The Teeing Area

Teeing Area Rules

These rules apply when starting a hole or when playing from the teeing area during the hole (for example, if you go back to the teeing area for relief).

Where to Tee Off

• You must tee off from inside the teeing area.

• The teeing area is:
  • Between the two tee markers.
  • Up to two club lengths behind the markers.
• Your feet can be outside the area, but the ball must be inside it.

If you tee off from outside the teeing area:

• You get a General Penalty (2 strokes).
• You must re-tee from inside the teeing area.
• You have until the end of the hole to fix it. If you start the next hole without fixing it, you are disqualified.

Improving Conditions in the Teeing Area

You can:

• Make a small mark or dent in the ground with your club or foot.
• Move or bend grass, weeds, or other growing things in the teeing area.
• Press down or remove sand and soil.
• Remove dew, water, or frost.

Moving the Ball

• A ball is not in play until you make a stroke.
• You can move or lift your ball before you hit without penalty.
• If the ball falls off the tee before your swing, there’s no penalty - just put it back.
• If the ball falls during your swing or after you hit, the stroke counts, and the ball is in play.

Changing the Ball in the Teeing Area

• If the ball is already in play (for example, you swung and missed or came back after relief):
  • You can play the same ball or a different ball.
  • You can put it on a tee, on the ground, or even play it as it lies inside the teeing area.

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