Golf Rules For Beginners | Everything You Need to Know

Are you new to golf and feeling pressured by all the golf rules? Don’t worry! This complete road map will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently step onto the course for the first time. From equipment requirements to proper etiquette, we’ve got you covered with simple, easy-to-understand explanations that will have you playing like a seasoned golfer in no time.

Basic Golf Rules For Beginners Explained for New Players

Golf is a game of honor and tradition, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. Let’s break down the essential rules every beginner should know before teeing off.

Rules: Equipment

Before you hit the course, you need to understand what tools you’ll be using and how they affect your game.

Clubs and Balls

Golf Clubs:

You can have up to 14 golf clubs in your bag when you’re playing a round of golf.
A typical beginner set includes a driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons (6-9), pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a putter
Borrowing clubs from other players during your round is not allowed under official rules
Each club serves a specific purpose – drivers for distance off the tee, irons for approach shots, and putters for use on the green

Golf Balls:

You must start each hole with a single ball and use that same ball throughout the hole unless it becomes damaged
If you need to change balls during play of a hole, there’s usually a one-stroke penalty
Modern golf balls have dimples that help with aerodynamics and flight stability
Beginners should use balls designed for distance and forgiveness rather than pro-level balls

Pro Tip: Mark your golf ball with a unique symbol or your initials to identify it easily during play.

Understanding Par, Birdie, Bogey, and Other Terms

Golf scoring terminology can seem like a foreign language at first, but these terms are actually quite simple:

Par: The expected number of strokes it should take to complete a hole (typically 3, 4, or 5)
Birdie: Finish a hole in one stroke under par
Eagle: Finishing a hole in 2 strokes fewer than the expected number (par).
Bogey: Complete a hole in 1 stroke more than the expected number (par).
Double Bogey: Finishing a hole in 2 strokes more than the expected number (par).
Hole-in-One: Getting the ball from the tee into the hole with just one stroke

A golf course typically has a mix of par-3, par-4, and par-5 holes, with a total par for 18 holes usually between 70 and 72.

Rules: Tee Box/Teeing Ground

The tee box is where each hole begins, and there are specific rules about how to properly start your play.

Stand behind the markers (usually colored stakes or discs) when teeing off
Your ball must be placed between the markers and can be placed up to two club-lengths behind them
You can use a tee to elevate your ball when making your first stroke on each hole
If you swing and miss the ball completely, it does not count as a stroke as long as you didn’t intend to hit it
Most courses have multiple tee boxes at varying distances – beginners should use the forward tees (often red or gold)

How to Play from the Fairway and Rough

After your tee shot, you’ll find yourself playing from either the fairway (short grass) or the rough (longer grass).

Fairway Play:

The ball must be played as it lies – no improving your position
You cannot ground your club in hazards or bunkers before making your stroke
Take practice swings beside the ball, not behind it, to avoid accidentally moving it

Rough Play:

Expect less control and distance when hitting from the rough
Club selection is crucial – consider using a club with more loft to help get the ball out
Focus on making clean contact rather than trying to hit the ball as far as possible

Rules: During Play of a Hole

Once you’ve left the tee box, there are rules governing how to proceed through the remainder of the hole.

Practice Shots

Practice shots are not allowed during the play of a hole
You can take practice swings as long as you don’t strike the ball
Between holes, you may practice putting or chipping on or near the green you just completed, but never on the next green

Order of Play

In casual golf, ready golf is encouraged, meaning whoever is ready should play. However, in formal play:

The player more distance from the hole typically plays first
After teeing off, the player whose ball is farthest from the hole goes next
On the green, the player furthest from the hole putts first
The player with the cheap score on the previous hole tees off first on the next hole

Hitting the Ball

You must play the ball as it lies without improving your position or lie
If your ball moves after you’ve addressed it (taken your stance and grounded your club), you incur a one-stroke penalty
You cannot use your club to move obstacles like twigs, leaves, or other natural items around your ball
You may not test the surface by rolling a ball or scraping the ground

Beginner Tip: Focus on making clean contact with the ball rather than trying to hit it as hard as possible.

