Golf's rules and traditions can feel overwhelming at first. These guides strip away the complexity and give you exactly what you need to play correctly, confidently, and without embarrassing yourself.
The dozen rules you actually need: OB, water hazards, unplayable lies, lost balls, and putting green conduct — explained without a rulebook.
Read the rules guide → EtiquettePace of play, divot repair, bunker raking, cart rules, and the unwritten conduct that earns respect at any course — public or private.
Read the etiquette guide → ScoringPar, birdie, bogey, gross vs net, stroke play vs match play, and how to read a scorecard — the complete scoring system explained for new golfers.
Read the scoring guide → Dress CodeWhat to wear at public courses, resort courses, and private clubs. The collared shirt rule, what's acceptable, what's usually banned, and how to dress for any weather.
Read the dress code guide → HandicapWhat your handicap index actually means, how the World Handicap System calculates it, how to get one, and how strokes are allocated in competition.
Read the handicap guide → Beginner TipsThe grip, setup, and course management mistakes that every beginner makes — with practical fixes that don't require a swing overhaul.
Read the mistakes guide → TerminologyBirdie to bogey, draw to fade, match play to scramble — the 50 most important golf terms organized by category, defined plainly.
Read the terminology guide → First RoundWhat to pack, how to warm up, managing first-tee nerves, keeping pace, handling bad shots, and what to take away from your first 18 holes.
Read the first round guide →The first rule of golf: don't move the ball. Every legal exception involves a penalty stroke or a specific free relief situation. Start here.
The most important etiquette rule is pace of play. Be ready when it's your turn. Keep up with the group ahead, not just ahead of the group behind.
Whiffs, penalty strokes, and practice swings that move the ball all count. Honesty is built into the game — golf's rules assume you count correctly.
A collared shirt works at 95% of courses. When in doubt, call the pro shop — they'll tell you exactly what to wear in 30 seconds.
Now that you know how to play correctly — upload your swing and get an AI analysis of your actual mechanics. GOATY identifies what's causing your misses and prescribes the drills to fix them.
Get Your Free Swing Analysis →Stroke-and-distance: +1 penalty, replay from original spot. Or use local rule drop near OB for casual play.
+1 penalty. Options: replay from original, drop behind hazard on the line, or play from hazard if findable.
+1 penalty. Same as yellow PLUS two-club-length drop on either side of entry point.
3-minute search limit. If not found: stroke-and-distance (same as OB). Always play a provisional before searching.
+1 penalty anywhere except water hazard. Three drop options: go back to original, 2 club-lengths, or back on line.
Mark and lift your ball freely. Repair ball marks. Flagstick can stay in or come out — player's choice.