Oswald's Golf Rules School: Practice Exam

2.

Your ball lies in a bunker. One inch behind the ball (also in the bunker) is a loose branch. Are you allowed to remove the branch before you make your stroke?

Yes.
No, you incur a one stroke penalty.
No, you incur a two stroke penalty (/lost hole).

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

See Rule 12.2a (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-12#12-2a) and Rule 15.1a (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-15#15-1a). Under the old Rules (2018) you would have incurred a two stroke penalty (stroke play) or lost the hole (match play).

Rate this question:

3.

How long time do you have to search for your ball?

3 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes

Correct Answer

A. 3 minutes

Explanation

See Rule 18.2a(1) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-18#18-2a). If the ball has not been found within these three minutes, then as a starting point it is lost, and you must proceed as follows:

1) If you have played a provisional ball, that ball is now the ball in play, and you must play on with it with a one stroke penalty.

2) If you have not played a provisional ball, you must either a) with a one stroke penalty play a ball from the spot, where you last played from* or b) (only if your club has introduced this alternative option in a Local Rule) with two penalty strokes drop a ball ahead (e.g. on the fairway) in accordance with the Local Rule.

*: When you are playing from where you last played, please be aware of this (Rule 14.6 - link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-14#14-6):

1) If you last played from the teeing area: You must play a ball from anywhere within the teeing area (you choose where), and you are allowed to tee the ball.

2) If you last played from the putting green: You must place a ball on the spot, where you last played from.

3) If you last played from other places (than the teeing area and the putting green): You must play a ball (must be dropped) within one club-length from the spot, where you last played (not nearer the hole).

In other words: Except on the putting green, you don’t have to play from that exact spot, you last played from!

Rate this question:

4.

During search for your ball, you accidentally strike and move the ball after 30 seconds of searching. You replace the ball in accordance with the Rules, but are in doubt whether or not you have incurred any penalty?

No, no penalty.
Yes, a one stroke penalty.
Yes, a two stroke penalty / lost hole.

Correct Answer

A. No, no penalty.

Explanation

When you move your ball in play, as a starting point you incur a one stroke penalty. BUT: There are four exceptions (Exception 2 (“E2") is the relevant one in this situation), where you are are not penalized:

E1: When you e.g. lift the ball under a Rule, that allows you to lift it.
E2: If it happens during search.
E3: If it happens on the putting green.
E4: If it happens when you are applying a Rule (e.g. during marking, replacing, measuring etc.).

Exception 2 thus states, that you are not penalized since it happened during search, and you must (just like you did) replace the ball. See Rule 9.4b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-4b) and Rule 7.4 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-7#7-4).

Under the old Rules (2018) you would have incurred a one stroke penalty.

Rate this question:

5.

Your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark on the putting green. Is this procedure correct: 1) You mark the ball, 2) lift it, 3) repair the pitch-mark and 4) “replace” the ball (at the repaired spot)?

No, you must drop it within one club-length of the pitch-mark, not nearer the hole.
No, you must place it within one club-length of the pitch-mark, not nearer the hole.
Yes.

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

See Rule 16.3a (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-16#16-3a) (and Rule 13.1c(2)). If the same had happened on the fairway, the procedure would be different: Drop a ball within one club-length of (not nearer the hole than) the spot right behind the pitch-mark.

Rate this question:

6.

Do you have to drop precisely from knee height?

Yes.
No, you have to drop from knee height or higher.
No, you have to drop from knee height or lower.

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

See Rule 14.3b(2) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-14#14-3b). If you don’t drop from knee height (but e.g. from shoulder height) you can without penalty correct the error (by dropping from knee height) before you make a stroke. If you don’t correct the error before you make a stroke, you incur a one stroke penalty.

Rate this question:

7.

In stroke play your ball lies 150 yards from the hole. Your fellow player (whose ball lies 220 yards from the hole) is calling a friend from his mobile phone, bragging about his 270 yards drive. Since your fellow player thus is not ready to play, you decide to play first. Are you allowed to do so, although it is not your turn to play?

Yes.
No.

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

See Rule 6.4b(2) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-6#6-4b) about “Ready Golf”. Thus in stroke play you are allowed to play out of turn, although you have not made an agreement with your fellow player about it, as long as you do it in a responsible way, such as 1) when you have a very short putt and want to hole out or 2) if you are ready to play (and your fellow player is not) and you don’t disturb/interfere/endanger anyone by playing out of turn. In match play “Ready Golf” is not available, but you can invite the opponent to play out of turn, or agree to the opponent’s request to play out of turn.

Rate this question:

8.

You take relief from temporary water. You drop the ball from shoulder height. Before you make your stroke, someone tells you, that you should have dropped from knee height. Have you incurred any penalty at this moment?

Yes, a two stroke penalty (/lost hole).
Yes, a one stroke penalty.
No, you can re-drop without penalty before you make the stroke.

Correct Answer

A. No, you can re-drop without penalty before you make the stroke.

Explanation

In this situation you have dropped in a wrong way, but you can without penalty correct this error (by dropping from knee height) before you make a stroke. If you don’t correct the error before you make the stroke, you incur a one stroke penalty (if the ball furthermore in the drop came to rest outside the relief area, the penalty would increase to a total of two penalty strokes - lost hole in match play - for playing from a wrong place). See Rule 14.3b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-14#14-3b).

Rate this question:

9.

Your ball comes to rest against the flagstick in the hole. 20% of the ball is below the surface of the putting green and 80% is above. Is it holed?

Yes.
No.