Rules: On the Greens

The putting green has its own set of rules to ensure fair play and protect the playing surface.

Putting & Touching the Green

You may lift and clean your ball on the green after marking its position with a ball marker
You can repair ball marks, old hole plugs, and damage from shoes on your putting line
You cannot test the green by rolling a ball or scraping the surface
You may touch your putting line to remove loose impediments (leaves, twigs), but not to test the surface or improve your line

Modern Rule Update: You can now touch or fix almost any damage on the green, including spike marks, without penalty.

The Flag Stick

Recent rule changes have simplified flagstick handling:

You can now leave the flagstick in the hole while putting it, and you won’t get a penalty for it.
For beginners, leaving the flagstick in can help with distance perception and prevent balls from racing past the hole
You can have someone attend the flagstick (hold it and remove it when your ball approaches), but they must remove it completely
If your ball hits the flagstick when putting, there is no longer a penalty

Rules: Golf Etiquette For Beginners

Golf is as much about behavior as it is about skill. Following proper etiquette shows respect for the game and other players.

Respecting Other Players on the Course

Stay quiet and still when others are hitting
Never go in another player’s putting line on the green
Be aware of your shadow on the green – don’t let it fall across another player’s putting line
Wait until it’s your turn to play unless playing “ready golf”
If your shot might endanger others, always shout “Fore!” as a warning

Pace of Play: Keeping the Game Moving

Reducing speed play is one of the biggest frustrations in golf. Keep things moving by:

Being ready to hit when it’s your turn
Limiting practice swings to one or two
Planning your shot while others are playing
Keeping pre-shot routines brief
Recording scores at the next tee, not on the green
If you’re falling behind the group ahead, invite faster players to play through

A typical 18-hole round should take about 4 hours. If you’re new, consider starting with 9 holes.

Proper Behavior on the Green

Mark your ball when it might interfere with another player’s putt
Don’t step on another player’s putting line
Stand still and remain quiet when others are putting
Handle the flagstick carefully, and place it gently on the ground away from players’ putting lines
Repair your ball marks and any other damage you notice

Dress Code and Course Manners

While dress codes vary by course, some general guidelines include:

Collared shirts for men
No denim, athletic shorts, or tank tops
Golf shoes or athletic shoes (many courses now allow spikeless shoes)
Respect cart rules and signs (stay on paths when directed, keep carts away from greens and tees)
Rake bunkers after playing from them
Replace divots or fill them with provided seed mix

Phone Etiquette Tip: Keep your phone on silent and take calls only in emergencies. If you must take a photo, do so quickly and ensure you’re not delaying play.

Rules: Dropping and Marking Balls Not on the Green

Sometimes you’ll need to lift, mark, or drop your ball during play. Here’s how to do it correctly.

Penalty Drops

If your ball lands in a penalty area (marked with red or yellow stakes), you have options:

Yellow Stakes (Water Hazards):
- Play the ball as it lies (if possible), or
- Take a one-stroke penalty and play from where you last hit, or
- Take a one-stroke penalty and drop on a line keeping the point where the ball crossed the hazard between you and the hole
Red Stakes (Lateral Water Hazards):
- All yellow stake options, plus
- Take a one-stroke penalty and drop within two club-lengths of where the ball crossed the hazard boundary, no closer to the hole

Free Drops

You’re entitled to free relief (no penalty) in these situations:

From man made obstructions (cart paths, sprinklers, etc.)
From ground under repair (marked with white lines)
From casual water (puddles)
From embedded balls in the general area (fairway or rough)

How to Drop a Ball

The modern dropping procedure is simple:

Determine your relief area (usually one or two club-lengths depending on the situation)
Stand at knee height
Drop the ball straight down so it falls through the air without touching anything
The ball needs to stop in the area where you can take relief.
If it rolls out of the relief area, drop again
If it rolls out a second time, place the ball where it first touched the ground on the second drop

Marking a Ball Not on the Green

While less common, sometimes you’ll need to mark your ball off the green:

Use a tee, coin, or ball marker to mark the spot
This is common when your ball interferes with another player’s stance or swing
Always get permission before lifting your ball off the green
Replace the ball exactly where it was before proceeding

Rules: Obstructions

Obstructions are artificial objects on the course that may interfere with play.

