Rules of golf: 5 things YOU need to know to save strokes

This list will help save you strokes on the golf course.

10 Sep 2021

Rules of golf: 5 things YOU need to know to save strokes

Here at GolfMagic, we endeavour to make sure you're always aware of the up-to-date rules, so here are five important ones to save you strokes.

1. Embedded golf balls

We've all been there, we've managed to find contact somewhere near the middle of the big stick and we've found a fairway. Only you walk up to the ball and see it is embedded.

Don't try and be a hero and hack it out. The rules now allow for free relief for any embedded ball in the "general area" in the rough or the fairway. Apart from bunkers.

The full exchange as Patrick Reed takes embedded ball relief on No. 10. pic.twitter.com/gSPH6PrAoW
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 30, 2021

2. Drops

Did you know that drops don't have to be in the same condition? You probably are aware if your ball lands on a sprinkler head near the green you get free relief, but that doesn't mean you have to drop it back on a tight lie.

Your drop simply has to be the nearest point of relief at one club length no nearer the hole. Always keep in mind what your best options are.

3. Water hazards

The updated rules define the now-defunct water hazards as in fact a penalty area. Before, if your club touched a blade of grass inside the hazard it was deemed a stroke.

Now, you can move loose impediments with your club or hand providing you are not improving your lie or conditions of the stroke.

RELATED: FROM NEAR DEATH TO THE EUROPEAN TOUR

4. Accidentally hitting yourself with a golf ball

It might sting a bit, but if you accidentally hit yourself with the ball after your shot ricochets off a tree or your equipment, there is no penalty. This is similar to the double hit, which is also not a penalty.

However, if you deliberately place your equipment as a backstop on the green to stop your ball then you can still incur a penalty.