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

If ANY part of the ball is under the surface, it is considered holed. See Rule 13.2c (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-13#13-2c). Under the old Rules (2018) the entire ball had to be below the surface, for the ball to be holed.

Please be aware, though, that if the flagstick is not in the hole, the Rules are the same as in 2018; the entire ball must be below the surface of the putting green (and at rest) for the ball to be holed (see the Definition of “Holed”: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/pages/definitions#definition-H).

Rate this question:

10.

You make a stroke at your ball from the rough and thereby accidentally strike the ball twice (a double-hit). Which of the following statements is correct?

You have made one stroke and incur one penalty stroke - in all two strokes!
You have made one stroke and don’t incur any penalty - in all one stroke!
You have made two strokes and don’t incur any penalty - in all two strokes!

Correct Answer

A. You have made one stroke and don’t incur any penalty - in all one stroke!

Explanation

See Rule 10.1a (link: Se Regel 10.1a (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-10#10-1a). This is a change compared to the 2018-Rules, where answer no. 1 was correct (one stroke and one penalty stroke).

Rate this question:

11.

At a par-3 hole your first stroke is great: The ball ends on the putting green 6 yards from the hole. You walk towards the ball and immediately after having walked by it (approximately 10 inches from the ball) it begins to roll…and it rolls and rolls… and ends in the hole!! You are not sure what caused it to roll. Maybe your walking caused it, and maybe the wind (it was pretty windy) and maybe the fact that the ball lay on a steep part of the putting green. What shall you do now?

The ball is in the hole with a one stroke penalty, so you had a birdie (2)!
The ball is in the hole and no penalty is incurred. Congratulations with a hole in one!
The ball must be replaced without penalty.
The ball must must be replaced with a one stroke penalty.

Correct Answer

A. The ball is in the hole and no penalty is incurred. Congratulations with a hole in one!

Explanation

In general the ball is deemed to have been moved by “natural forces” (wind, gravity etc.), except if it is known or virtually certain (i.e. at least 95 % certain!) that the ball was moved e.g. by the player. In your situation it is not at least 95 % certain that you moved the ball. Therefore natural forces moved it and you must play it without penalty from where it lies (i.e. it is in the hole!). See Rule 9.2b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-2b) and Rule 9.3 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-3).

Rate this question:

12.

Your ball is in a penalty area. It is lying OK in some low grass, and therefore you want to play it as it lies. You ground your club a few times before the stroke, thereby touching both the water and some grass inside the penalty area. Do you incur any penalty?

No.
Yes, two penalty strokes (/lost hole) for touching the water.
Yes, four penalty strokes (two for touching the water and two for touching the grass) / lost hole.

Correct Answer

A. No.

Explanation

As of 2019 there are no specific prohibitions in a penalty area. Before a stroke to your ball in a penalty area, you are thus allowed to e.g. 1) ground your club, 2) touch loose grass in a practice swing, 3) remove loose impediments from the penalty area and 4) touch the water in the backswing for the stroke. These things you were not allowed to do under the old Rules (2018) (a “penalty area” did not exist - something similar was called a “water hazard”).

Rate this question:

13.

Your ball lies on the putting green. You accidentally strike it with your right foot, when you walk by it, whereby the ball moves 10 inches. The ball must be replaced. But did you incur any penalty?

Yes, a two stroke penalty in stroke play - you lost the hole in match play.
Yes, a one stroke penalty.
No.

Correct Answer

A. No.

Explanation

When you move your ball in play, as a starting point you incur a one stroke penalty and must replace the ball. BUT: There are four exceptions (Exception 3 (“E3") is the relevant one in this situation), where you are not penalized despite having moved your ball in play:

E1: When you e.g. lift the ball under a Rule, that allows you to lift it.
E2: If it happens during search.
E3: If it happens on the putting green.
E4: If it happens when you are applying a Rule (e.g. during marking, replacing, measuring etc.).

Exception 3 thus states, that you are not penalized since it happened on the putting green, and you must replace the ball. See Rule 9.4b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-4b).

If the same had happened on the fairway, you would have incurred a one stroke penalty!

Under the old Rules (2018) you would have incurred a one stroke penalty (unless a Local Rule was in place, stating that there was no penalty).

Rate this question:

14.

Exactly how long is “one club-length"?

The length of the specific club you use to measure with.
Always the length of your putter!
Always the length of the longest club in your bag, other than a putter.

Correct Answer

A. Always the length of the longest club in your bag, other than a putter.

Explanation

Therefore one club-length is typically the length of you driver. Please note, that there is no obligation to use a specific club to measure with. You are allowed to measure with your putter or a 9-iron etc….but that still does not change the fact, that “one club-length” is the length of the longest club you brought, other than a putter. A headcover does not count - the length thus is measured without the headcover :-).

By the way you don’t have to measure - the only thing that counts is, that you drop inside a correct relief area.

See the Definition of “Club-length” (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/pages/definitions?definitionsEdition=FullEdition#clublength).

Rate this question:

15.

You make a stroke from a fairway-bunker but unfortunately the ball strikes a tree and afterwards strikes you! Do you incur any penalty?

Yes, a two stroke penalty / lost hole.
Yes, a one stroke penalty.
No, no penalty.

Correct Answer

A. No, no penalty.

Explanation

See Rule 11.1 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-11#11-1). You must play the ball as it lies. This is modified from the old (2018) Rules, where you would have incurred a one stroke penalty for striking yourself.

Rate this question:

16.

You mark your ball on the putting green, lift it, clean it, replace it, remove the ball-marker… and then walk 5 yards away. Now the ball begins rolling… and rolls into the hole! What now?

