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2The Course
2
The Course
Purpose: Rule 2 introduces the basic things you should know about the course:
- There are five defined areas of the course, and
- There are several types of defined objects and conditions that can interfere with your play.
2
The Course
2.1
Course Boundaries and Out of Bounds
Golf is played on a course. Areas not on the course are out of bounds.
2.2
Defined Areas of the Course
There are five areas of the course. The general area, which covers the entire course except for the four specific areas:
- The teeing area of the hole you are playing (Rule 6.2),
- All penalty areas (Rule 17),
- All bunkers (Rule 12), and
- The putting green of the hole you are playing (Rule 13).
DIAGRAM 2.2: DEFINED AREAS OF THE COURSE
2.3
Objects or Conditions That Can Interfere with Your Play
Free relief (relief with no penalty) may be available from:
- Loose impediments (Rule 15.1),
- Movable obstructions (Rule 15.2), and
- Abnormal course conditions, which are animal holes, ground under repair, immovable obstructions and temporary water (Rule 16.1).
2.4
No Play Zones
A no play zone is a part of the course that you are not allowed to play your ball from. You must also take relief if the no play zone interferes with your stance or area of intended swing when playing a ball outside the no play zone.