MY GOLF BLUEPRINT
Out of bounds: stroke and distance
Rule 18.2 · Official source checked 6 November 2026
When a ball is out of bounds, the normal procedure is stroke-and-distance relief. Add one penalty stroke and play from the previous stroke's location using the applicable procedure.
On the course
- Check the course boundary definition.
- If the ball might be out of bounds, consider announcing and playing a provisional.
- If confirmed out of bounds, continue under the correct stroke-and-distance procedure.
Worked situation
A tee shot out of bounds followed by another tee shot under stroke and distance means the next stroke from the tee is your third.
Important distinction
Model Local Rule E-5 is an optional two-penalty alternative only when the Committee adopts it. It has eligibility limits and is not a universal drop beside a boundary.
Sources and further reading
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