No penalty - it is holed out!
No penalty - you must replace it!
One penalty stroke - it is holed out!

Correct Answer

A. No penalty - you must replace it!

Explanation

The ball is considered moved by “natural forces” (wind, water etc.), unless it is known or virtually certain (i.e. at least 95 %!) that the ball is moved e.g. by the player, the opponent, a dog etc. In other words: Unless you are almost completely sure, that the ball is moved by the player or an opponent etc., then it is deemed to be moved by natural forces. So - in this situation the ball is considered moved by natural forces.

When a ball has been moved by natural forces, you must normally play the ball as it lies… but on the putting green there is a special Rule stating, that when you have (marked and) lifted the ball and replaced it, and it then moves, you must replace it (this must by the way be done no matter what caused the ball to move). See Rule 9.2b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-2b), 9.3 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-3) and 13.1d(2) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-13#13-1d).

Rate this question:

17.

Are you allowed to use a distance-measuring device (to measure distance!) during your round? Your club does not have a Local Rule in operation about it.

Yes.
No (only if a Local Rule is introduced).

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

See Rule 4.3a(1) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-4#4-3a). As of 2019 you are allowed to use a distance-measuring device, unless it is prohibited in a Local Rule (contrary to 2018, where you were not allowed to use it, unless a Local Rule allowed it).

Rate this question:

18.

Your ball accidentally strikes your golf bag in a stroke. Do you incur any penalty?

Yes, two penalty strokes / lost hole.
Yes, one penalty stroke.
No.

Correct Answer

A. No.

Explanation

See Rule 11.1 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-11#11-1). You must play the ball as it lies. This is a modification from the old (2018) Rules, under which you would have incurred a one stroke penalty.

Rate this question:

19.

You mark and lift your ball on the putting green, and replace it. You place the putter right behind the ball whereby you accidentally strike the ball, causing it to roll 10 inches. The ball must be replaced. Did you incur any penalty?

Yes.
Yes, unless the club/Committee has introduced a Local Rule stating, that there is no penalty.
No.

Correct Answer

A. No.

Explanation

When you move your ball in play, as a starting point you incur a one stroke penalty and must replace the ball. BUT: There are four exceptions (Exception 3 (“E3") is the relevant one in this situation), where you are not penalized despite having moved your ball in play:

E1: When you e.g. lift the ball under a Rule, that allows you to lift it.
E2: If it happens during search.
E3: If it happens on the putting green.
E4: If it happens when you are applying a Rule (e.g. during marking, replacing, measuring etc.).

Exception 3 thus states, that you are not penalized since it happened on the putting green, and you must replace the ball. See Rule 9.4b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-4b).

If the same had happened on the fairway, you would have incurred a one stroke penalty!

Under the old Rules (2018) you would have incurred a one stroke penalty (unless a local rule was in place, stating that there was no penalty).

Rate this question:

20.

Your ball lies in a bunker. You are very tired, and therefore you ground your club in the sand a few yards from the ball (not in the line of play) and lean on the club to rest. Is that OK?

Yes.
No, you incur a one stroke penalty.
No, you incur a two stroke penalty in stroke play - in match play you loose the hole.

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

See Rule 12.2b (link:https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-12#12-2b). Quite a few prohibitions from the old Rules (2018) thus have been repealed as of 2019, such as:

1) Touching/removing loose impediments in/from the bunker, when the ball lay in the bunker.
2) Grounding the club in the sand any other place than right in front of or right behind the ball.

You are therefore allowed to (as you did in this situation) ground the club in the sand, because you are tired and to lean on it to rest - as long as 1) it is not right in front of or right behind the ball and 2) you are not testing the sand (see no. 4 below).

There are still as of 2019 as a starting point four specific prohibitions, when your ball lies in a bunker:

1) You are not allowed to touch the sand with your club in a practice swing.
2) You are not allowed to touch the sand with your club in the backswing to the stroke.
3) You are not allowed to touch the sand with your club in the area right in front of or right behind the ball.
4) You are not allowed to deliberately touch the sand (e.g. with a hand, club, rake etc.) to test the condition of the sand to learn information for the next stroke.

Rate this question:

21.

Your ball lies on the putting green (you have played four strokes). You make a practice swing close to the ball and accidentally strike the ball… whereby it rolls two feet away. Your club/Committee has no Local Rule about this situation. What now?

You have made a stroke and must play the ball as it lies (without penalty). The next stroke will be stroke number 6.
You have made a stroke and must play the ball as it lies (with a one stroke penalty). The next stroke will be stroke number 7.
You have not made a stroke. There is no penalty and the ball must be replaced. The next stroke will be stroke number 5.
You have not made a stroke. However you incur a one stroke penalty and the ball must be replaced. The next stroke will be stroke number 6.

Correct Answer

A. You have not made a stroke. There is no penalty and the ball must be replaced. The next stroke will be stroke number 5.

Explanation

You have not made a stroke, since it was not your intention to do so - see the Definition of a “Stroke” (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/pages/definitions?definitionsEdition=FullEdition#stroke).

Regarding a penalty: When you move your ball in play, as a starting point you incur a one stroke penalty and must replace the ball. BUT: There are four exceptions (Exception 3 (“E3") is the relevant one in this situation), where you are not penalized despite having moved your ball in play:

E1: When you e.g. lift the ball under a Rule, that allows you to lift it.
E2: If it happens during search.
E3: If it happens on the putting green.
E4: If it happens when you are applying a Rule (e.g. during marking, replacing, measuring etc.).

