Out of Bounds in Golf

What does "out of bounds" mean in golf?

The out of bounds (in English out of bounds, often abbreviated as “OB”) refers to the entire area outside the course boundaries established by the committee. It is not part of the course: players are not allowed to play their ball there.

Boundaries are most often marked by white stakes or a white line on the ground, but also by a fence, a wall, or a hedge. The scorecard or the local rules board specifies the boundaries of each course.

When is a ball out of bounds?

According to the Rules, a ball is out of bounds only when it is entirely beyond the boundary. For stakes, the boundary is the line connecting their edge on the course side at ground level; for a painted line, the line itself is out of bounds.

• If any part of the ball touches the line or is above the course, it is within the limits.
• A player may stand out of bounds to play a ball that is on the course.
• The white stakes do not move: they are boundary markers, and there is no relief if they interfere with the swing.

What should you do if your ball is out of bounds? (Rule 18.2)

The basic rule is the stroke and distance: You play the ball again from the spot where you took your previous shot, with a one-stroke penalty. Specifically, if your drive goes out of bounds, your next shot, played from the tee, is your third shot.

The same treatment applies to a lost ball, not found within three minutes of searching, outside the penalty area.

What is the purpose of a provisional ball? (Rule 18.3)

To avoid having to go back, you can play a provisional ball as soon as the first ball is likely to go out of bounds or be lost outside a penalty area.

• You have to'announce it before playing it, by using the word “provisional” or a similarly clear phrase. Simply saying “I’ll play another one” isn’t enough: the new ball then becomes the ball in play, and the penalty applies.
• If the original ball is found on the course, outside a penalty area, within three minutes, it is played, and the provisional ball is abandoned.
• If it goes out of bounds or is lost, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play, with a penalty stroke.

What is Local Rule E-5?

To speed up the game, the Rules suggest a standard local regulation, known as E-5, which offers an alternative to shot and distance. It is optional: It applies only if the club or the event committee has adopted it, as indicated in the local rules.

• It costs two penalty kicks.
• Drop a ball in an area extending from the spot where the original ball left the course or was lost to the nearest fairway, within two club lengths, without moving closer to the hole.
• It does not apply to a ball in a penalty area or to an unplayable ball.
• It is intended for friendly matches and club competitions, not for high-level tournaments.

Example: A drive that lands out of bounds, followed by a dropped ball under Rule E-5 near the fairway. The dropped ball is played in four strokes, as if the player had replayed from the tee and found the fairway.

How can you avoid going out of bounds?

• Look for the white stakes before each start and aim for the opposite side.
• On a narrow fairway, opt for a fairway wood, a hybrid, or an iron instead of a driver.
• If you're unsure about the ball, always play a provisional shot.