10 Golf Rules You’ve Probably Never Heard Of (But Will Wish You Had)

Think you know the rules of golf? Think again. Even lifelong players such as our very own Equipment Editor and Video Presenter Tom Usher are surprised to learn how many of golf’s quirks and technicalities fly under the radar. 

Some can save you strokes, others spare your dignity—but all of them are real rules, and they could change how you play your next round.

Let’s tee up 10 of the most unexpected, misunderstood, and downright useful golf rules you probably didn’t know existed.

Watch our latest YouTube video below, and scroll down this page for a deeper dive into each of the rules...

1. Mulligan Magic—The Legal Way

We've all had that heart-sinking moment—a putt rockets past the hole, or a chip lands in the rough with a thud. 

Turns out, Rule 14.6 gives you a lifeline. 

As long as your ball isn’t out of bounds, you can take a one-stroke penalty and replay the shot from its original spot. 

Yes, even on the green. 

Think of it as the official version of a mulligan—one that could save you from carding a triple bogey.

Learn more about this rule here

2. Clean Up the Bunker—Without Breaking the Rules

You step into a bunker and spot rocks, leaves, maybe a twig or two messing with your line. 

Good news: Rule 15 allows you to remove loose impediments from around your ball—as long as you don’t touch the ball or ground your club in the sand. 

It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference in tricky lies. 

Go ahead—clear the way.

3. Oops! Double Hit? No Big Deal

Ever taken a swing and heard that dreaded clink—your club accidentally striking the ball twice in one motion? 

It used to mean a two-stroke penalty. 

But under Rule 10.1, it’s just one stroke. 

As long as the second contact is unintentional, there’s no extra punishment. 

Your scorecard will thank you.

4. Bag It, Don’t Blame It

You hit a great bump-and-run… right into your own golf bag. 

Frustrating, sure—but no longer penalizing. 

Under modern rules, hitting your own equipment (or even yourself) carries no penalty. 

Just play the ball as it lies and carry on. 

Sometimes, golf gives you a break.

5. Flagstick Freedom—Keep It In

Remember when you’d get penalized if your ball hit the flagstick while putting? 

Not anymore. 

Rule 13.2a says you can now leave the flag in the hole—and it might just help you, especially on fast greens or slippery downhill putts, the flag can act as a backstop, catching a ball that might otherwise lip out. 

Long putt? Short putt? Leave it in and aim true.

A number of the world's best PGA Tour players often putt with the flagstick in, such as England's Matt Fitzpatrick.

6. Green Etiquette—Watch Where You Hit

You’re just off the green and chip toward the hole—but your partner forgot to mark their ball. 

If your ball hits theirs and you were off the green, no penalty. 

But if both balls are on the green before you hit, and you strike theirs, you’re looking at a two-stroke penalty. 

Moral of the story? Always ask your partner to mark up.

7. A Ball in a Pocket Isn’t Lost

One of the weirdest (but real) rules: if your ball lands in someone’s pocket, jacket, or even a drink cup—no penalty. 

According to Rule 17, you get a free drop from the spot where the person (or object) was when the ball went in.

No advancement toward the hole, but no strokes lost either. 

Cheers to that.

8. Phones Are Fair Game—Sort Of

Most golfers use apps for GPS distances and course layouts. 

That’s totally fine. 

But switch over to your weather app mid-round to check wind speed or direction? 

That’s a big no-no in competitive play, and could lead to disqualification. 

Keep it simple: toss a little grass in the air to judge the breeze—no WiFi required.

9. Unplayable Lies Aren’t Just for Trees

Fairway bunkers with steep lips. Divots in the middle of the short grass. Not all unplayable lies are hidden in the woods. 

Rule 19 says you can declare your ball unplayable anywhere on the course. 

Take a one-shot penalty, drop within a club length (no closer to the hole), and give yourself a better shot. 

Sometimes, a smarter choice beats a heroic one.

10. Standing Out of Bounds? That’s Okay

Here’s a classic misconception: if you’re standing out of bounds, surely your ball must be too. 

Not necessarily.

If your ball is still in bounds, you’re allowed to take your stance outside the boundary and play on—no penalty. 

Only when the ball is over the line does it count as out. 

It’s one of those rules that can save a stroke or two when it matters most.

Play Smarter, Not Harder

Golf is a game of precision, patience—and paperwork, if you’re not careful. 

But knowing these lesser-known rules could save you shots, speed up your game, and keep you on the right side of the scorecard (and your playing partners).

So the next time you find yourself in a bunker full of leaves, chipping from behind someone’s ball, or eyeballing your phone for wind direction—remember: the rulebook might be on your side.

Have a favorite obscure golf rule? 

Share it next time you're out on the course. It might just earn you a free drop—and a few new fans in your fourball.