rules of golf

In November, the R&A and the USGA announced changes to the rules of golf which came into effect on January 1, providing significant modifications to both professional and recreational golf.

If you are unfortunate enough to snap your club on your downswing, does this count as a stroke according to the rules of golf?

If you put the head of your putter on the ground in front of your ball, have you broken any rules and do you incur a penalty?

According to the rules of golf, is a ball deemed as being in the hole if it is wedged between the flagstick and the edge of the cup?

If you are next to the green and lining up a chip like this golfer, are you allowed to place your club on the ground and use it as an alignment aid?

If you attempt to chip with this strange technique, how many shots do you incur under the rules of golf and which penalties apply?

If your clubs get damaged in your bag through no fault of your own, are you allowed to replace them with new ones according to the rules of golf?

If you tee up your ball outside of the tee markers on the tee box, do you receive a penalty if you hit your shot without realising it?

The rules of golf are an important part of the sport and sometimes, some of the most basic rules are unknown by golfers across the country.

This is definitely helpful for us amateur hacks...

Have you ever found yourself in this situation? Well here is the answer. 

Although this is an unlikely occurrence, what happens if an animal steals your ball on the golf course? 

If your ball has unfortunately finished in an area of thick mud, are you allowed to move it?

If you have put the flagstick down too far away from the hole and you need a quick fix, are you allowed to use a golf club?

We've all been there... but what can you do in this situation?

If your ball is on the floor but wobbling as a result of windy conditions, are you allowed to hit it?

If a ball is already on its way to the hole and it may hit your ball, can you mark it and pick it up or is it too late?

We don't advise trying to hit the ball off two tee pegs - but here's what to do if you find someone trying this. 

This is an interesting example, but has it ever happened to you and what happens next?

Have you ever snapped your putter and wondered if you are still allowed to use it on the greens?