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The rules of golf seem so many that it appears to be daunting at the very thought of playing under the USGA approved guidelines. But there are only 33 rules in the rules book. What gets expanded are all the ways a golf ball can get into trouble. This page is designed to help you understand the rules a bit better so you can enjoy the true challenge of our great game.

So lets get started! Don't be afraid to send an email to our Director of Golf Karl Kimball at karlk@hillandalegolf.com with any rules questions too. We want to help everyone enjoy the game of golf, but if you are using these rules too much, visit our lesson page for lesson rates!

Rule 26. Water Hazards

Probably the most abused rule in golf. There are only two types of water hazards, the water hazard (marked with yellow lines and or stakes) and the lateral water hazard (marked with red lines and or red stakes). Once a player's ball has found this hazard options vary for each one. Remember, there is no penalty for playing the ball from within the hazard providing you do not build a stance or ground your club. The penalty for relief is one stroke.

Keep in mind that a player may always as an option play a ball from the hazard unless the local rule states otherwise in protected areas. In a water hazard (yellow), the player may drop a ball on a spot keeping the point where it LAST crossed the margin of the hazard between themselves and the hole or play a ball from the place the ball was LAST played outside the margin of the hazard. Remember, when it is marked YELLOW you must negotiate the hazard! The lateral hazard (red) is different because it adds two more options. The ones already stated plus a player may choose to take two club lengths relief from the point the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard and the player may go to the opposite side of the hazard maintaining equidistance from the hole. A lateral hazard is usually a hazard you play along side of and not necessarily cross although this does happen.

Rule 28. Unplayable Ball

Sometimes we just hit it where we can't hit it anymore! Such as when the ball finds it's way (due to reasons outside the realms of talent) in the fork of a tree or deep inside a bush or under a tree with low hanging limbs. Rule 28 is here to help but the tariff is a one-stroke penalty. You may take two club lengths relief no nearer the hole and if that won't do it, you can proceed away from the predicament keeping the point where the ball was lying between you and the hole. You can go back as far as you wish too! You may of course play a ball from where your last stroke was played prior to the current situation.

Rule 27. Ball Lost or Out of Bounds

When you can't find your ball in the allotted five minutes of search time it is time to go back to where you played your last shot and drop another. If you played from the tee you may again use a tee or stool or peg or platform or whatever else you call your “tee”! If your ball goes out of bounds (white stakes and or lines) you must replay your shot. Both situations carry a stroke penalty. Remember golf is a game to be played on the golf course, not someone's yard or any other area deemed to not be on the golf course. And by the way, there can be out of bounds within the boundaries of the golf course. The USGA states that out of bounds (Oscar Brown, Oscar Baloney, O.B. Wan Kanobe, Oh Boy) can define any area which play is not permitted.

We hope these golf tips will be useful for your game. If you have any questions, please email Karl Kimball at karlk@hillandalegolf.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Click here for tips on Golf Etiquette.