Exception 3 thus states, that you are not penalized since it happened on the putting green, and you must replace the ball. See Rule 9.4b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-4b).

If the same had happened on the fairway, you would have incurred a one stroke penalty!

Under the old Rules (2018) you would have incurred a one stroke penalty (unless a local rule was in place, stating that there was no penalty).

Rate this question:

22.

You play from the teeing area and your ball ends out of bounds. You don’t play a provisional ball. Your club has adopted the new Local Rule allowing to drop ahead with two penalty strokes e.g. on the fairway. What are your options now?

You must go back to the teeing area, and play stroke 3 from there.
You can either a) go back to the teeing area and play stroke 3 from there or b) drop ahead in accordance with the Local Rule and play stroke 4.
You must invoke the Local Rule and with two penalty strokes drop a ball ahead (thus playing stroke 4).

Correct Answer

A. You can either a) go back to the teeing area and play stroke 3 from there or b) drop ahead in accordance with the Local Rule and play stroke 4.

Explanation

You don’t have to invoke the Local Rule. Instead, you can go back with a one stroke penalty and play from the teeing area. See the Local Rule (model Local Rule E-5) in your club.

Rate this question:

23.

Your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark on the fairway. What is the procedure for taking relief without penalty?

You must drop at the spot right behind the “embed-hole”.
You must drop within one club-length of (not nearer the hole than) the spot right behind the “embed-hole”.
You must drop within two club-lengths of (not nearer the hole than) the spot right behind the “embed-hole”.

Correct Answer

A. You must drop within one club-length of (not nearer the hole than) the spot right behind the “embed-hole”.

Explanation

See Rule 16.3b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-16#16-3b). This is a modification from the old Rules (2018), where answer 1 was the right one (drop at the spot right behind the “embed-hole”).

As of January 2019 you are allowed to substitute your ball when taking relief in this situation - you were not allowed to do so in 2018.

By the way remember, that for you to take relief without penalty the ball must be embedded in its OWN pitch-mark. Thus you have to be pretty sure, that is your own pitch-mark… otherwise you are not allowed a free relief (See interpretation 16.3a(2)/1 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/interpretations/rule-16-interpretations#16-3a-2-1)).

As of January 2019 you are allowed to take relief without penalty, when your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark everywhere in the “general area” (i.e. both on the fairway and in the rough)… unless your club has introduced a Local Rule limiting relief to closely-mown areas, i.e. cut to fairway-height or less. See Rule 16.3 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-16#16-3). In 2018 you were only allowed relief without penalty if the ball was embedded in a closely-mown area “through the green”.

Rate this question:

24.

Your ball ends in some thick rough - and you are unable to find it. You haven’t played a provisional ball. Your club has introduced the new Local Rule giving an option to drop (e.g. on the fairway) with a two stroke penalty. Which options are available now?

You only have one option: Go back to the place, where you made your last stroke, and play a new ball with a one stroke penalty.
You can choose to either a) go back to the place, where you made your last stroke, and play a new ball with a one stroke penalty, or b) to apply the Local Rule and with two penalty strokes drop a ball e.g. on the fairway.
You only have one option: To drop in accordance with the Local Rule (e.g. on the fairway) with a two stroke penalty.

Correct Answer

A. You can choose to either a) go back to the place, where you made your last stroke, and play a new ball with a one stroke penalty, or b) to apply the Local Rule and with two penalty strokes drop a ball e.g. on the fairway.

Explanation

You don’t HAVE to apply the Local Rule (see the Local Rule in your club (Model Local Rule E-5)). If you prefer, you can instead play a ball from where your previous stroke was made* with a one stroke penalty.

*: When you play from where your previous stroke was made, be aware of this (Rule 14-6 - available here: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-14#14-6):

1) If your previous stroke was made from the TEEING AREA: You can play a ball from anywhere inside the teeing area, and it may be teed.

2) If your previous stroke was made from the PUTTING GREEN: You must place a ball on the spot, where the previous stroke was made.

3) If you last played from OTHER PLACES (i.e. from the general area, a bunker or a penalty area) e.g. from the fairway: You must drop a ball within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the spot, where you last played from.

In other words: Except on the putting green, you don’t have to play from that exact spot, you last played from!

Rate this question:

25.

You are in doubt whether or not a ball in the rough is your ball, and therefore consider to mark and lift it to find out. Do you have to notify your fellow player before you do it?

Yes!
No!

Correct Answer

A. No!

Explanation

This is no longer a requirement (it was in 2018) - see Rule 7.3 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-7#7-3).

Rate this question:

26.

Your ball lies really bad in a bunker. Are you allowed to apply the unplayable ball Rule and take back-on-the-line-relief with penalty outside the bunker?

Yes, with a two stroke penalty.
Yes, with a one stroke penalty.
No, you must take relief inside the bunker.

Correct Answer

A. Yes, with a two stroke penalty.

Explanation

See Rule 19.3b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-19#19-3b). This is new in 2019 - you did not have such an option under the old Rules (2018).

Please be aware, that when you apply the “back-on-the-line” Rule, you should find a spot on the line and place e.g. a tee on that spot… and then drop a ball within one club-length of that spot, not nearer the hole.

Rate this question:

27.

You role in a long putt from the putting green. The flagstick was attended but he/she accidentally forgot to lift the flagstick. Does anyone incur a penalty?

No.
Yes, only you do (two penalty strokes / lost hole).
Yes, only the one attending does (two penalty strokes / lost hole).
Yes, both of you do (two penalty strokes / lost hole)!

