Golf Rules for Beginners: The Six You Need to Know
Are you just starting out and do the rules seem like a maze? On the course, Joel Tadman and Fergus Bisset, Golf Monthly’s rules expert, demonstrate the six situations beginners encounter most often.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
A missed shot counts: A stroke is the forward movement of the club to strike the ball. If you attempted to strike the ball, it counts, even if there was no contact. If you intentionally stop your swing or deliberately miss the ball—for example, because it fell off the tee—it does not count. No more than 14 clubs (Rule 4.1b): An undeclared extra ball incurs a two-stroke penalty if discovered after one hole, four strokes (the maximum) after two holes in stroke play, or two holes in match play. Declare it out of play as soon as you notice it. If you are unsure about your ball, file a provisional application (Rule 18.3a) with a clear statement: “I am playing a provisional ball.”.
To look for a ball, you have three minutes (Rule 18.2a) from the moment you start searching; after that, it is lost. Advice is prohibited (Rule 10.2): Do not ask for or give advice on a club or a way to play. Distances, which are public information, may be shared. In a bunker (Rule 12.2b), it is prohibited to test the sand, place the club behind or in front of the ball, or touch the sand during a practice swing or when stepping into the bunker; leaning on the club to step down is permitted. These last two infractions incur the standard penalty: two strokes in stroke play, loss of the hole in match play.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Before you leave, count your clubs: 14 at most.
- If you have one too many, call it "out" and put it back in the bag.
- On a doubtful shot, announce, “I’m playing a provisional ball,” before hitting it.
- Once you arrive in the search area, start the timer: three minutes.
- If you need to know the distance, just ask; if you need to choose a club, decide for yourself.
- In a bunker, keep the club above the sand until you take your shot, without making a practice swing that touches the sand.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't count a completely failed attempt.
- Slip a second putter into the bag without declaring it.
- Just say, “I’ll play another one” instead of announcing a temporary one.
- Extend the search beyond three minutes.
- Ask a partner which club he played for.
- Put the club down in the sand or touch it as you swing up.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Count your clubs before each round
- Phrase to remember: “I’m playing a provisional ball.”
- Practice swing out of the bunker, without touching the sand
- Distinguish aloud between information (distance) and advice (club)
Your Questions
Does an air shot count as a shot?
Yes, if you intended to hit the ball. Fergus Bisset clarifies that a swing that is intentionally stopped—for example, when the ball falls off the tee during the downswing—does not count.
What should I do if I find a 15th club in my bag?
Declare it out of bounds as soon as you notice it, and do not play any shots with it. If discovered after one hole, it costs two strokes; after two holes, four strokes in stroke play or two holes in match play.
How do you call a provisional ball?
The simplest thing to do is to say, “I’m playing a provisional ball.” Just saying, “I’ll play another one,” isn’t enough: the new ball would become the ball in play.
Can I ask a partner how far away the flag is?
Yes. The distance is public information and does not constitute advice. However, asking which club to use, or stating which club you used, is prohibited.
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