Golf is a game of precision, patience, and, perhaps most importantly, rules. But let’s be honest — even seasoned golfers can sometimes overlook the finer details of the rulebook. While some infractions are obvious, others sneak up on us in the heat of play. Here are six commonly forgotten golf rules that every player should remember to avoid costly penalties — and to keep the spirit of the game intact.
1. Red and Yellow Stakes Mean Different Things
It’s easy to overlook the difference between red and yellow penalty areas. Both indicate water hazards, but they’re treated differently:
- Yellow stakes or lines indicate a regular penalty area. If your ball enters this, you have three options: play it as it lies, stroke-and-distance relief, or back-on-the-line relief.
- Red stakes or lines signify a lateral penalty area, giving you one additional relief option — dropping within two club lengths of where the ball last crossed the boundary, no closer to the hole.
Too many golfers treat them the same, but the difference matters.
2. Ground Under Repair (GUR) Relief Is Free — But Conditional
That area marked with a white line or a “GUR” sign? That’s Ground Under Repair, and you’re entitled to free relief only if your ball lies in it or if it interferes with your stance or intended swing.
But here’s what people forget: You can’t claim GUR relief just because the area looks bad or sandy — it must be officially marked or declared by the committee. Don’t assume — check first!
3. The Embedded Ball Rule Isn’t Just for the Fairway
If your ball plugs in its own pitch mark, you might get relief — but many players think this only applies on the fairway.
Rule update: Relief for an embedded ball is allowed in the general area (excluding sand and penalty areas). So if your ball plugs in the rough or fringe, you may be able to lift, clean, and drop it without penalty.
4. The Flagstick Can Be Left In — But Know the Risks
Under current rules, you can putt with the flagstick in the hole, but there’s a subtle detail many forget: If your ball strikes the flagstick and bounces out, it’s your bad luck.
While leaving the flag in can speed up play or even help stop the ball from rolling too far, make sure it’s centered properly — especially on windy days when it may lean and unfairly deflect your putt.
5. Taking Relief from a Red Penalty Area — Are You Measuring Correctly?
When taking lateral relief from a red-staked area, you’re allowed to drop within two club lengths of the point where your ball last crossed the hazard margin — not where it lies in the water.
Many players mistakenly drop too close, too far, or in the wrong direction. Remember: the relief area must be measured from the entry point, and the ball must be dropped in and come to rest within that two-club-length arc.
6. You Can Fix Spike Marks on the Green — But Be Careful
A modern rule change allows you to repair almost any damage on the green, including spike marks, animal tracks, and heel scrapes. But there’s a catch: You can’t delay play unnecessarily or make improvements to your line of play outside what’s allowed.
The key is to repair quickly and only fix damage — not reshape the green to your liking.
Final Thoughts
These often-overlooked rules can affect your score, your pace of play, and your credibility with fellow golfers. While golf’s rulebook can be complex, keeping these six rules in mind will help you stay sharp and play fair.
Next time you’re out on the course, don’t just trust your instincts — trust the rulebook.
Stay sharp. Play smart. And don’t let forgotten rules ruin your round.
