Golf Game Rules & Help
Quick answers for the golf course.
Search common golf game formats, course markings, penalties, relief situations, and group-play questions. These summaries are designed as practical help, not as a replacement for the official Rules of Golf.
Search by rule, game format, course marking, or situation.
Common Golf Questions
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Game Formats
In a typical skins game, each hole is worth one skin. The golfer with the lowest
qualifying score on a hole wins that skin. If players tie for the lowest score,
the skin may carry over to the next hole depending on the group’s rules.
Groups should agree before the round whether skins are gross, net, carry over,
or use another format.
Game Formats
In best ball, each golfer plays their own ball throughout the hole.
The team’s score for that hole is usually the lowest score made by one
team member. Some events may count two or more scores, so always check the event rules.
Game Formats
In a typical scramble, every player on the team hits a shot.
The team selects the preferred shot, and all players play their next shot
from that general location. The process continues until the ball is holed.
Tournament organizers may add special rules such as minimum drives or placement limits.
Game Formats
Match play is scored hole by hole. A player or side wins a hole by completing
it in fewer strokes than the opponent. The match is won when one side is ahead
by more holes than remain to be played.
Game Formats
Stroke play is based on the total number of strokes taken over the round
or competition. The player or side with the lowest qualifying total score wins.
Game Formats
A Nassau is commonly divided into three separate competitions:
the front nine, the back nine, and the full 18 holes.
Groups may play each portion for points, money, drinks, or another agreed prize.
Game Formats
Stableford awards points based on the score made on each hole rather than
simply totaling every stroke. The exact point values depend on the competition.
The player with the highest point total generally wins.
Game Formats
Wolf is a rotating-partner game commonly played by four golfers.
On each hole, one player is the Wolf and may choose a partner after seeing
tee shots or choose to play alone, depending on the group’s agreed version.
Scoring and point values vary significantly, so the group should establish the rules before play.
Course Markings
Red stakes or red lines generally identify a red penalty area.
A player normally has penalty-relief options available, including options
that may allow lateral relief. The exact procedure depends on where the ball
entered the penalty area and the applicable Rules of Golf.
Course Markings
Yellow stakes or yellow lines generally identify a yellow penalty area.
Relief options differ from a red penalty area, particularly because
lateral relief is generally associated with red penalty areas rather than yellow ones.
Course Markings
White stakes commonly identify out of bounds. If a ball is out of bounds,
the normal official procedure generally involves stroke-and-distance relief,
unless a permitted local rule provides another option.
Course Markings
Ground under repair is an area the course or committee has identified
as abnormal course conditions. Free relief may be available when the ball,
stance, or intended swing is affected, depending on the situation.
Common Situations
Under the official Rules of Golf, a ball is generally considered lost
if it is not found within the permitted search time. The normal consequence
is stroke-and-distance relief unless another applicable Rule or local rule applies.
Common Situations
A provisional ball may generally be played when the original ball might
be lost outside a penalty area or might be out of bounds. The player should
clearly indicate that the second ball is being played provisionally before hitting it.
Common Situations
A player may generally decide that their ball is unplayable in most areas
of the course. Penalty relief options are available under the official Rules,
and the correct option depends on the ball’s location and the relief procedure chosen.
Common Situations
Many loose natural objects may be removed under the Rules, but different
restrictions can apply depending on the location and whether moving the object
causes the ball to move. When unsure, check the official rule before taking action.
Common Situations
Bunkers have special restrictions, particularly concerning actions that
test the sand or improve conditions for the stroke. Some relief options
are available depending on the situation. Consult the official Rules when in doubt.
Relief
A paved or artificially surfaced cart path is generally treated as an
immovable obstruction. Free relief may be available when the path interferes
with the ball, stance, or intended swing, subject to the official relief procedure.
Relief
The official Rules specify how a ball must be dropped and where it must
come to rest within the applicable relief area. Because the details can vary
by situation, use the official Rules of Golf or the USGA Rules app when you need
the exact dropping procedure.
Group / Tournament Play
The organizer may establish the group’s game format, side-game rules,
handicap method, payout method, and other informal competition conditions.
However, official Rules of Golf and applicable local course rules still govern
when the group is playing under those rules.
Group / Tournament Play
Yes. A tournament committee or golf course may establish applicable local rules.
Players should review the tournament rules sheet, scorecard, course notices,
or committee instructions before play.
Group / Tournament Play
Charity scrambles often use event-specific rules covering ball placement,
required tee shots, mulligans, contests, handicaps, and scoring.
The tournament organizer’s published conditions should be reviewed before play.
Group / Tournament Play
The official Rules of Golf, applicable local rules, committee decisions,
and tournament-specific rules control. Tune-Up Golf’s information is intended
only as a convenient general summary.
Golf Rules Disclaimer
Tune-Up Golf™ provides general golf-rule, game-format, and course-marking information for educational and convenience purposes only. These summaries are not the official Rules of Golf and should not be relied upon as a substitute for official rules, interpretations, local rules, committee decisions, or tournament-specific conditions.
The official Rules of Golf as adopted by the applicable governing bodies, together with local golf course rules and competition-specific rules, control whenever there is a conflict or question.
Tune-Up Golf™ and Express One Industries are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the United States Golf Association (USGA), The R&A, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, LPGA, or any other golf governing organization unless expressly stated. All third-party names, marks, and materials remain the property of their respective owners.
View Official USGA Rules of Golf