Movable Obstructions:

Items like rakes, bottles, or trash that can be moved without unreasonable effort
You can remove these without penalty, even if your ball moves (just replace it)

Immovable Obstructions:

Items like cart paths, sprinkler heads, or artificial walls that cannot be easily moved
You get free relief by:
1. Finding the nearest point of complete relief (where the obstruction no longer interferes)
2. Drop within one club-length of that point, no closer to the hole
3. Take your stance and play

Rules: Ball in the Water, Lost, Out of Bounds, or Unplayable

These situations can be frustrating but knowing the rules helps you handle them properly.

Rules for Hazards (Bunkers, Water, etc.)

Bunker Rules:

You cannot ground your club in the sand before your stroke
You cannot test the sand with your club
You can remove loose impediments (leaves, twigs) in bunkers without penalty
If your ball is un-playable in a bunker you can:
- Play from where you last hit (one-stroke penalty)
- Drop in the bunker within two club-lengths of your ball, no closer to the hole (one-stroke penalty)
- Drop outside the bunker on a line between the hole and your ball (two-stroke penalty)

Water Hazard Rules:

As covered in the Penalty Drops section, you can take a one-stroke penalty and:
- Play from where you last hit
- Drop on a line keeping the point where the ball crossed the hazard between you and the hole
- For lateral hazards (red stakes), drop within two club-lengths of where the ball crossed the boundary

Lost & Out of Bounds

If your ball is lost or out of bounds (marked by white stakes or lines):

Traditional Rule: Return to where you last hit and take a one-stroke penalty (known as “stroke and distance”)
For casual play, many courses now allow a local rule where you can drop in the fairway adjacent to where the ball was lost, taking a two-stroke penalty

Time-Saving Tip: Hit a provisional ball if you think your original might be lost or out of bounds. This saves time by not having to return to the previous spot if your ball is indeed lost.

Unplayable Lies

If your ball lands in a spot where you feel it’s impossible to hit (like under a bush), you can declare it unplayable and:

Take a one-stroke penalty and play from where you last hit, or
Take a one-stroke penalty and drop within two club-lengths of the unplayable spot, no closer to the hole, or
Take a one-stroke penalty and drop on a line keeping the unplayable spot between you and the hole

Remember: Only you can declare your ball unplayable – it’s your decision.

Disc Golf Rules for Beginners

If traditional golf seems overwhelming or expensive, disc golf offers a similar experience with simplified rules and lower costs.

How Disc Golf Differs from Traditional Golf

Uses flying discs (similar to Frisbees) instead of balls and clubs
Plays on courses with metal baskets as targets instead of holes
Typically free or low-cost to play compared to traditional golf
Requires less equipment – just a few discs to start
Usually played in parks or wooded areas rather than manicured courses
Games are typically faster, with most rounds taking 1-2 hours

Basic Rules and Scoring in Disc Golf

The goal is to finish each hole in the fewest number of throws
Start from a designated tee area and throw toward the target basket
After the tee shot, the player whose disc is farthest from the basket throws first
You must throw from where your disc landed, placing one foot at the marker disc
A hole is completed when your disc lands in the basket or chains
Scoring uses the same terminology as traditional golf (par, birdie, bogey)
Most disc golf holes are par 3, with some longer holes as par 4 or 5

Common Disc Golf Terms and Etiquette

Essential Disc Golf Terms:

