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Rules of Golf
The R&A Rules of Golf App Common Searches
17 Apr 25
3 mins
With over two million downloads, The R&A’s Rules of Golf App is a popular platform that many golfers have on their mobile phones. You may not be surprised to hear that unplayable ball, abnormal course conditions and embedded ball relief all feature in the top-20 searched for items in the app. However, we are going to have a look at some of the more unexpected Rules and Local Rules that you have been searching for and that are included in the top-20 list.
Accidentally Moving Your Ball With Your Practice Swing
Firstly, imagine you are taking a practice swing and you accidentally strike your golf ball with your club which causes your ball to move. Now what? Will there be a penalty? Well, this depends on which area of the course your ball lies in. Firstly, the Rules tell us there is no penalty when you accidentally cause your ball to move on the putting green, no matter how this happens (see Exception 3 to Rule 9.4b). You would simply replace the ball on the original spot without penalty. Fortunately, there is also no penalty in the teeing area if you hit your ball with a practice swing and you would simply re-tee the ball anywhere in the teeing area (see Rule 6.2b(5)). However, if you cause your ball to move with a practice swing in the general area, a bunker or a penalty area, you will get one penalty stroke. In these situations, you must replace your ball on its original spot.Ball Moved By Practice Swing
Immovable Obstructions Close to the Putting Green
Coming in at number 11 on our most searched Rules are immovable obstructions located close to the putting green. It is common on certain types of golf courses (such as links courses) for players to want to putt from off the putting green, but that can be problematic when there is a sprinkler head (or other immovable obstruction) on the player’s line of play. Under the Rules of Golf, you are not normally allowed free relief when an immovable obstruction such as a sprinkler head only intervenes on your line of play. However, the Committee has the option to introduce a Local Rule which will allow you to take line of play relief, but it is important to be aware that this is only allowed in limited situations. The Local Rule in question allows you to take free relief in the general area if an immovable obstruction is:- on your line of play,
- is within two club-lengths of the edge of the putting green (in any direction), and
- is within two club-lengths of the ball.
Restrictions on Touching Sand in a Bunker
Finally, at number 15 on the list, there has been considerable interest in the Rule that covers the restrictions on touching sand in bunkers (Rule 12.2b). Firstly, it is important to understand when you are not allowed to touch sand in a bunker:- You must not deliberately touch sand in a bunker with a hand, club, or another object to test the condition of the sand to learn information for the next stroke.
- You must not touch sand in a bunker with a club in the area right in front of or right behind the ball, in making a practice swing or in making the backswing for a stroke, even if any of these actions were accidental.
- Digging in with your feet to take a stance of a practice swing or the stroke,
- Placing your clubs, equipment or other objects in the bunker,
- Measuring, marking, lifting or replacing your ball, or
- Leaning on a club to rest, stay balanced or prevent a fall.
Bunker Rules
The Rules team at The R&A hope that you found this insight into some of the most searched Rules and Local Rules to be beneficial.