Rules Brush Up

[Diggitydog]

Ok, I have some very basic rules questions but want to be sure when I hit my first tournament on Friday.

Out of bounds - 1 stroke or 2 strokes penalty? Does it matter if I find the ball out of bounds or if it's lost? Also, if it's out of bounds there is no playing it under any circumstances, correct?

Water Hazard vs Lateral Water Hazard. What's the difference? How many stroke penalty for each?

Provisionals - Hit one until you know there is one in play, right? Each provisional has to be marked different as well? What if you think it's in play but go up to find it but cannot. Go back to the tee even if it holds up play, correct, weekend time we never do this but in a tournament it should be that way?

I believe I know the answers to the above questions but I want to be 100% confirmed on these. Any other common ones that are missed I would love to hear as well.

Thanks

[JRC]

Diggitydog: I go to the USGA website for all my rules questions. They have an animated rules and etiquette section that hits almost every one of your questions on the numbers. Cheers, JRC

[Diggitydog]

Thanks

[jimmymo]

You are correct, out-of-bounds is a stroke and distance, meaning if you hit your ball OOB from the tee, you re-tee hitting your 3rd shot.

Lateral v. Water Hazard (probably one of the most misunderstood rules).

If a Water Hazard (not lateral), you have two options:

1. Hit as close as possible to where you played your original ball with a penalty of one stroke.

2. Hit behind the water hazard, keeping the point of entry into the hazard directly between your ball and the hole (you may go back as far as you want on this line) with a penalty of one stroke.

If it is a Lateral Hazard, you have the above two options, PLUS you may either:

3. Drop the ball within 2 clubs lenghts of the spot where the ball crossed the point of entry, but no closer to the hole, with a penalty of one stroke.

4. Drop the ball within 2 club lengths of the spot that is on the opposite side of the hazard and equidistant from the hole, with a penalty of one stroke.


As for provisionals, you need to continue to play until you know you are in the fairway -- that will help speed things up and avoid a situation where you need to make the long walk back to the tee.

Also, check to see if the tournament requires you to play "one ball" -- this is not in the rules of golf (I believe), but some tourneys require that you do so.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!