The Rules Golfers Always Get Wrong

Here are a few of the biggest culprits:

1️⃣ Not calling a provisional. If you think your ball might be lost or out of bounds, say the word “provisional” before hitting another. If you don’t, that next shot becomes your ball in play – even if you later find your first one.

2️⃣ Relief from a pitch mark on the fringe. You only get free relief from pitch marks on the green, not the fringe.

3️⃣ Taking incorrect drops. Whether it’s from a path, water hazard, or immovable obstruction, you’ve got to make sure you’re taking relief from the nearest point, not the nicest point.

4️⃣ Touching sand in a bunker is still one of the most common errors. You can’t ground your club in the bunker before making your stroke (unless you’re searching or measuring).

The rules can be tricky — but knowing them can save you or your golfer strokes.