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Obtaining the golf green card symbolizes understanding and applying the essential rules and etiquette of the game. Let’s delve deeper into these rules to help golfers prepare as best as possible.
Water hazards (temporary or permanent) are marked by blue lines or stakes. When a ball is in a water hazard, the golfer has several options:
Avoid Delays: When near a water hazard, it is important to decide quickly what to do next to avoid delaying play. If you think your ball might be in a water hazard, it is wise to play a provisional ball to avoid returning to the original spot to replay a shot.
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When a ball is in a bunker, the player must take great care not to touch the sand with their club before striking the ball, except during their stroke. Options when playing out of a bunker include:
Repairing the Bunker: After playing from a bunker, it is the player’s responsibility to repair and smooth the sand for the following players. Use the provided rake to level the sand properly.
Stroke Play and Match Play: Golf is primarily played in two formats: Stroke Play, where the player with the lowest total strokes wins, and Match Play, where the player who wins the most holes wins the match. In Stroke Play, every stroke counts, including penalty strokes.
Honesty and Integrity: Golf is a game of honesty. Players must count all their strokes, including penalties, and clearly announce their score per hole to their scoring partner.
Playing the Green: On the green, you are allowed to mark and lift your ball to clean it. The ball must be replaced exactly in the same spot. It is prohibited to test the surface of the green by rolling a ball or scratching the surface.
No Damage: Avoid causing damage to the green by walking, placing your bag or the flagstick. When marking your ball, use a flat ball marker or a small coin.
Order of Play: In Stroke Play, the player with the lowest score on the previous hole has the honor to tee off first. On the fairway, the player furthest from the hole plays first. In Match Play, the order of play is determined by the result of the previous hole.
Safety and Respect: Ensure that the group in front of you is out of range before playing your shot. Encourage fast play by preparing to take your shot before it is your turn.
Lost or Out of Bounds Balls: If a ball is lost or out of bounds (marked by white stakes), the player must play a ball from the spot where the previous stroke was made, with a one-stroke penalty. Since 2019, a local alternative allows, with a two-stroke penalty, dropping a ball in the area where the ball is estimated to be lost or out of bounds.
Search Time: Limit the search time for a lost ball to 3 minutes to avoid delaying play. Inform players in the group behind if you believe there will be a delay.
Repairing Damage on the Green: Players are allowed to repair almost all damage on the green (ball marks, shoe damage, old flagstick holes) but not natural damage to the grass.
Preserving the Green: Always repair your ball mark and, if possible, one other. This helps keep greens in good condition for all players.
Dropping Procedures and Relief Areas: When dropping a ball for relief, the ball must be dropped from knee height and must remain within the relief area. Relief areas are defined by specific rules, for example, for abnormal course conditions (temporary water, damaged areas, etc.).
Act Wisely: Make sure you know the correct procedure for dropping a ball. If unsure of the procedure, do not hesitate to consult an official or a more experienced player.
Maintaining a Good Pace of Play: Players should play at a good pace and be ready to play when it is their turn. Committees may set pace of play guidelines that all players must follow.
Encouraging Fast Play: Be ready to play as soon as it is your turn. Plan your shot while others play theirs and limit preparations before striking the ball.
Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions (ACC): ACC includes temporary water, ground under repair, or holes made by harmless animals. If your ball lies in such an area, or if it interferes with your stance or swing area, you are entitled to free relief by dropping the ball within a specified distance from the abnormal condition.
Avoid Causing More Damage: When taking relief from an ACC, do so in a way that minimizes damage to the course. For example, avoid walking unnecessarily on already damaged areas.
Authorized Use of Distance-Measuring Devices: Golfers are allowed to use distance-measuring devices to measure or estimate distances. However, if a device has additional functions that could assist in improving play (such as slope or wind conditions), these functions must not be used.
Do Not Delay Play: Using distance-measuring devices should not cause unnecessary delays. Be quick and efficient when using these devices and ensure they are ready to use before it is your turn to play.
Lifting and Marking the Ball: Before lifting a ball at rest, it must be marked by a marker placed just behind or beside the ball. After lifting, the ball must be replaced in the same spot.
Speed and Accuracy: When marking and lifting your ball, do so quickly and accurately to avoid delaying play. Ensure the ball is replaced in the same spot to maintain the integrity of the game.
Recommendations for a Fast Pace of Play: Players are encouraged to play promptly throughout the course, including preparing their shot before it is their turn to play, moving quickly between shots, and searching for lost balls efficiently.
Advance Preparation: Each player should prepare to play their shot while other players play theirs, provided it does not disturb them. This includes reading the green or selecting clubs in advance.
Marking the Ball on the Green: Before lifting a ball on the green to clean it or to avoid interfering with another player, it must be marked. This is usually done by placing a marker, such as a coin or specialized marker, directly behind the ball before lifting it.
Respect Other Players: Always ask permission from other players in your group before lifting your ball on the green, especially if you think it might affect their putting line.
Right of Way: In group play, the player with the best score on the previous hole has “honor” and tees off first on the next hole. On the fairway, the player furthest from the flag plays first.
Maintain Proper Order: Make sure to respect the order of play to maintain an efficient and fair pace for all players. Also encourage sportsmanship by congratulating others’ good shots.
Scorecard: At the end of each hole, the player must ensure their score is correctly recorded by another player in the group acting as marker. At the end of the round, the total score must be verified, signed by the player and marker, and submitted to the committee.
Honesty and Accuracy: Honesty is fundamental in golf, especially when recording scores. Make sure to communicate your score clearly and accurately after each hole.
Interruption of Play Due to Adverse Weather Conditions: Play may be suspended and resumed when conditions are deemed unsuitable or dangerous. Players may suspend play if they believe they are in danger due to weather.
Safety First: In case of dangerous weather conditions, such as lightning, it is important to stop play immediately and seek shelter. The safety of players and spectators is paramount.
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Passionate golfer and co-founder of Teech Golf. My mission with Teech is to build technology that becomes a true companion in helping you improve your game.
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