What are the rules of golf? Essential rules of golf every player should know

Golf is a sport known for being a high-class sport played on well-manicured courses. The players are expected to target to score in 18 holes, with the person who finishes all the holes first winning the game. Today we discuss the rules of golf and everything a player should know before taking to the course.

What are the USGA rules of golf as of 2023?

The United States Golf Association is the body with the critical mandate of regulating and promoting the game of golf in the United States. One of their essential tasks is updating rule changes annually and sensitising the public about this. For the rules of golf in 2023, the USGA has released a 260-page booklet guiding the play process. A basic summary of those rules is as follows:

1. Always play behind the Tee markers

While playing a shot, ensure you play behind the markers or risk facing a penalty.

2. 14 club limit

One of the most strict rules is that on golf clubs. The USGA dictates that a player cant utilise more than 14 golf clubs in one game or risk disqualification.

3. Play the ball where it lies

Any effort to alter the position of the ball from where it lies will lead to a punishment.

4. Out of Bounds

5. Beware of Hazards

Hitting a ball into a water or lateral hazard can cause you a penalty stroke if the ball is positioned in an area where it needs to be removed by hand.

6. Lost Ball Rule

Every player is allocated 5 minutes to look for their ball before it is declared lost. If it is, that will lead to a one-stroke punishment.

7. Unplayable lies

This refers to one of the rules of golf where the ball is lost out of bounds in a place it cannot be recovered, like the woods. It is going to be a one-stroke penalty.

8. Cart Path relief

If you hit the ball and it hits a golf cart, you get free relief to replay the shot.

9. Rules of golf on accidentally moving the ball

If you touch the ball before hitting it, then a penalty is due. But if it is touched by mistake, then no penalty will be levied.

10. No practice between holes

In a competitive game of golf, players are not allowed to practice their shots in between the holes. Violation of this will lead to a one-stroke penalty.

11. Animal interference

According to the rules of golf on animal interference, if an animal makes contact with your ball while it is stationary, you are allowed to return the ball to its original position. However, if an animal interferes while the ball is in flight, then the ball can only be played from where it lands. If there is a potentially dangerous animal nearby, such as a snake, then you are allowed free relief.

12. Do not exchange advice with fellow golfers

13. Bunker rules

Bunkers, also known as sand traps, are a key feature in every golf course. Your golf club is not allowed to touch the sand, and the penalty for this is one shot. You should play the ball without disturbing the surrounding area.

14. Finish the hole with the same ball

This is one of the key rules of golf addressing the ball. You have to play the whole hole with the same ball. You have to wait until the hole is finished to replace it.

15. Mark your golf ball

Every player is allowed to mark their ball to easily identify it among those of other competitors.

16. Sign your scorecard correctly

In a game of golf, competitors exchange scorecards at the beginning and record points for their competitors. This requires one to be honest and not withhold information rating their opponents' scores.

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17. Rules of golf addressing abnormal weather conditions

In abnormal course conditions such as snow or rain, the players are generally given free relief as the weather is not considered part of the challenge.

For beginners, the game can look daunting and complicated. However, if you take a keen interest in the rules of golf, the game becomes much clearer and more enjoyable.

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