Rules of Golf Rule Questions Answered Rules of Golf

Question 6 - Is a fallen tree a loose impediment?

Question 5 - If a players ball lies in a bunker completely covered by casual water, what are his options?

Question 4 - May a player carry a weighted training club such as a momentus in addition to his 14 selected for the round?

Question 3 - How is the tee box defined?

Question 2 - When is a ball considered in a water hazard?

Question 1 - When is a ball Out of Bounds?

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Question 1 - When is a ball out of bounds?

The out of bounds point defined by stakes, lines or fences is determined by the nearest inside points of the stakes or fence posts at ground level. If a painted line is present, the entire painted line is out of bounds.

The out of bounds line extends vertically upward and downward.

For a ball to be out of bounds, the entire ball must lie out of bounds, so if any part of the ball is not out of bounds, the ball is deemed playable.

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Question 2 - When is a ball considered in a water hazard?

The hazard point defined by stakes, or lines is determined by the nearest inside points of the stakes at ground level. If a painted line is present, the entire painted line is in the hazard.

The hazard line extends vertically upward and downward.

Unlike out of bounds, the ball is considered in a hazard when it lies in, or any part of the ball touches the hazard, including the hazard line, or the stake line.

Question 3 - How is the tee box defined?

The tee box is defined by the outside limits of the two tee markers, and extends back two club lengths. A ball is considered in the tee box unless all of it lies outside the boundaries.

Question 4 - May a player carry a weighted training club such as a momentus in addition to his 14 selected for the round?

No, but he may use it as one of his 14 provided it conforms to the rules of golf. The rules do not specifically regulate the weight or maximum length of a golf club. It should be noted that the minimal length of a club is 18 inches.

Question 5 - If a player's ball lies in a bunker completely covered by casual water, what are his options?

Contrary to what one may think, you do NOT get free relief from the bunker. The only way you would is if the bunker is marked as ground under repair.
Your choices are:

1) Play the ball as it lies.
2) Drop the ball in the bunker without penalty at the nearest point, not nearer the hole where the depth of the casual water is the least.
3) Drop the ball behind the bunker under penalty of one stroke
4) Declare the ball unplayable and proceed in accordance with Rule 28.

Question 6 - Is a fallen tree a loose impediment?

If it is still attached to the stump, no; if it is not attached to the stump, yes.
 

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This page last updated April 16, 2001