The Rules of Golf

‘The Rules of Golf’

Golf is no different to al others sports and there is a need for rules and regulations to apply controls as different situations occur and to prevent misunderstandings and certain individuals taking an undue advantage.

Unfortunately the book of rules published by the Royal and Ancient based at St Andrews in Scotland is both lengthy and complex.

However playing golf here on the Costa’s there are certain situations which may arise during the course of a game of golf and it is important that you understand these rules to avoid conflict with your opponents or an infringement of the rules.

Here are just a few of rules frequently in use:

Preferred Lies

Unless otherwise stated all courses on the Costa’s allow the use of preferred lies on fairways and closely mown areas such as fringes (not the rough or bunkers), to prevent course wear.

You can lift, clean and place your ball within 6 inches of its original place BUT not nearer the hole.

If you are in doubt as to whether you are entitled to a drop, ask your opponent and if then you are still unsure KEEP YOUR FINGERS OFF THE BALL and play it as it lies.

Unplayable Ball

With the exception of a water hazard you can declare your ball unplayable at any time in exchange for a one shot penalty and your next shot can be played from one of the following positions:

  1. As close as possible to where you played your last shot from.

  2. Within two club lengths from the current position of the ball but no nearer the hole.

  3. As far back as you like but keeping the current position of the ball between you and the hole

Remember that for b) and c) if you are in a bunker the ball must be dropped in the bunker.

Coloured Posts

There are a multitude of different coloured posts on the golf course which indicate different things as follows:

  1. White posts indicate OUT of BOUNDS and you must play again from the spot that you last played a shot at the cost of a one shot penalty.

  2. Blue posts here on the Costa’s usually indicate GROUND under REPAIR and you can take a FREE drop within one club length but not nearer the hole.

  3. Red posts indicate a lateral water hazard and you drop the ball within two club lengths of where the ball entered the hazard at the cost of one penalty shot.

  4. Yellow posts indicate a water hazard and you drop the ball either from where you played the previous shot or as far back as you like along the line that the ball went into the hazard at the cost of one penalty shot.

  5. Distance posts are alongside fairways and usually indicate the distance to the FRONT of the green in metres.

Free Drops

The local course rules specify relief WITHOUT PENALTY from obstacles such as paths, roads, sprinklers, animal scrapes, casual water, waste baskets, posts, etc.

You must drop the ball within one club length but not nearer the hole.

If you have to drop out of a bunker then there is a penalty of one shot and always remember that if you breach the rule the penalty is two shots.

If you are in doubt as to whether you are entitled to a drop, ask your opponent and if then you are still unsure KEEP YOUR FINGERS OFF THE BALL and play it as it lies.

It is important that you understand these simple rules to avoid and conflict or confrontation with your opponent, which could lead to ill feeling and a loss of focus and concentration on your golf.