Basic Rules of Golf

Being one of the top 10 most popular games in the world Golf is played by many people all around world. It is mostly popular amongst wealthy individuals. Golf is originated in Europe. It is so popular that there are golf courses created at some place where natural thick grass does not grow.

If you are new to this game or are planning to shift to this game, you need to have some basic understanding about this game. I am listing down some basic golf rules here which would help you give a start in this game.

There are 3 basic principles you need to remember while playing Golf.

1). Play the ball as you find it.
2). Play the ball as it lies.
3). It either can't be done by you then do what is fair.

To do what is fair, you need to understand the rules of the game.

During Match and Stroke Play:

- Always put an identification mark on the ball. Many people use a branded one and if you can't identify, it's lost.
- If the ball needs to be replaced, it can be when it becomes unfit. You won't be penalized for doing so.
- A maximum of 14 clubs are allowed, so keep a track of it.
- Do not ask or give advice except your partner or Caddie.
- During a hole you are not allowed to play a practice store, however you can practice swing.

Order of Play:

- The first tee is determined by the order of draw or by a lot.
- In match play, the ball which is farther from home is played first. The tee on the next hole is decided by the winner of the hole.
- In stroke play, the ball which is farthest from the hole is played first. The player who scores the lowest on a hole tees first on the next hole. Although there is no penalty for playing out of turn.
- In four ball games, partner can play in the order they consider best.

Teeing Ground:

- Tee off should be within two club lengths behind the tee markers.
- In match play there is no penalty if you play outside this, however your opponent may ask you to replay the stroke. In stroke play if you play outside this, you get a two stroke penalty.

Playing the Ball:

- Play as it lies. Do not touch the ball unless you are permitted to.
- Do not move, bend or break anything on course
- Do not touch the ground in the bunker or water in water hazard if your ball goes in one of these.
- Strike the ball with the head of the club and not push or scrape it. IF you hit the ball more than once in a single stroke, count the strokes and add a penalty stroke.
- Do not play the wrong ball. IN match play you lose the hole and in stroke play you are incurred a 2 stroke penalty.

When on the Putting Green:

- You are not supposed to touch the line of your putt
- You can repair ball marks and old hole plugs on the line but you can't repair spike marks.
- On putting green you are allowed to lift and clean your ball. Always remember to keep it back in the exact spot.
- Do not check the surface by scraping it or rolling a ball.
- In match play, you lose the hole if your ball hits the flagstick and in stroke play you get a two stroke penalty.

When the Ball at Rest Moves:

- If the ball is moved by you, partner or caddy add a penalty stroke and replace the ball.
- If someone else moves the ball or is moved by another ball, replace it without adding a penalty to you.

Moving Ball Deflected or Stopped:

- In a match play, if the ball is stopped / deflected by you, partner or caddy you lose the hole. In stroke-play you get a two stroke penalty and the ball is played from where it lies.
- If the ball is deflected / stopped by someone else, play you ball without penalty. There are some exceptions: In match play you can play it from where it lies or replay it. In stroke play, if it is deflected after it reaches the putting green, you must replay the shot.