TEEING GROUND
Rule 11. Teeing Ground
Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in
the Definitions section — see pages 5-18.
11-1. Teeing
When a player is putting a ball into play from the teeing
ground, it must be played from within the teeing ground and
from the surface of the ground or from a conforming tee in or
on the surface of the ground.
For the purposes of this Rule, the surface of the ground
includes an irregularity of surface (whether or not created by
the player) and sand or other natural substance (whether or
not placed by the player).
If a player makes a stroke at a ball on a non-conforming tee, or
at a ball teed in a manner not permitted by this Rule, he is
disqualified.
A player may stand outside the teeing ground to play a ball
within it.
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Rule 11
11-2. Tee-Markers
Before a player makes his first stroke with any ball on the teeing
ground of the hole being played, the tee-markers are deemed to
be fixed. In these circumstances, if the player moves or allows
to be moved a tee-marker for the purpose of avoiding interference
with his stance, the area of his intended swing or his line of
play, he incurs the penalty for a breach of Rule 13-2.
11-3. Ball Falling off Tee
If a ball, when not in play, falls off a tee or is knocked off a tee by
the player in addressing it, it may be re-teed, without penalty.
However, if a stroke is made at the ball in these circumstances,
whether the ball is moving or not, the stroke counts, but there
is no penalty.
11-4. Playing from Outside Teeing Ground
g a. Match Play
If a player, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside the
teeing ground, there is no penalty, but the opponent may immediately
require the player to cancel the stroke and play a ball
from within the teeing ground.
g b. Stroke Play
If a competitor, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside
the teeing ground, he incurs a penalty of two strokes and must
then play a ball from within the teeing ground.
If the competitor makes a stroke from the next teeing ground without
first correcting his mistake or, in the case of the last hole
of the round, leaves the putting green without first declaring his
intention to correct his mistake, he is disqualified.
The stroke from outside the teeing ground and any subsequent
strokes by the competitor on the hole prior to his correction of
the mistake do not count in his score.
11-5. Playing from Wrong Teeing Ground
The provisions of Rule 11-4 apply.
