Here are 12 underrated golf rules that not many people might be aware of:
By: Donna F Weiss
Ball Falling Off Tee: If your ball falls off the tee before you make a stroke, you can re-tee it without penalty.
Ball Moving During Search: If you accidentally cause your ball to move while searching for it, you can replace it without penalty.
Embedded Ball: A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground through the green (but not in sand) may be lifted, cleaned, and dropped without penalty.
Interference by Immovable Obstructions: If your ball is lying on a putting green and an immovable obstruction (e.g., sprinkler head) interferes with your stance or swing, you're entitled to free relief.
Loose Impediments in Bunkers: Unlike in hazards (water hazards or bunkers), you're generally allowed to remove loose impediments from bunkers without penalty.
Ball Strikes You or Your Equipment: If your ball strikes you or your equipment, there is no penalty. However, the ball must be played as it lies, unless a specific rule provides relief.
Play It As It Lies: There's no obligation to play a provisional ball if you think your ball may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds.
Inadvertent Movement of the Ball: If your ball moves after you've addressed it, but the movement is deemed to be due to natural forces (like wind), you generally replace the ball without penalty.
Flagstick Attended or Removed: You're allowed to putt with the flagstick left in the hole, and there's no penalty if your ball hits the flagstick when a stroke from the putting green is made.
Caddie Standing Behind You: A caddie is not allowed to stand directly behind you while you're taking your stance and until your stroke is made.
Animal Interference: If an animal moves your ball, you generally replace it without penalty. However, if the ball was at rest before being moved by the animal, you play it from its new location.
Dropping Over Shoulder Height: When taking relief, you must drop the ball from knee height. However, a local rule might allow dropping from any height above the ground.
Remember that golf rules can vary depending on the specific golf course and competition you're playing in.