The Rules of Golf were modernised significantly in recent years, but many golfers still play by old rules, rules they half-remember, or rules that never existed. Some myths cost golfers penalty strokes; others mean they miss out on relief they're entitled to. Here are 15 common golf rules myths and the truth behind them.
This is a summary. For full details, see the official Rules of Golf.
1. "You can't ground your club in a water hazard."
False (now). Water hazards are now penalty areas, and you may ground your club and remove loose impediments there. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
2. "You must take the flagstick out when putting."
False. You may leave it in, with no penalty if the ball hits it. Read flagstick in or out?.
3. "You can't repair spike marks on the green."
False (now). You may repair almost any damage on the green, including spike marks. Read putting green rules.
4. "A double hit is a penalty stroke."
False (now). If you accidentally hit the ball more than once in a stroke, it counts as one stroke, with no penalty.
5. "If your ball hits you, it's a penalty."
False (now). There's no penalty if your ball accidentally hits you or your equipment.
6. "You drop from shoulder height."
False (now). You drop from knee height.
7. "You get free relief from a tree root."
False. Tree roots are part of the course. Your options are to play it or declare the ball unplayable for one penalty stroke. Read golf trouble shots.
8. "You get free relief from a divot hole."
False. You must play the ball as it lies unless a local rule says otherwise. Read golf local rules explained.
9. "A ball touching the out-of-bounds line is out."
False. A ball is out of bounds only when all of it is beyond the boundary.
10. "You get five minutes to search for a ball."
False (now). The search time is three minutes. Read pace of play.
11. "You must announce that you're lifting your ball to identify it."
False (now). You must mark it first, but you don't have to announce it to anyone.
12. "You can't remove leaves in a bunker."
False (now). You may remove loose impediments in a bunker, but if your ball moves while you do, it's a one-stroke penalty. Read golf bunker rules.
13. "Accidentally moving your ball while searching is a penalty."
False (now). There's no penalty; replace the ball. Read ball moved at rest: the rules explained.
14. "You can't use a rangefinder in competitions."
Not necessarily. Distance-measuring devices are allowed unless a local rule prohibits them, but slope functions must not be used. Read rangefinder vs GPS.
15. "You get relief from a puddle in a bunker only by dropping outside."
False. You can take free relief in the bunker, or relief outside the bunker for one penalty stroke. Read golf free relief rules.
Why the myths persist
- Rules changed, and not everyone caught up.
- Golfers learn rules from friends rather than official sources.
- Some local rules are mistaken for general rules.
How to stay up to date
- Read the official Rules of Golf or a players' edition.
- Use official rules apps.
- Ask your club's rules committee.
- Read our golf rules every golfer should know.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ground my club in a penalty area?
Yes, under the current rules.
What height do I drop from?
Knee height.
Is there a penalty for a double hit?
No. It counts as one stroke.
How long can I search for my ball?
Three minutes.
The bottom line
Many golf rules myths come from older rules or misunderstandings. Know the modern rules: ground your club in penalty areas, leave the flagstick in if you like, repair spike marks, drop from knee height and search for three minutes. You'll avoid unnecessary penalties and take the relief you're entitled to. For more, read golf myths debunked.