⛳ Basic Golf Rules for Beginners Simple & Easy Guide (English Version)

 If you are new to golf or playing overseas,

these are the most important rules you must know.

Don’t worry —
👉 just learn these basics and you’re 90% ready!

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✅ 1. Basic Principles ⭐⭐⭐

Play the ball as it lies

Do not move or improve your ball position.

Play the course as you find it

Do not change the ground, grass, or obstacles.

Be honest

Golf is a game of honesty. Count your own penalties.

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✅ 2. How to Count Strokes

Total score = strokes + penalties

Example:

• 5 shots + 1 penalty = 6 strokes

• 3 shots + OB = 5 strokes

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✅ 3. Tee Shot Rules

• Hit between the tee markers

• Stay within two club lengths behind them

If you hit outside the tee area:
👉 2-stroke penalty + replay

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✅ 4. Out of Bounds (OB)

Ball outside white stakes/lines = OB

Penalty:
👉 1 stroke + replay from the original spot

Example:
First shot OB → next shot is your 3rd stroke

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✅ 5. Penalty Area (Water Hazard)

Red or yellow stakes = penalty area (water, lake, river)

Options:
👉 1-stroke penalty + drop the ball

You may:

• Drop near the entry point

• Drop back on the line

• Use drop zone (if available)

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✅ 6. Lost Ball

If you cannot find your ball within 3 minutes:

👉 Lost ball

Penalty:
👉 1 stroke + replay

Same rule as OB

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✅ 7. How to Drop the Ball ⭐⭐

Modern rule:

❌ Shoulder height (old rule)
⭕ Knee height (new rule)

Drop from knee height only

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✅ 8. Putting Green Rules

You CAN:
✔ Fix ball marks
✔ Remove sand/dirt
✔ Putt with flagstick in

You CANNOT:
❌ Improve your putting line
❌ Touch another player’s ball

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✅ 9. Ball Replacement

You may change the ball:
✔ Before tee shot
✔ When dropping
✔ If ball is damaged

You cannot change it anytime you want

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✅ 10. Order of Play

Basic rule:
👉 Player farthest from the hole plays first

But casual golf:
👉 “Ready Golf” is OK (whoever is ready plays)

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✅ 11. Bunker Rules

In bunkers:

❌ No practice swing touching sand
❌ Do not ground your club

Touching sand = penalty

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✅ 12. Conceded Putt (OK)

If your partner says “That’s good” or “OK”

👉 You don’t need to putt
👉 Count as 1 stroke

Only for casual rounds

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✅ ⭐ 5 Rules You Must Remember

If you remember only these, you’re fine:

✔ OB = 1 penalty + replay
✔ Water = 1 penalty + drop
✔ Lost ball = 1 penalty + replay
✔ Drop from knee height
✔ Score = strokes + penalties

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✅ Quick Tip for Overseas Golf

If you are unsure, just ask:

• “Is this OB?”

• “Where should I drop?”

• “How many penalty strokes?”

Staff or caddies will help you 😊