The Beginnerās Field Guide to Golf Rules: The 10 Essentials
The rule book is 200 pages long. You don't need to memorize it. You just need these **10 essential rules** to play fast, fair, and avoid embarrassment on the course.
1. The Golden Rule: Play It As It Lies
This is the heart of golf. Unless a specific rule allows you to move it (like a cart path, sprinkler head, or penalty area), you must play the ball exactly where it comes to rest. Do not improve your lie by moving grass, bending branches, or nudging the ball with your foot.
2. The Tee Box: Where to Start
You must tee your ball up **between** the tee markers (the colored blocks) or up to **two club-lengths behind** them. You can never tee up *in front* of the markers.
Essential Gear: PureFlightā¢ Tees
Consistent height markers help you tee up perfectly every time.
Shop Tees ā3. Ready Golf: Pace of Play
In casual play, forget "honors." If you are ready to hit and it's safe to do so, hit your shot. **Ready Golf** is the single best way to speed up play and keep your group happy.
4. Bunkers: Don't Touch the Sand
When your ball is in a sand trap, you cannot "ground your club" (touch the sand) before your swing. This tests your skill. After your shot, you **must** rake your footprints to leave the sand smooth for the next player.
5. Penalty Areas: Red vs. Yellow Stakes
š” Yellow Stakes (Regular Hazard)
Two options (1-stroke penalty): 1) Replay from last spot. 2) Drop back-on-the-line as far as you want.
š“ Red Stakes (Lateral Hazard)
Three options (1-stroke penalty): Same as Yellow, PLUS Lateral Relief (drop within 2 club-lengths of entry point). This is usually your best bet.
6. Lost Ball & Out of Bounds (White Stakes)
The Killer Rule. If you hit past white stakes (OB) or lose a ball (search limit: **3 Minutes**), you must take **Stroke and Distance**. This means you count the shot, add a penalty stroke, and go back to where you hit the previous shot. Hitting a "Provisional Ball" saves you this walk.
7. Unplayable Lie
Stuck in a bush? You can declare your ball "Unplayable" anywhere (except a penalty area). For **1 penalty stroke**, you can: 1) Replay the shot, 2) Drop within 2 club-lengths (no closer to hole), or 3) Drop back-on-the-line.
8. On The Green: Mark, Lift, Clean
Once on the green, you can mark your ball (coin behind it), lift it, and **clean it**. This is the only time you can clean your ball without penalty during a hole.
Essential Gear: Magna-Anchorā¢ Towel
Use the Wash Pocket to clean your ball perfectly before every putt.
Shop Towel ā9. Repairing Damage (Divots & Pitch Marks)
If your ball makes a dent in the green, you must fix it. Use a divot tool to push the turf **inward** (never lift up). This heals the grass in 24 hours.
Essential Gear: 5-in-1 Divot Tool
The pro way to fix greens. Includes a magnetic ball marker.
Shop Tool ā10. The Air Swing (Whiff)
Yes, it counts. If you intend to hit the ball and miss it completely, that is one stroke. Take a deep breath, reset, and try again (hitting your 2nd shot).
Continue Your Golf Education: Beginner's Guides
Now that you know the rules, get the right gear and improve your swing. Explore our deep-dive guides:
Beginner's Gear Guide
What to Buy (And What to Skip)Distance Chart
See How Far You Should Hit Each ClubFix Your Slice
Top Drills & Tools for Straight Shots10-Minute Warmup
Prevent Injury & Gain DistanceReady to Play?
Get the essential gear that keeps you compliant with the rules and looking like a pro.
See the Beginner's Gear Checklist āĀ