Correct Answer

A. No.

Explanation

See Rule 13.2b(2) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-13#13-2b). This is a modification of the old (2018) Rules, under which you would have incurred two penalty strokes (match play: lost hole).

Rate this question:

28.

You play from the teeing area and your ball ends out of bounds. You have learned always to play a provisional ball in such a situation - so that is what you do. Your club has introduced the new Local Rule allowing to drop ahead with two penalty strokes e.g. on the fairway. What are your options now?

You must play on with the provisional ball (which is now the ball in play).
You can either a) play on with the provisional ball (see 1) or b) pick up the provisional ball and drop a ball ahead with two penalty strokes in accordance with the Local Rule.
You must drop ahead with two penalty strokes in accordance with the Local Rule.

Correct Answer

A. You must play on with the provisional ball (which is now the ball in play).

Explanation

You cannot invoke this Local Rule, when you have played a provisional ball. See the Local Rule (model Local Rule E-5) in your club. Therefore you must play on with the provisional ball, which is now the ball in play, and your next stroke will be stroke number 4.

Rate this question:

29.

You play from the teeing area but unfortunately your ball looks like it is heading out of bounds. Therefore you play a provisional ball. You walk towards the ball, and find out that the first ball indeed is out of bounds. Since your club has introduced the new Local Rule, that allows you to drop a ball ahead with two penalty strokes e.g. on the fairway, you consider to proceed under this Local Rule. Would that be OK?

Yes, it would be perfectly OK!
No, it would not be OK.

Correct Answer

A. No, it would not be OK.

Explanation

You can only invoke this Local Rule, when you have not played a provisional ball. See the wording of the Local Rule in your club (model Local Rule E-5). Therefore you must play on with the provisional ball, which is now the ball in play, and you have played three strokes and the next is number four.

Rate this question:

30.

Your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the rough (in the general area) after a stroke. Are you allowed to take relief without penalty (there is no Local Rule about this situation)?

Yes.
No, only if it is in a closely-mown area.

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

As of January 2019 you are allowed to take relief without penalty, when your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark everywhere in the “general area” (i.e. both on the fairway and in the rough)… unless your club has introduced a Local Rule limiting relief to closely-mown areas, i.e cut to fairway-height or less. See Rule 16.3 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-16#16-3). Under the old Rules (2018) you were only allowed relief without penalty if the ball was embedded in a closely-mown area “through the green”.

As of January 2019 you are allowed to substitute your ball when taking relief in this situation - you were not allowed to do so in 2018.

By the way remember, that for you to take relief without penalty the ball must be embedded in its OWN pitch-mark. Thus you have to be pretty sure, that is your own pitch-mark… otherwise you are not allowed a free relief (See interpretation 16.3a(2)/1 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/interpretations/rule-16-interpretations#16-3a-2-1)).

Rate this question:

31.

Your ball is in a penalty area, and you decide to take relief with a one stroke penalty using the “back-on-the-line” relief option. You think the procedure is stupid and slow (i.e. finding a spot on the line, placing a tee on this spot and drop within one club-length of that) and therefore you don’t really want to follow this procedure. Instead you simply just drop a ball directly on the line. Is that OK?

Yes.
No, you must follow the procedure.

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

When proceeding under the “back-on-the-line-relief" option you SHOULD find a spot on the line and then mark it e.g. with a tee. Thus it is a recommendation - not a requirement. It is therefore perfectly OK if you don’t follow the procedure, but instead simply drop a ball somewhere on (or within one club-length of) the line. See Rule 17.1d(2) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-17#17-1d).

Rate this question:

32.

Your ball is in a red penalty area. You take relief with a one stroke penalty by applying the “back-on-the-line-relief” option: You place a tee on a spot on the line and drop a ball within one club-length of (not nearer the hole than) this spot. In the drop the ball rolls 1,5 club-lengths perpendicular away from the hole (from where it first struck the course in the drop). Are you required do re-drop?

Yes.
No, you are only required to do so, if it rolls more than two club-lengths.

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

You are required to re-drop, if the ball comes to rest outside the relief area. In this situation the relief area is ONE club-length from (not nearer the hole than) the tee, you placed on the line. Since it rolled 1,5 club-lengths, you are required to re-drop (no matter where it ended).

See Rule 17.1d(2) (“back-on-the-line-relief”) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-17#17-1d) and Rule 14.3c(2) (re-dropping) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-14#14-3c)).

By the way please be aware, that “one club-length” is defined as the length of the longest club you have brought, other than a putter. Typically this club will be the driver. But you can measure with any club you like (a putter, a 9-iron etc.) - but it does not change the fact, that “one club-length” is the length of the longest club you have brought, other than a putter.

By the way you don’t HAVE to measure - the only thing that counts is, that you drop inside a correct relief area.

Rate this question:

33.

Your ball is lying on the putting green. Are you allowed to mark the ball with your shoe?

Yes.
No, you incur a one stroke penalty.
No, you incur a two stroke penalty (match play: Lost hole).

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

You must mark the ball with either 1) a club or 2) an artificial object (such as a tee, a coin or another small object). It is recommended that it is a small object (tee, coin etc.), but a shoe is OK. A non-artificial object is not OK (e.g. a twig). See Rule 14.1a (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-14#14-1a) and the Definition of “Ball-Marker” (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/pages/definitions?definitionsEdition=FullEdition#ballmarker).

Rate this question:

34.

Stableford: “Professional Peter” ’s gross score for hole 9 was 4, while “Amateur Adam” ’s was 5. Professional Peter got two Stableford points, while Amateur Adam got three points! Who has the honour at hole 10 (they are both ready to play)?

