Rules and etiquette cheat sheet

This is a simplified guide. The official Rules of Golf are published by the R&A and the USGA, and your club may have local rules.

Rules you will meet most

• 14 clubs is the most you may carry.
• Count every swing. A stroke is a swing made to hit the ball, so a complete miss still counts.
• Lost ball or out of bounds: the standard penalty is one stroke, and you play again from where you last played. Some courses allow an alternative local rule.
• Searching: you have three minutes to find your ball.
• Provisional ball: if your ball may be lost or out of bounds, say “provisional” and play another from the same spot to save time.
• Penalty areas (marked with yellow or red stakes or lines) usually give you relief options for a one stroke penalty.
• Mark your ball with something identifiable so you can recognise it.

Is a mulligan allowed?

Not in the official rules. A mulligan is a friendly agreement between players. Do not use one in competitions, and agree on the house rule before you tee off.

Etiquette

• Stand still and stay quiet when someone is hitting.
• Shout “fore!” if your ball is heading toward people.
• Replace or fill your divots, repair pitch marks on the green and rake bunkers.
• Keep up with the group in front. Play ready golf when it is safe: whoever is ready, hits.
• Leave your bag and trolley off the green and away from the surface you are about to putt on.
• Walk, do not stand, in someone’s line on the green.

General guidance for casual golfers. For personal coaching, book a lesson with a golf professional at your club or range.