Australian Golf Digest
Results for "Rules Review"
Rules Review: What happens in a match when no one knows how to apply a rule?
Can you just come to a mutual agreement among the sides and play on?
Rules Review: My opponent stopped my ball from rolling on purpose. Is that a penalty?
Rule 11.2 has this situation covered, including the few times when it is not a penalty to stop a moving ball.
Rules Review: While waiting to play a shot, my opponent is killing time by chipping a ball. Is that allowed?
Can you identify which are penalties under the Rules of Golf – specifically Rule 5.5 – and which are permissible?
Rules Review: My ball is in a penalty area, so what are my options for taking a drop?
Although you probably still refer to it as a water hazard, it’s important to know that the official name change to “penalty area” in 2019 should give you a clue that the options for your next stroke have changed a bit.
Rules Review: Can I be penalised if someone else improves my lie?
The rules are very clear when it comes to instances when the actions of another person breach a rule for you. It doesn’t matter who the person is, the key is whether you are aware of the rules violation before continuing play.
Rules Review: Can you repair divot holes or pitch marks in your line before hitting a shot?
All of this is covered in Rule 8.1 and comes with the general penalty for a violation (loss of hole in match play or a two-shot penalty in strokeplay).
Rules Review: I just played the wrong ball. What do I do now?
There’s a reason enlightened players carry a Sharpie in their golf bag.
Rules Review: What do I do if my ball just hit another ball on the green?
The Rules of Golf clearly addresses what to do if you hit a shot from a green and it hits another ball on the green.
Rules Review: What do you do when the tee markers aren’t lined up or are missing?
Course maintenance crews do make mistakes every now and then, and those mistakes can leave golfers frustrated and guessing what to do about it. Two instances occur on the teeing ground.
Rules Review: Somebody just picked up my golf ball! Now what?
The Rules of Golf have things outlined pretty well for circumstances when it’s known or virtually certain that your ball was picked up by someone (or something) else.
Rules Review: Crazy things that only happen in matchplay
With the Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup being held in back-to-back weeks, now is a good time to review the Rules of Golf and highlight some of the unique aspects that only apply to matchplay.
Rules Review: Can you hit a provisional ball after hitting a shot into a penalty area?
Hitting a provisional is not an option if a ball is known or virtually certain to be in a penalty area.
Rules Review: Your club breaks, what are your options?
Rules changes made by the R&A and USGA in 2023 expanded the alternatives to replace broken clubs.
Rules Review: My playing companion took a generous drop after hitting into a penalty area. Can he be DQ’d for that?
It happened to Cameron Smith in one of his final starts on the PGA Tour.
Rules Review: Can I use a long putter when measuring my relief area?
There are two questions that need to be addressed in this rules post, although it might seem like there should be just one.
Rules Review: Our practice green sucks. Can I hit a few putts on the course before my round?
Whether or not you can practise on the course before you play in a competition round depends on the format.
Rules Review: I had an extra club in my bag and I just teed off. Now what?
Think that’s the rarest of blunders? Think again. The potential for having an extra club in your bag is real, whether you’re a tour pro or an average golfer.
Rules Review: Can I move a stone if it improves my lie?
Be careful when you remove stones and other loose impediments, but know you’re within your rights to do so if you do it in a reasonable manner.
Rules Review: Are you smart enough to ace this basic rules quiz?
There are some basic rules every golfer should know. Whether you enforce them during casual rounds with your friends is your business.
Rules Review: Do I get relief from aeration holes?
It might occur to you that aeration holes should be treated as ground under repair, meaning you can move your ball if it gets stuck in one. Sorry. Not so.