Amateur Adam has (it is always the one who got most points at the previous hole).
Professional Peter has (it is always the one with the lowest gross score at the previous hole).
There are no Rules about that, so you have to draw lots.

Correct Answer

A. Professional Peter has (it is always the one with the lowest gross score at the previous hole).

Explanation

In contrary, under the old Rules (2018) it was the player with the highest number of Stableford points, who had the honour at the next hole. As of 2019 it does not matter, how many Stableford points they got - the player who has the lowest gross score at a hole, has the honour at the next hole. See Rule 6.4b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-6#6-4b).

Rate this question:

35.

Your ball lies just outside a wrong green, but your stance to the intended stroke is on the wrong green. Your club does not have a Local Rule about wrong greens. Do you have to - or are you allowed to - take relief without penalty?

Yes, you have to.
You don’t have to, but you are allowed to.
No. The ball has to lie on the wrong green for you to take relief without penalty.

Correct Answer

A. Yes, you have to.

Explanation

See Rule 13.1f (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-13#13-1f). Under the old Rules (2018) you were only required to take free relief, if the ball lay on the wrong green. From 2019 you must take free relief if the ball lies on the wrong green or if the wrong green physically interferes with the player’s area of intended stance (or intended swing). The club can though introduce a Local Rule stating that you are not required (or allowed) to take free relief if the wrong green interferes only the intended stance.

Rate this question:

36.

Due to a missed putt, you bend your putter in anger! Are you now allowed to a) play on with the putter and/or b) to replace it with another club (you had 14 clubs when starting the round - there is no Local Rule in operation about clubs)?

No and no!
You are only allowed to replace it with another club - not to play on with it.
You are only allowed to play on with it - not to replace it with another club.
Yes and yes (it is OK both to replace it with another club and to play on with it).

Correct Answer

A. You are only allowed to play on with it - not to replace it with another club.

Explanation

See Rule 4.1b(3) (replace) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-4#4-1b) and Rule 4.1a(2) (play on with it) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-4#4-1a). This has been changed compared to 2018, where you in such a situation were not allowed to play on with it, and not allowed to substitute it with another club.

Rate this question:

37.

Your ball lies on the fairway. You approach the ball, carefully ground the club behind the ball (without touching the ball) and take your stance. Before you begin making the stroke the ball moves. The ball moves approximately 15 yards closer to the hole. You don’t know what caused the ball to move - maybe it was you, maybe the steep slope and maybe the wind (it was very windy). What now?

No penalty. The ball must be replaced.
One penalty stroke. The ball must be replaced.
No penalty. The ball must be played as it lies.

Correct Answer

A. No penalty. The ball must be played as it lies.

Explanation

The ball is considered moved by “natural forces” (wind, water etc.), unless it is known or virtually certain (i.e. at least 95 %!) that the ball is moved e.g. by the player. In other words: Unless you are almost completely sure, that the ball in this situation was moved by you, it is deemed to be moved by natural forces.

In this situation it is not at least 95 % certain, that you moved the ball, since the movement very well could have been caused by the slope or the wind. Therefore natural forces moved it and you must play it without penalty from where it lies… even though it moved closer to the hole! See Rule 9.2b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-2b) and Rule 9.3 (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-3).

Rate this question:

38.

You play from the fairway, but unfortunately your ball ends out of bounds. Your club has not introduced the new Local Rule (allowing players to drop ahead with a two stroke penalty e.g. in the fairway) and therefore you drop and play a ball with a one stroke penalty 10 inches from the spot (not nearer the hole), where you last played from (on the fairway). Was that OK?

No, you must play from the exact same spot, where you last played, so therefore you incur a further one stroke penalty (for playing from a wrong place).
No, you must play from the exact same spot, where you last played, so therefore you incur a further two stroke penalty (match play: lost hole) (for playing from a wrong place).
Yes, it was perfectly OK.

Correct Answer

A. Yes, it was perfectly OK.

Explanation

As of 2019 you must - when the ball has been played e.g. from the fairway - find the spot, from which you last played, and then drop a ball within one club-length from this spot (not nearer the hole). See Rule 18.2b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-18#18-2b) and Rule 14.6b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-14#14-6b). Thus this Rule has been modified; under the old (2018) Rules you had to play the ball from the exact same spot.

Remember, that if your club had introduced the new Local Rule allowing players to drop a ball with a two stroke penalty ahead e.g. on the fairway, you could instead have invoked this Local Rule.

Rate this question:

39.

Your ball is in a penalty area, and you decide to take relief with a one stroke penalty using the “back-on-the-line” relief option. You don’t want to follow the procedure (i.e. finding a spot on the line, placing a tee on this spot and drop within one club-length of that) - therefore you simply just drop a ball on the line (approximately 25 yards from the edge of the penalty area). The ball rolls two inches closer to the hole in the drop. Do you have to re-drop? (Your club does not have a Local Rule in place about such a situation).

Yes.
Maybe.
No.

Correct Answer

A. Yes.

Explanation

When proceeding under the “back-on-the-line-relief” option, you SHOULD find a spot on the line and mark it e.g. with a tee. But it is merely a recommendation - not a requirement. It is therefore perfectly OK if you (as in this situation) don’t follow the procedure, but instead simply drop a ball somewhere on (or within one club-length of) the line.

