Rules · Tip
You're in Charge of Your Own Penalties
Part of our rules programs. Build a program with it
In golf, you apply the rules to yourself. Rule 1.3 makes that your job. If you know you broke a rule and don't take the penalty, you're disqualified. Same if you and other players agree to ignore a rule. You can ask a referee or the Committee for help. If none is around, play on and bring it up later. Many rules ask you to estimate a spot or line. If you make a careful, reasonable estimate, it stands, even if video later shows it was off.
Step by step
- Apply your own penalties.
- Never agree to ignore a rule.
- Ask for a ruling if you can.
- If not, play on and raise it later.
- Make careful, prompt estimates.
Why it works
Golf has no referee on most holes, so the game depends on each player applying the rules to their own play. Rule 1.3 puts that duty on you, which is why knowingly skipping a penalty or agreeing with others to ignore a rule leads to disqualification. When a spot or line must be estimated, a careful and prompt judgment is all the rules ask for, so later video does not change it.
Common mistakes
- You notice a breach, such as a moved ball, and hope no one saw it.Add the penalty to your score as soon as you know about it, whether or not anyone else noticed.
- You and your playing partners agree to skip a rule to keep things moving.Never agree to ignore a rule; play it as written, or ask for a ruling if you are unsure.
- You guess a drop spot or a line without looking carefully, or you stall for a long time.Take a moment to judge the spot or line carefully, make the estimate, and play on.
How you'll know it's working
- You can say which rule applies before you play the next shot, and you add any penalty to your score right away.
- When you are unsure, you ask a referee or the Committee, or you play on and raise it later if none is around.
- Your estimates of spots and lines are quick, careful, and not changed afterward.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice on a casual round by saying out loud each time a rule might apply and what the penalty would be.
Harder: Play a round where you note every possible rules issue, decide which ones need a ruling, and raise them with the Committee afterward.
Common questions
What happens if I know I broke a rule and don't take the penalty?
You are disqualified under Rule 1.3 if you knowingly fail to apply a penalty. The same applies if you and other players agree to ignore a rule.
What if no referee is available and I'm not sure of the ruling?
Play on and raise the question later with the Committee. If you can, ask for help first, but do not stop play without a way to get an answer.
