Find the golf rule you need
Use ordinary golf language—“ball moved”, “cart path” or “lost ball”—and open the guide that matches your situation.
10 guides available
What to do when your golf ball is lost
Search time, provisional balls and the stroke-and-distance procedure.
Golf ball out of bounds: penalty and next steps
The boundary test, stroke and distance, and the Local Rule alternative.
Accidentally moved your golf ball?
When to replace it, when a penalty applies and the important exceptions.
Played the wrong golf ball?
Match-play and stroke-play penalties and how to correct the mistake.
Can You Move Leaves, Sticks or Stones Beside Your Ball?
When natural loose objects may be removed and what happens if the ball moves.
Can You Move a Rake, Bottle or Stake Beside Your Ball?
How to remove artificial movable objects and replace a ball that moves.
Double Hit in Golf: Does It Count as Two Strokes?
Why an accidental multiple hit during one stroke counts only once.
Golf Ball Hits You or Your Equipment: Is It a Penalty?
The usual outcome when a moving ball accidentally hits the player or equipment.
Wind Moved Your Golf Ball: Replace It or Play On?
When natural forces mean a new spot and when the ball goes back.
Can You Clean a Golf Ball Lifted Off the Green?
How the reason for lifting determines whether cleaning is allowed.