Drive: Your first throw from the tee
Approach: Throws that get you closer to the basket but aren’t putts
Putt: Short throws attempting to get the disc in the basket
Hyzer: A throw that curves downward in the direction of the throwing arm’s side
Anhyzer: A throw that curves away from the throwing arm’s side

Disc Golf Etiquette:

Stay quiet when others are throwing
Don’t throw until you’re sure the group ahead is out of range
Let faster groups play through
Don’t litter and respect the course environment
Pin your discs with your name and phone number

Mini Golf Rules for Beginners

Mini golf (also called putt-putt) is a fun, family-friendly version of golf played on small, themed courses.

Fun and Simplified Rules for Mini Golf

Each player uses a putter and same-colored ball throughout the course
The player furthest from the hole goes first
Maximum strokes per hole is usually 6 (to keep the game moving)
If your ball goes out of bounds, place it where it left the course and take a one-stroke penalty
If your ball gets stuck in an obstacle, you can usually move it the width of your putter head away and take a one-stroke penalty
The player with the lowest total score after all holes wins

How to Play Mini Golf Like a Pro

Observe the course layout before putting to understand slopes and obstacles
Focus on control rather than power – gentle, smooth strokes are usually best
When facing bankshots, aim for a specific spot on the wall rather than just hitting in that direction
For uphill putts, use slightly more force than you think necessary
For downhill putts, use very gentle taps to avoid overshooting
Have fun with creative shots – sometimes the indirect route works better!

Printable Golf Rules for Beginners

Having a quick reference guide in your golf bag can be incredibly helpful when you’re learning the game.

Free Resources for Learning Golf Rules

The USGA and R&A offer free PDF downloadable summaries of golf rules
Many golf courses provide simplified rules sheets for beginners
Golf magazines often publish pull-out guides to the basic rules
Online resources like TheGolfHype.com provide printable cheat sheets covering essential rules
Mobile apps like “Golf Rules Quick Reference” offer searchable rules guidance

How to Use Printable Guides to Improve Your Game

Keep a waterproof copy in your golf bag for quick reference
Review one section before each round to gradually build your knowledge
Use the guide to settle disputes during friendly matches
Highlight the rules that come up most often in your play
Create a personalized cheat sheet with the rules you struggle to remember

Golf Rules Quiz for Beginners

Testing your knowledge is one of the best ways to learn. Try these questions to see how well you understand the basic rules.

Test Your Knowledge of Golf Rules

Question: How many clubs are you allowed to carry in your bag during a round?
Answer: 14 clubs maximum

Question: If your ball moves after you’ve addressed it but before you’ve swung, what happens?
Answer: One-stroke penalty, and you must replace the ball

Question: When taking relief from a red-staked hazard, how many options do you have?
Answer: Three: play from where you last hit (with penalty), drop on a line keeping the point where the ball crossed the hazard between you and the hole, or drop within two club-lengths of where the ball crossed the hazard boundary

Question: Can you touch the sand in a bunker with your club before making your stroke?
Answer: No, this would result in a penalty

Question: Can you putt with the flagstick in the hole?
Answer: Yes, under current rules there is no penalty

Question: If your ball is embedded in the fairway, are you entitled to relief?
Answer: Yes, you get free relief for an embedded ball in the general area

Question: What is the proper height from which to drop a ball when taking relief?
Answer: Knee height

Question: If your ball lies against a movable obstruction like a rake, what can you do?
Answer: You can remove the obstruction without penalty, even if the ball moves (just replace it)

Common Questions and Answers for New Golfers

New golfers often ask questions about basic equipment, proper stance, grip, club selection, course etiquette, and fundamental swing mechanics, including:

Do I have to yell “Fore” even if I’m embarrassed about a bad shot?

Yes, absolutely. Fore is a safety warning, not an admission of a poor shot. Always yell if your ball might hit someone.

What if I accidentally hit the wrong ball?

