Quick Rule Guide

USGA RULES FREQUENTLY USED

WHITE STAKES (OOB) or Lost in Unstaked Area - A 2nd ball must be hit from the original spot as the first ball, adding a stroke for the second hit and a penalty stroke. You may announce that the second ball is a PROVISIONAL BALL if there is a possibility of finding the first ball. If the first ball is found and not out of bounds you may play that ball without penalty.

RED STAKES indicate a lateral water hazard. You may drop a ball within 2 club lengths from where the ball crossed the line defined by the red stakes, whether found or not, adding 1 stroke as a penalty. You may hit from the hazard, but you are not allowed to ground the club.

YELLOW STAKES indicate a water hazard. If a ball lies in, touches or is not found (whether it lies in water or not), you may drop a ball behind the hazard, taking a 1 stroke penalty.

HITTING THE WRONG BALL - penalty of 2 strokes unless lying in a hazard, in which case no penalty is incurred. The mistake must be corrected by playing the right ball.

BALL UNPLAYABLE - You are the sole judge as to whether your ball is unplayable. If unplayable, you may, under a penalty of 1 stroke: a. Play from spot where last hit. b. Drop ball within 2 club lengths of spot where ball lay (not nearer hole), c. Drop ball behind point where ball lay in line with the hole. If unplayable ball lies in the bunker, you may proceed under a, b, or c. Under b or c, the ball must be dropped in the bunker.

PREFERRED LIES (Local Rule): A ball lying in your own fairway may be lifted, cleaned and placed without penalty within a card length (7 inches) not nearer the hole.

CASUAL WATER, CART PATHS, GROUND UNDER REPAIR, DRAINAGE DITCHES-Drop ball within one club length of nearest relief, not nearer the hole, without penalty.

Rules & Etiquette

Two's Company
Who moves their ball in the event one lands right next to the other?

Other People's Property
What happens when you mistakenly hit another players ball; one who isn't in your match?

Soggy Situation
Can I use drying substances to assist in gripping the club?

Stand Aside
Does it matter what position you address the ball?

Cart Attack
What happens when your ball hits another player's cart?

Double Whammy
What happens when you hit one ball in the rough and two come out?

Repair Men
Is it legal to pat down the grass around your ball marks?

Attend-shun!
Confused about how to handle the flagstick? Here's a quick guide.

Rake Mistake?
What is the proper place to lay down the bunker rake?

Short Order
If a player outdrives me and takes his second shot before mine, do we replay the hole?

In the Drink
How should a player proceed if he or she can't find the ball in a water-filled bunker?

Pin Ball
What should you do if your ball strikes another player's ball on the green?

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