MY GOLF BLUEPRINT
Golf Rules & Etiquette
Practical rule explanations with official references, worked situations and local-rule distinctions.
Rules summaries link to the governing text and were checked on 6 November 2026. Etiquette pages explain courteous habits separately. Check competition terms and local rules at the course.
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Stroke play: count the whole round
In ordinary stroke play, your total is the strokes taken plus penalty strokes. You must normally hole out on every hole and return the required scorecard correctly.
Match play: one hole at a time
Match play compares the result of each hole. A player or side wins a hole by taking fewer strokes, including penalties, or through the applicable match-play rules.
Red and yellow penalty areas
Both red and yellow penalty areas offer stroke-and-distance and back-on-the-line relief for one penalty stroke. Red areas also offer lateral relief, subject to the rule's limits.
Out of bounds: stroke and distance
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.
Lost balls and the three-minute search
A ball becomes lost when it is not found within the allowed three-minute search time. The normal consequence outside a penalty area is stroke and distance, subject to the Rules' exceptions.
When to play a provisional ball
A provisional can save time when your original ball might be out of bounds or lost outside a penalty area. You must announce that it is provisional before playing it.
Unplayable ball: compare your relief options
Outside a penalty area, you may decide your ball is unplayable. The normal options are stroke and distance, back-on-the-line relief or lateral relief, each for one penalty stroke.
Free relief: nearest does not mean nicest
Abnormal course conditions can allow free relief when they interfere as defined by the rule. The nearest point of complete relief is a reference point, not permission to choose the best patch of grass.
Bunker rules: what you may touch
Bunkers have specific restrictions before a stroke. You must not test the sand or touch it with a club in prohibited ways, including a practice swing or the backswing for the stroke.
Putting-green rules: mark, repair and replace
The putting green has special permissions for marking, lifting, cleaning and repairing damage. Determine whether the ball is on the green before applying those permissions.
How to drop a golf ball correctly
A ball must be dropped by the player from knee height in the required way. The applicable relief rule determines where it must first touch and where it may finish.
The 14-club limit and equipment changes
You may start a round with no more than 14 clubs. You can carry fewer, and there is no required mix of drivers, irons, wedges or putters.
Ready Golf and the honor on the tee
Safe, responsible Ready Golf is encouraged in stroke play. Match play gives order of play a different role, so agree any particular out-of-turn stroke only within the rules.
“Fore!” and basic course safety
Shout “Fore!” immediately when a ball may endanger someone. A prompt, loud warning matters more than watching to see where it finishes.
Repair a pitch mark without lifting the roots
A repaired pitch mark helps the green recover and gives later players a fairer surface. Use the course's preferred method and tool.
Divot care: follow the course's method
Courses differ in whether they want a divot replaced, a repair mix used or another method followed. Local grass and maintenance practices determine the right approach.
Bunker etiquette after your shot
Leave the bunker in a condition you would reasonably want to find. Entry, raking and rake placement should follow the course's guidance.
Equipment rules: conforming clubs and balls
Check conforming equipment, adjustable clubs and permitted measuring-device use under Rule 4.
Pace of play: prepare without rushing
Prepare efficiently, understand Rule 5.6 and follow the course’s pace policy without rushing into unsafe play.