Five Important Golf Rules for Beginners

If you’re new to golfing, you may be intimidated by all there is to learn.  For example, it’s challenging enough to know which club to pick, let alone remember all the rules accompanying the game.  As you continue to play regularly, many of these things will become second nature to you.  In the meantime, here are five common questions beginners have about playing golf on a course.

Question:  Can I lift and clean off the ball?

Answer:  Maybe, it depends on where the ball is.  Rule 13.1 covers this topic.  According to the rules, “A ball on the putting green may be lifted and cleaned.  You must mark the spot of the ball before it is lifted, and you must replace the ball on its original spot.”  But how do you know if it’s on the green?  The rules are specific about that, too.  If the ball is touching the putting green or lies on or within anything inside the edge of the putting green, then it can be lifted and cleaned.  However, if the ball is anywhere else, it must stay on the ground.

Question:  What happens if I accidentally bump or move the ball?

Answer:  It happens.  You’re lining up the ball, doing a practice swing, and whoops…the ball moves.  Or perhaps you move an impediment like some leaves out of the way, and the ball rolls.  According to Rule 13.1d, there is no penalty if you accidentally move a ball on the putting green.

Question:  What do I do if I’m not sure the ball is mine?

Answer:  After you’ve hit the ball from the tee, you need to locate it for your next swing.  It’s possible to come across a ball in the vicinity of where yours landed and not be sure if it’s yours.  Beginning in 2019, you no longer have to announce to anyone that you are lifting and examining a ball, but you must mark it carefully and return it to its original location.  Rule 6.3a says players should put an identifying mark on their golf ball to know it is theirs.  This can be a dot, circle, or some other mark so that you recognize it as your own.

Question:  I want to golf with a friend, but is it ok to share clubs?

Answer:  Beginners often don’t have a complete set of clubs or want to try out another player’s clubs.  This can be an excellent way for beginners to experiment and figure out which brands of clubs work best for them.  Just keep in mind that if you’re playing in an organized game, you are somewhat limited to sharing club.  According to the rules of golf, the maximum number of clubs you can have combined with that partner is 14 clubs.

If you exceed 14 clubs between the two of you, there is a penalty, and it’s pretty steep.  According to Rule 4-1, the penalty for having too many clubs is two strokes for each hole during which you’ve had an excessive amount of clubs available to you, and the maximum penalty is four strokes.

Question:  Do  Clubs Have Their Own Special Golf Rules

Answer:  Yes, golf clubs can implement unique rules specific to their courses.  However, any local golf rules adopted by a golf club must be consistent with the principles of the rules of golf, and they must be communicated well with players on the course.  For example, a golf club may have rules about not removing certain natural features of the course that may otherwise be an impediment due to the impact on the environment.

Stay and Play at the Resort at Eagle Point

One of the best ways to learn the game and experience how exhilarating golf can be is to make a weekend of it at the Resort at Eagle Point.  You’ll find luxurious accommodations at our boutique hotel, The Chalets at the Resort at Eagle Point.  We make it easy to enjoy a hearty breakfast, get a quick golfing tune-up, and head out to the course.  At the end of your day, stay for fine dining at the Talon Grill and then kick back and rest with a beautiful view of the greens from your room at the Chalets.  The next day, you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to do it all again.