule 28?

• Are X-Out golf balls "legal" for play?

• What are "winter rules" or "preferred lies"?

• How many clubs are allowed in my golf bag?

• Ball in motion strikes ball at rest

• When were the first golf rules written, and what were they?

• Do I get to move my ball if, when putting from just off the green, I would have to putt across a sprinkler head?

• What's the ruling if I accidentally hit the ball with a practice swing?

• Does a "whiff" count as a stroke?

• If the wind moves my ball after I'm at address, do I have to take a penalty?

• Is it OK to use a long putter to measure club lengths?

• If a club breaks during a round, can it be replaced?

• What is the penalty for playing out of order?

• What is the ruling if the ball gets pinned between the flagstick and the cup?

• How can I obtain a copy of the Rules of Golf?

• Can I repair spike marks that are in the line of my putt?

• Does it count as a stroke if I accidentally bump the ball off the tee?

• Is there a time limit for playing a shot or a round of golf?

• What is the penalty for playing the wrong ball?

• How long am I allowed to search for a wayward ball?

• Does a golfer off the green always play before those who are on the green?

• Is it legal to use a club other than the putter on the putting green?

• My ball is in a bunker completely filled with water - do I get to drop outside the bunker?

• Is practicing in-between holes allowed?

• I hit a great provisional shot, then found my first ball - can I keep playing my provisional?

• Are 'gimmies' allowed under the Rules of Golf?

• What is considered casual water?

• Is it OK to draw lines on the golf ball to help with alignment?

• I like to take the rake into bunkers with me for convenience - is this legal?

• Do the rules prohibit changing golf balls during a round? (One Ball Condition)

• I conceded a putt to my opponent, he putted anyway and missed - what's the score?

Is your golf rules question not yet included here? Post your question in the Golf Forum, where golfers of all skill levels may be able to help.

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