SCGA Rules Crew

Every week our experts address frequently encountered rules questions. Check your understanding of the game by watching the latest video segment, and catch up on past videos.

Archives

Rules 5-3

Rule 2-4/6

Rule 4-4

Rule 5-3

When playing in a four-ball or best-ball match, are you allowed to putt out after your stroke has been conceded? How many clubs can you have in your bag, and what happens if you have too many?

When is my ball unfit for play?

Rules 58-5 Rules 8-2

Rule 6-6

Rule 8-1 D2

Rule 8-2a

You are responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole on your scorecard, but you can leave the addition of the score card up to the committee, or in this case, our mathematician ...

Can I exchange distance advice?

Can I use my golf club to assist with my alignment?

Rule 10-1b

Rule 11-3

Rule 12-1

In Match Play, who goes first? Is distance from the hole the only factor? Does it matter if you are on the green?

What happens if I accidentally knock my ball off the tee while addressing it? Does that count as a stroke or can I re-tee it?

What do you do if you can't find your ball in a bunker?

Rule 12-1b

Rule 12-2

Rule 13-2

NEW IN 2012! What happens when you lose your ball in a bunker, and it gets covered by loose impediments?

Don't let your golf ball be naked!

Willing to do anything to improve your lie?

Rule 13-3

Rule 13-4, Exception 2

Rule 14-2b

What is the difference between fairly taking a stance and building a stance? A player or his caddie may now rake a bunker prior to taking a shot. Indicating a line of putt

Rule 15-3

Rule 16-1b

Rule 17-1 D6

If player makes a stroke at a wrong ball, what is the penalty? Do you correct your mistake or continue playing with that wrong ball?

Ever question if you, or your partner, are properly marking the ball on the putting green?

My playing partner moved a removed flagstick while another ball was in motion - does anyone get penliazed?
Rules 17-3 Rule 18-2/a

Rule 17-3

Rule 18-2a

Rule 18-2b

What happens if I strike the flagstick?

Oops! I accidently moved my golf ball!

NEW IN 2012! If the wind moves your ball, even after you've addressed it, there is no penalty to the player.

Rule 19-1a

Rule 19-2

Rule 20-1

What happens when your ball lands on a moving beverage cart? Bang! Was that my cart?

Ever question if you, or your partner, are properly marking the ball on the putting green?

Rule 20-2a

Rule 20-3b

Rule 20-4 D1

When can I take a re-drop? What happens if your ball is golf roadkill? You mark your ball on the green, set the ball back down, and suddenly a gust of wind blows it. Your marker is where you left it ... can you bring your ball back to where it originally was?
Rules 25-2

Rule 22-1b

Rule 24-1

Rule 25-2

Can you use another player's ball as a backstop? You find your ball resting against a rake in a bunker. What can you do?

How do I play an embedded ball?

Rule 25-3b

Rule 26-1

Rule 26-1

What do you do if your ball lands on the wrong putting green?  Do you play it as it lies or take relief?

If your ball went into a lateral water hazard that is surrounded by a bunker, do you have to drop your ball in the bunker?

When taking relief for a ball in a water hazard, the player must either ...

Rule 26-1c

Rule 27-1c

Rule 33-8 D34

Your golf ball rolls into a lateral water hazard. What are your options for relief? Can you try to hit your shot from there?

I can't find my ball!

Divot Disaster! Do you get relief?

Caddy Tips

Caddy Tips 2.0

Dress Code

Having a caddy assist you on the course can save you time and help make your round more enjoyable. Watch as the Rules Crew explains what a caddy is permitted to do on the course.

There are a lot of responsibilities involved when you are a caddy. Watch as the Rules Crew explains some of the actions a caddy is not permitted to do on the course.

Can I play in a golf tournament barefooted?

Etiquette

Ground Conditions

Nearest Point of Relief

The SCGA Rules Crew shows how not to act on the golf course. Should I expect perfect ground conditions when I play? The nearest point of relief is not always the most convenient.

Overhanging Putt

Wrong and Right Reference Rules

What is and isn't allowed when your ball comes to rest overhanging the lip of the hole? What you can and cannot do on the golf course.