Last Updated on June 23, 2025 by Jenni
Golf Rules For Beginners – Why Learning Them Matters.
Golf might look relaxed from the outside, but it has its own unique set of rules — some formal, some traditional.
The traditions of women’s golf date right back to Mary Queen of Scots and, since then, women have won a hard fought battle to compete in this sport. Therefore, it is important to adopt the Rules when on the golf course so that we continue to maintain our position. Knowing just a few key ones will be valuable.
- Feel confident and prepared
- Avoid common rookie mistakes
- Respect the course and fellow players
You don’t need to memorize the entire rulebook — just start with these ten essentials.
1. Always Tee Up Behind the Tee Markers.
When starting a hole, make sure your ball is teed up between and behind the two tee markers — never in front. Playing from outside the teeing area can result in penalties. This is one of the important golf rules for women that you should know.
You will note different tee colors and these indicate different yardages. Women often play from the forward tees (most often Red), but play from wherever you’re comfortable.
2. Play the Ball As It Lies.
One of the golden rules of golf is that you don’t touch or move your ball unless the rules say you can. Wherever your ball lands — rough, sand, fairway — that’s where you have to hit it from.
There are exceptions, like if your ball is on a cart path or other man-made object (called “abnormal ground conditions”). In that case, you can drop your ball one club length from where it landed, although not closer to the green. There is no penalty for this.
3. Stay Out of the Way (Be Aware of Turn Order).
Golf is usually played in order of who is farthest from the hole, not just whoever is ready first. On the tee box, the player with the best score on the previous hole goes first (called having “the honors”).
Still, in casual games, it’s okay to play “ready golf” – (whoever is ready first) — just always make sure you’re not distracting or standing in someone’s line of play.
4. Count Every Stroke — Including Whiffs.
Yes, even if you swing and miss the ball entirely, it counts as a stroke. So does every penalty stroke — like hitting into water or out-of-bounds. This is a common golf mistake that many newbies make.
Honest scorekeeping is a big part of golf culture — no one expects perfection, just integrity.
5. Don’t Spend Forever Looking for Your Ball.
Sometimes, your ball may go astray and land in the rough. If you can’t find your ball, you have only 3 minutes to search before it’s officially lost. Some golfers take more time than they should, ignoring basic golf rules. Don’t be one of them.
If it’s lost, or went out of bounds, you must take a stroke-and-distance penalty — which usually means taking a 1-stroke penalty and going back to where you last hit from and trying again.
6. Rake the Bunker and Repair the Green.
Always rake the sand after playing from a bunker (sand trap), and use your repair tool to fix any ball marks on the green.
Golf is a self-managed game — caring for the course is just good manners.
Brush up on golf etiquette tips for beginners before heading out.
7. Don’t Touch the Line of a Putt.
When your ball is on the green, you may mark it and lift it to clean, but never touch or step on another player’s putting line.
Golf etiquette is all about respect — for the course, your playing partners, and the game itself. You are showing disrespect if you ignore this and other important golf rules every woman should know.
8. Stay Quiet and Still While Others Are Playing.
Golf requires concentration, especially during swings and putts. It’s common courtesy to stand quietly, stay out of a player’s view, and wait until their shot is complete.
You’ll appreciate the same when it’s your turn.
9. Know the Maximum Clubs Rule.
You can carry up to 14 clubs in your bag — not more. This usually isn’t an issue for beginners, but it’s good to know.
Most beginner sets have 7–10 clubs, which is more than enough to learn and improve.
10. Finish Each Hole by Putting Into the Cup.
The hole isn’t complete until your ball is holed out — in the cup. Don’t pick it up early unless you’re playing a casual game and someone gives you the putt (known as a “gimme”).
In formal games or lessons, always finish each hole properly to build good habits.
Bonus: Penalties Happen — Don’t Sweat Them.
Everyone — everyone — messes up in golf. If you break a rule, just count the penalty and move on. Golfers respect honesty more than a perfect score.
Want help understanding common penalties? We’ll cover that in a future post, so stay tuned!
Golf Rules For Beginners Are Here to Help You Enjoy the Game.
As we said at the beginning, golf is a sport steeped in tradition. You will get more enjoyment if you honor these traditions.
These 10 golf rules for beginners are simple but powerful. They help you play with confidence, keep pace, and respect the game — all while having fun. Talking about having fun – here is an article we wrote about How to have fun playing golf with your spouse.
You don’t have to be perfect. The more you play, the more natural the rules will feel.
Ready to play your first round?
Make sure you’re geared up with our Best Women’s Beginner Golf Clubs and Beginner-Friendly Golf Balls