A problem can occur, though, if you don’t follow the procedure:

You must re-drop, if the ball rolls outside the relief area and ends outside the relief area. In this situation, where you have not marked a spot on the line, the relief area is deemed to be within one club-length of (not nearer the hole than) the spot on the line, in an equal distance from the hole than the spot where the ball landed in the drop. Since you dropped exactly on the line, the relief area (wherein the ball must land and come to rest) is within one club-length of the spot, where the ball landed, NOT NEARER THE HOLE.

Since the ball rolled two inches closer to the hole (i.e. it rolled outside the relief area) and came to rest there, you must re-drop.

I would therefore strongly recommend that you follow the procedure (i.e. by placing e.g. a tee somewhere on the line and then drop within one club-length of this, not nearer the hole).

Be aware though that clubs can have a Local Rule in place stating, that you don't have to re-drop, if it rolls and comes to rest no more than one club-length from the spot, where it landed on the course in the drop.

See Rule 17.1d(2) (“back-on-the-line-relief”) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-17#17-1d) and Rule 14.3c(2) (re-dropping) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-14#14-3c)).

Rate this question:

40.

Your ball lies in temporary water on fairway. You decide to take relief without penalty. When dropping, the ball first strikes the course but then rolls and accidentally strikes your left foot. (The ball ends in the correct relief area). What now?

Two penalty strokes (/ lost hole) - play the ball as it lies.
Two penalty strokes (/ lost hole) - Re-drop.
One penalty stroke. Play the ball as it lies.
One penalty stroke. Re-drop.
No penalty. Play the ball as it lies.
No penalty. Re-drop.

Correct Answer

A. No penalty. Play the ball as it lies.

Explanation

There is no penalty. You are not required to (and you must not) re-drop when the ball (as in this situation) strikes your foot in the drop AFTER it first struck the course. If, however, the ball strikes your foot BEFORE it strikes the course, you are required to re-drop (with no limit to the number of times you have to re-drop). See Rule 14.3b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-14#14-3b).

Rate this question:

41.

Your ball lies on the fairway. You accidentally strike it with your right foot, when you walk by it, whereby the ball moves 10 inches. The ball must be replaced. But did you incur any penalty?

Yes, a two stroke penalty in stroke play - you lost the hole in match play.
Yes, a one stroke penalty.
No.

Correct Answer

A. Yes, a one stroke penalty.

Explanation

When you move your ball in play, as a starting point you incur a one stroke penalty and must replace the ball - see Rule 9.4b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9#9-4b).

There are four exceptions (neither of these apply in this situation), where you are are not penalized:

E1: When you e.g. lift the ball under a Rule, that allows you to lift it.
E2: If it happens during search.
E3: If it happens on the putting green.
E4: If it happens when you are applying a Rule (e.g. during marking, replacing, measuring etc.).

Rate this question:

42.

You play from the teeing area, and the ball is heading for some heavy rough. You don’t play a provisional ball. You walk towards the rough, and find your ball after 30 seconds of searching. You decide to invoke the new Local Rule (allowing to drop ahead with two penalty strokes e.g. on the fairway). Is that OK?

Yes, always!
Yes, but only if your club has introduced this option in a local Rule.
No!

Correct Answer

A. No!

Explanation

You can only use this option, when you have NOT found your ball in time (i.e. within the three minute search time) in bounds (see the Local Rule (model Local Rule E-5) in your club). When you actually find the ball in bounds in time, you must either 1) play the ball as it lies or 2) proceed under the unplayable ball Rule.

Rate this question:

43.

Your ball is in a red penalty area. Are you allowed with a one stroke penalty to take relief on the opposite side of the penalty area (i.e. the opposite side of the penalty area than where the ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area)?

Yes.
Yes, but only if this option has been introduced in a Local Rule.
No.

Correct Answer

A. Yes, but only if this option has been introduced in a Local Rule.

Explanation

See Regel 17.1d at the bottom (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-17#17-1d). This is a change compared to the old Rules (2018), where you were always allowed (“water hazards”) to find a spot on the opposite side (compared to the spot where it last crossed the edge) at an equal distance from the hole and with a one stroke penalty drop a ball within two club-lengths (not nearer the hole). In 2019 this extra option is only available, if it has been introduced in a Local Rule.

Rate this question:

44.

Your ball is in a bunker. You take a practice swing three yards from the ball (in the bunker - not on the line of play), whereby you touch the sand with the club. Is that OK?

Yes.
No, you incur a one stroke penalty.
No, you incur a two stroke penalty / lost hole.

Correct Answer

A. No, you incur a two stroke penalty / lost hole.

Explanation

See Rule 12.2b (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-12#12-2b). Thus there are still as a starting point four specific prohibitions, when your ball lies in a bunker:

1) You are not allowed to touch the sand with your club in a practice swing.
2) You are not allowed to touch the sand with your club in the backswing to the stroke.
3) You are not allowed to touch the sand with your club in the area right in front of or right behind the ball.
4) You are not allowed to deliberately touch the sand (e.g. with a hand, club, rake etc.) to test the condition of the sand to learn information for the next stroke.

Quite af few prohibitions from the old Rules (2018) have been repealed as of 2019, such as:

1) Touching/removing loose impediments in/from the bunker, when the ball lay in the bunker.
2) Grounding the club in the sand any other place than right in front of or right behind the ball.

Rate this question:

45.

Your 8-iron is damaged when playing a stroke very close to a tree. Are you allowed to replace it with another club, if you can do it fast (you had 14 clubs in your bag when you started the round)?

Yes (since the club was damaged in the "normal course of play”).
No.

Correct Answer

A. No.

Explanation

See Rule 4.1b(3) (link: https://www.randa.org/en/rog/2019/rules/the-rules-of-golf/rule-4#4-1b). Under the old Rules (2018) you were allowed to replace it, if it was damaged during the “normal course of play”.

