Yes, there are rules to the game of golf! Whether you are new to the game or need a refresher, here are the some of the rules for this game we love:

  • Rule #1: The holes on the course must be played in order (l through 9 or 1 through 18).
  • Rule #2: In stroke play, the competitor with the lowest total score for the round (9 or 18 holes) is the winner. You must put the ball into the hole before starting the next hole.
  • Rule #3: You may carry no more than fourteen clubs
  • Rule #4: You may not hit a practice shot while playing a hole or from a hazard
  • Rule #5: During a round, you may not ask anyone besides your caddie or partner for advice on how to play.
  • Rule #6: The player who has the lowest score on the last hole has the right to play his or her ball first on the next hole.
  • Rule #7: If your ball accidentally falls off the tee, you may replace it without penalty.
  • Rule #8: A hazard is any bunker (area of sand) or water hazard (like a lake). In a bunker or water hazard, if sand or leaves cover your ball, you may remove enough of the sand or leaves to be able to see a part of the ball.
  • Rule #9: You must play the ball where it landed lies. As tempting as it may be, you may not move it to a better spot.
  • Rule #10: Likewise, you may not improve the area of your intended swing or line of play by bending or breaking anything growing, such as tree limbs or weeds.
  • Rule #11: You must strike the ball fairly with the head of the club. You may not push, the ball or hit it while it is moving.
  • Rule #15: If you play a ball that is not yours, you must take a two-stroke penalty. Always mark your ball by putting a small coin or other marker behind it when you want to pick it up to clean or get it out of another player’s way.
  • Rule #16: If you are going to lift your ball, you must put a ball-marker behind the ball before you lift it. When you drop a ball, stand erect, hold your arm out straight and drop it.
  • Rule #17: If another ball interferes with your swing or is in your line of putt, you may ask the owner of the ball to lift it. If your ball is near the hole and might serve as a backstop for another player, you may lift your ball.
  • Rule #18: A ball is lost if it is not found within five minutes after you first begin to search. A ball is also out of bounds when all of it lies beyond the inside line of objects such as white stakes, or a fence or wall that marks the playing area.

Now you know some (of the many) rules of the game… whether you choose to follow them or not is up to you and your fellow players!