In stroke play, there’s a two-stroke penalty, and you must correct the mistake by playing your original ball. If not corrected, you’re disqualified.

Can I use my phone on the course?

Yes, but keep it on silent and use it sparingly to avoid slow play. Many courses have specific phone policies, so check before your round.

What if I don’t know what club to use?

As a beginner, start with this simple guideline: Driver for tee shots on par 4s and 5s, fairway wood or hybrid for long shots from the fairway, irons for approach shots (higher number = shorter distance), and putter on the green.

How do I know when it’s my turn to play?

Basically, the player furthest from the hole plays first. On the tee, the player with the lowest score on the previous hole goes first.

What if it starts raining during my round?

You can continue playing unless there’s lightning or the course closes. Most golfers carry rain gear. If conditions become unplayable, check with course staff about rain checks.

Golf Course Rules for Beginners

Every golf course has its own local rules and policies that may differ slightly from the official rules of golf.

Golf Rules You Need To Know | Top 5 for Beginner Golfers

Common Local Rules:

Preferred Lies: Sometimes called “winter rules,” allows you to improve your lie in certain areas
Out of Bounds Alternatives: Some courses offer alternatives to the stroke-and-distance penalty for recreational play
Environmental Areas: Special protected areas you cannot enter or play from
Temporary Conditions: Rules addressing unusual course conditions like construction or extreme weather damage

Cart Rules:

Follow signs directing cart traffic
Keep carts on paths when instructed
Observe the 90-degree rule when in effect (drive on the path until you’re even with your ball, then turn 90 degrees)
Never drive carts between bunkers and greens
Some courses have restrictions for disabled players

Course-Specific Etiquette:

Replace divots or fill them with provided seed mix (practices vary by course)
Repair ball marks on greens (typically with a repair tool or tee)
Rake bunkers after playing from them
Keep pull carts and bags away from greens
Follow the dress code specific to that course

Starter Interactions:

Get there at least 15 minutes before your scheduled golf tee time.
Check in with the starter or pro shop
Ask about any temporary local rules or unusual conditions
Get a scorecard and course map if available
Confirm your tee time and starting hole (some courses start on the 10th hole)

FAQs

What is the 5 rule in golf?

The 5 rule typically refers to Rule 3.3, which limits the maximum score per hole to 5-over par in certain formats like Stableford or Maximum Score competitions. This helps with pace of play by allowing players to pick up their ball once they reach this maximum score on a hole.

What are the basic rules and regulations of golf?

Basic rules of golf include striking the ball with the club head, playing the ball as it lies, and maintaining a good pace.

How many strokes for a drop?

In golf, a drop typically counts as one penalty stroke when taking relief from an abnormal course condition, an unplayable lie, or a ball in a penalty area, depending on the specific situation and where the drop is taken; the key is that you are adding a stroke to your score when you drop the ball to take relief.

How far back can you stand in the tee box?

In golf, you can stand up to two club lengths behind the tee markers in the tee box. This area is called the teeing area.

Final Thoughts

Learning golf rules doesn’t happen overnight. As a beginner, focus on the basic rules and etiquette first, and gradually build your knowledge with each round you play. Remember, most golfers are happy to help new players understand the rules.

The most important aspects to master early are:

Playing at a reasonable pace
Showing respect for the course and other players
Understanding basic relief options
Learning how to count your score correctly

Golf is a game that rewards patience and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you find the rules confusing at first – every golfer was a beginner once. The rules exist not to complicate the game but to ensure fair play and preserve the traditions that make golf special.

By understanding these fundamentals, you’ll feel more confident on the course and be able to focus on improving your skills and enjoying the game. Remember, golf is meant to be challenging but also fun!

Whether you’re playing traditional golf, disc golf, or mini golf, the core principles remain the same: respect the course, respect other players, and respect the game. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way to a lifetime of enjoyment on the links.

Happy golfing, and we hope to see you on the course soon!