Rate this question:

Oswald's Golf Rules School: Practice Exam

You putt from the putting green - with the flagstick in the hole - and the ball rolls into the hole! Do you incur any penalty?

Quiz Preview

Your ball lies in a bunker. One inch behind the ball (also in the bunker) is a loose branch. Are you allowed to remove the branch before you make your stroke?

How long time do you have to search for your ball?

During search for your ball, you accidentally strike and move the ball after 30 seconds of searching. You replace the ball in accordance with the Rules, but are in doubt whether or not you have incurred any penalty?

Your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark on the putting green. Is this procedure correct: 1) You mark the ball, 2) lift it, 3) repair the pitch-mark and 4) “replace” the ball (at the repaired spot)?

Do you have to drop precisely from knee height?

You take relief from temporary water. You drop the ball from shoulder height. Before you make your stroke, someone tells you, that you should have dropped from knee height. Have you incurred any penalty at this moment?

Your ball comes to rest against the flagstick in the hole. 20% of the ball is below the surface of the putting green and 80% is above. Is it holed?

You make a stroke at your ball from the rough and thereby accidentally strike the ball twice (a double-hit). Which of the following statements is correct?

Your ball is in a penalty area. It is lying OK in some low grass, and therefore you want to play it as it lies. You ground your club a few times before the stroke, thereby touching both the water and some grass inside the penalty area. Do you incur any penalty?

Your ball lies on the putting green. You accidentally strike it with your right foot, when you walk by it, whereby the ball moves 10 inches. The ball must be replaced. But did you incur any penalty?

Exactly how long is “one club-length"?

You make a stroke from a fairway-bunker but unfortunately the ball strikes a tree and afterwards strikes you! Do you incur any penalty?

You mark your ball on the putting green, lift it, clean it, replace it, remove the ball-marker… and then walk 5 yards away. Now the ball begins rolling… and rolls into the hole! What now?

Are you allowed to use a distance-measuring device (to measure distance!) during your round? Your club does not have a Local Rule in operation about it.

Your ball accidentally strikes your golf bag in a stroke. Do you incur any penalty?

You mark and lift your ball on the putting green, and replace it. You place the putter right behind the ball whereby you accidentally strike the ball, causing it to roll 10 inches. The ball must be replaced. Did you incur any penalty?

Your ball lies in a bunker. You are very tired, and therefore you ground your club in the sand a few yards from the ball (not in the line of play) and lean on the club to rest. Is that OK?

Your ball lies on the putting green (you have played four strokes). You make a practice swing close to the ball and accidentally strike the ball… whereby it rolls two feet away. Your club/Committee has no Local Rule about this situation. What now?

You play from the teeing area and your ball ends out of bounds. You don’t play a provisional ball. Your club has adopted the new Local Rule allowing to drop ahead with two penalty strokes e.g. on the fairway. What are your options now?

Your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark on the fairway. What is the procedure for taking relief without penalty?

Your ball ends in some thick rough - and you are unable to find it. You haven’t played a provisional ball. Your club has introduced the new Local Rule giving an option to drop (e.g. on the fairway) with a two stroke penalty. Which options are available now?

You are in doubt whether or not a ball in the rough is your ball, and therefore consider to mark and lift it to find out. Do you have to notify your fellow player before you do it?

Your ball lies really bad in a bunker. Are you allowed to apply the unplayable ball Rule and take back-on-the-line-relief with penalty outside the bunker?

You role in a long putt from the putting green. The flagstick was attended but he/she accidentally forgot to lift the flagstick. Does anyone incur a penalty?

You play from the teeing area and your ball ends out of bounds. You have learned always to play a provisional ball in such a situation - so that is what you do. Your club has introduced the new Local Rule allowing to drop ahead with two penalty strokes e.g. on the fairway. What are your options now?

Your ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the rough (in the general area) after a stroke. Are you allowed to take relief without penalty (there is no Local Rule about this situation)?

Your ball is lying on the putting green. Are you allowed to mark the ball with your shoe?

Stableford: “Professional Peter” ’s gross score for hole 9 was 4, while “Amateur Adam” ’s was 5. Professional Peter got two Stableford points, while Amateur Adam got three points! Who has the honour at hole 10 (they are both ready to play)?

Your ball lies just outside a wrong green, but your stance to the intended stroke is on the wrong green. Your club does not have a Local Rule about wrong greens. Do you have to - or are you allowed to - take relief without penalty?

Due to a missed putt, you bend your putter in anger! Are you now allowed to a) play on with the putter and/or b) to replace it with another club (you had 14 clubs when starting the round - there is no Local Rule in operation about clubs)?

Your ball lies in temporary water on fairway. You decide to take relief without penalty. When dropping, the ball first strikes the course but then rolls and accidentally strikes your left foot. (The ball ends in the correct relief area). What now?

Your ball lies on the fairway. You accidentally strike it with your right foot, when you walk by it, whereby the ball moves 10 inches. The ball must be replaced. But did you incur any penalty?

Your ball is in a red penalty area. Are you allowed with a one stroke penalty to take relief on the opposite side of the penalty area (i.e. the opposite side of the penalty area than where the ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area)?

Your ball is in a bunker. You take a practice swing three yards from the ball (in the bunker - not on the line of play), whereby you touch the sand with the club. Is that OK?

Your 8-iron is damaged when playing a stroke very close to a tree. Are you allowed to replace it with another club, if you can do it fast (you had 14 clubs in your bag when you started the round)?