Golf is a gentleman’s game—or so we say. But anyone who’s played a few weekend rounds knows the truth: rules get bent, stretched, and occasionally trampled like a lost Pro V1 in the rough.
Sometimes it’s ignorance. Sometimes it’s wishful thinking. Either way, here are some of the most commonly abused—or completely misunderstood—rules in golf, and how to get back on the straight and narrow.
1. The “Generous” Mulligan
“Let’s just pretend that never happened…”
The rule: There’s no such thing as a mulligan in official golf. If you duff your tee shot, you’re stuck with it.
Why it happens: Everyone wants a fresh start—especially on the first tee.
How to handle it: Mulligans are fine in casual rounds if everyone agrees. Just don’t post that score to your handicap.
2. Fluffing the Lie in the Rough
“I’m just… checking to see if it’s my ball…”
The rule: You can’t move, fluff, or press down the grass to improve your lie.
Why it happens: The rough is mean. So is golf.
How to handle it: Play it as it lies—or take an unplayable and keep your dignity intact.
3. The Phantom Drop
“It landed right here… I think.”
The rule: Relief drops need to follow proper procedure. No guessing. No “close enough.”
Why it happens: Because “here-ish” always feels better than “back there where I should be.”
How to handle it: Learn your relief options. Drop properly. And maybe stop trying to clear that lake if you’ve already donated three balls.
4. The Foot Wedge
“Just clearing some debris…”
The rule: No nudging, tapping, or “accidental adjustments” allowed—especially not with your foot.
Why it happens: No one’s watching… except maybe your conscience.
How to handle it: Own the bad shot. Don’t cheat yourself out of a better story.
5. The Three-Foot Gimme
“That’s good, right?”
The rule: In stroke play, the ball must be holed. No exceptions.
Why it happens: Bending over is annoying. So are nerves on short putts.
How to handle it: If you’re keeping a real score, finish the putt. In match play, gimme putts are fair game.
6. Casual Relief from Bare Lies or Mud
“This is ground under repair… probably.”
The rule: Relief is only allowed from marked areas or clearly abnormal ground—not just messy spots.
Why it happens: Mud is gross. Tight lies are terrifying.
How to handle it: Know what qualifies as GUR. If unsure, play two balls and ask a pro later.
7. Creative Club-Length Relief
“Just measuring with my driver…”
The rule: Relief is typically one or two club-lengths—depending on the situation—not “to wherever looks better.”
Why it happens: More space = better lies.
How to handle it: Measure properly, with the club you’re actually using. No guesswork.
8. Out of Bounds Confusion
“I’ll just drop here and take a stroke.”
The rule: Out of Bounds means stroke and distance. You have to replay from the original spot—unless a local rule says otherwise.
Why it happens: Walking back is brutal. No one enjoys it.
How to handle it: Hit a provisional. It saves time and avoids the awkward shuffle back to the tee box.
Why It Matters
Golf has plenty of grey areas, but some rules are there for good reason. They keep the game fair, honest, and actually more fun over time. No one expects perfect play—but respecting the rules shows respect for the game, your playing partners, and yourself.
Keep it casual with friends if that’s the vibe. But when it counts, play it straight. A good round feels even better when you know you’ve done it right.
