Teeing Off/Driving
The area from which you hit the first shot of the hole?
Tee box
What is the penalty for carrying more than 14 clubs in your golf bag while golfing?
You cannot take with you or play with more than 14 clubs during the round. Violation of the rule will result in a 2-stroke penalty per hole (max 4- strokes per round).
What is the only club allowed to be used on the putting green?
Putter. It is never okay to use another club except a putter on the putting green.
The winning golfer has the most or fewest amount of strokes?
The winner of a golf game has the fewest number of strokes.
Which player has the "Honor" to tee off first on the hole?
The player who score the lowest on the previous hole. On the first hole, honor can be made by a flip of a coin.
Is a tee peg required when teeing off?
No. You don't have to use a tee peg. You can create a small mound using the back of your club and place your ball on top. Or you can just hit the ball off the grass.
If you violate the "Ball at rest" rule, what is the penalty?
You must hit your ball from wherever it ends up "lies" on the playing field. If a ball at rest is pick up, moved, or touched purposely (except with a club in the act of addressing the ball) the player incurs a penalty of 1-stroke.
Once your on the green, should you remove the flagstick out of the hole and off the green? Why?
Yes. If a putted ball hits the flagstick, you will incur a 2-stroke penalty and play the ball as it lies (where it is.) The same rule applies if your putt hits a flagstick resting on the ground.
Each hole on a golf course has a designated number of strokes to get the ball into the hole. What is this called?
This designated number of strokes is called "Par". Par can vary from three to five strokes, depending on the difficulty of the course and the distance of the hole from the tee.
If a ball that is hit seems to be going toward another group of golfers, you should immediately yell ____ to warn them?
Shout "Fore!" as loud as you can if you see your ball heading towards other golfers so they are aware and can duck or move to safety.
Is teeing a ball in front of the tee markers allowed?
No. Your ball must be between the two markers, but you can stand outside. You may tee your ball up to two club-lengths behind the tee markers, but not an inch in front. Your front foot can be in front of the markers, though.
If you hit the ball "out of bounds", what is the penalty?
If your ball is hit out of bounds, you must count the stroke and replay the shot, adding 1 penalty stroke.
While playing on the green, if my ball is blocking another player's ball from the hole, what should I do?
If my ball is within tapping distance (very close,) I should tap the ball into the hole. If not, I must put a coin/marker behind the ball so that the player can play their shot and avoid hitting my ball.
Hitting the ball into the hole with one stroke under par is called?
1 stroke under par is called a "Birdie". Example: the hole is a par 5 and a player makes the ball into the hole in 4 strokes.
If you hit a tee shot and suspect that it might be lost or hard to find, in order to save time and keep the pace going, what should take place?
You should hit a "Provisional Ball".The Rules of golf allows you to play a second or provisional ball before running off to find the first one. If you do not hit a provisional shot and fail to find your first ball, you will have to walk all the way back where you hit the original shot and hit again. Searching for a ball often wastes a lot much time and a group of golfers behind you may get upset.
Is a stroke counted if a player accidentally knocks the ball off the tee?
No. If you knock the ball off the tee when addressing it or hit it during your practice swing, you can reapply the ball on the tee and carry on without penalty.
What is the protocol if you "lose" your ball?
If a hit ball is lost, you must go back to the original hitting position and hit another ball and also add a 1- stroke penalty to your score.
How much time is allowed to wait if the ball is teetering on the edge of a cup and is going to drop in?
A golfer is allowed a full 10 seconds to wait for the ball to drop into the cup. After that, they must make another shot.
Hitting the ball into the hole with 1 stroke more than par (+1)?
1 stroke over par (+1) is call a "Bogie".
When a player is about to hit the ball, how should all other players conduct themselves to show respect?
Don't talk or move around when a player is about to hit the ball. All players should keep their distance from the golfer who is hitting so they are not distracted.
Is it considered a stroke if a player "whiffs" swings and completely misses the ball while teeing off?
Yes. You count a stroke anytime you intentionally swing at the ball, even if you miss it. Practice swings are not counted as strokes.
If your ball lands inside a "water hazard", what are your 3 options and what is the penalty?
If your ball lands in the water hazard you may play the ball as it lies if it is indeed playable (not recommended). If it is unplayable, you must “drop” the ball in the designated location and take a 1-stroke penalty. You can also replay the shot from the original shot position under penalty of 1-stroke.
If a leaf or stick is between my ball and the hole, may I pick it up with my hand?
Yes you may pick up the leaf with your hand, but you may not touch your "line" with your putter. The "line" is the imaginary line between your ball and the hole.
How should the final score be determined?
After all 18 holes are completed, add up your scores from each hole for a cumulative total. The player with the least amount of points wins the game.
Since golf is the only sport that requires you to be your own referee, what is the most important rule in golf?
Be honest! "Honesty" really counts when it comes to golf. Golfers are often away from other players while playing and can be tempted to cheat. Golfers should follow the rules and keep accurate scores on every hole. If you don't play an honest game, you will never improve your game.