Choose the next correct decision

Answer eight independent scenarios, choosing one option each. Read the explanation after deciding, then revisit any rule you missed.

This quiz uses the R&A and USGA 2023 Rules of Golf for individual regular stroke play. The edition took effect on 1 January 2023, as confirmed in the official USGA announcement. Assume no applicable Local Rule changes and no Rule 25 modifications for the players described. This is not a tour-specific or junior-competition supplement; consult the actual competition’s conditions before applying an answer on the course. Eligible players’ Rule 25 modifications can affect relief procedures and penalties.

For preparation, see free relief and dropping, unplayable-ball relief and penalty-area options.

Review the relevant rules

Questions 1–2: Rule 14 — dropping procedures.

Questions 3–4: Rule 19 — unplayable ball.

Questions 5–6: Rule 13 — putting greens.

Question 7: Rule 16 — abnormal course conditions.

Question 8: Rule 17 — penalty areas.

Make the call

Choose a ruling for each situation, then check your answers.

1. Taking free relief, Maya drops from shoulder height. The ball stops inside the correct relief area. Before playing, she notices the mistake. What should she do?
Answer and explanation

Drop correctly from knee height without penalty.

Rule 14.3b requires a correct drop. Correcting before playing adds no penalty; finishing inside the relief area does not excuse the wrong dropping height.

Rule basis: The R&A and USGA · 2023 Rules of Golf · Individual regular stroke play; dropping procedures. Assume no applicable Local Rule changes and no Rule 25 modifications for the players in these scenarios.

2. Leo makes two correct drops for free relief. Each ball rolls out of the relief area and stops. Where must he first try placing a ball?
Answer and explanation

Where the second drop first touched the ground.

Rule 14.3c(2) uses the second drop's first ground contact. Its final resting spot outside the relief area is not the placement point.

Rule basis: The R&A and USGA · 2023 Rules of Golf · Individual regular stroke play; dropping procedures. Assume no applicable Local Rule changes and no Rule 25 modifications for the players in these scenarios.

3. Nina identifies her ball lodged in a tree and chooses unplayable-ball lateral relief. What is the reference point?
Answer and explanation

The ground spot directly below the ball.

Rule 19.2c uses the ground directly beneath an elevated ball. It does not promise a clear swing; lateral relief costs one penalty stroke.

Rule basis: The R&A and USGA · 2023 Rules of Golf · Individual regular stroke play; unplayable-ball relief. Assume no applicable Local Rule changes and no Rule 25 modifications for the players in these scenarios.

4. Omar's ball is unplayable in a dry bunker. He chooses back-on-the-line relief outside that bunker under Rule 19.3b. What is the total penalty for this relief?
Answer and explanation

Two penalty strokes.

Rule 19.3b costs two strokes in total. The one-stroke back-on-the-line option under Rule 19.3a keeps the ball in the bunker.

Rule basis: The R&A and USGA · 2023 Rules of Golf · Individual regular stroke play; unplayable-ball relief. Assume no applicable Local Rule changes and no Rule 25 modifications for the players in these scenarios.

5. Ella marks, lifts and replaces her ball on the putting green. Wind then moves it to another spot on that green before she starts her stroke. What must she do?
Answer and explanation

Replace it on the original spot without penalty.

Rule 13.1d(2) requires replacement after a ball has been lifted and replaced on the green. Wind does not make the new spot correct here.

Rule basis: The R&A and USGA · 2023 Rules of Golf · Individual regular stroke play; putting-green movement and wrong-green interference. Assume no applicable Local Rule changes and no Rule 25 modifications for the players in these scenarios.

6. Finn's ball is beside a wrong green. His reasonable intended stance would put both feet on that green. What must he do?
Answer and explanation

Take free relief from the wrong-green interference.

Rule 13.1f includes stance interference and makes relief compulsory. The ball need not touch the wrong green.

Rule basis: The R&A and USGA · 2023 Rules of Golf · Individual regular stroke play; putting-green movement and wrong-green interference. Assume no applicable Local Rule changes and no Rule 25 modifications for the players in these scenarios.

7. Grace's ball lies on a paved cart path in the general area. The path is an immovable obstruction, and her intended stroke is reasonable. She elects free relief. Which reference point applies?
Answer and explanation

The nearest point of complete relief in the general area.

Rule 16.1b uses the nearest point of complete relief, not the best lie. Drop within one club-length, no nearer the hole than that point, in the general area and with complete relief.

Rule basis: The R&A and USGA · 2023 Rules of Golf · Individual regular stroke play; abnormal-course-condition relief in the general area. Assume no applicable Local Rule changes and no Rule 25 modifications for the player.

8. Hugo finds his ball in a red penalty area and chooses lateral relief. Which point determines where he measures the two club-length relief area?
Answer and explanation

Where the ball last crossed that penalty area's edge.

Rule 17.1d(3) uses the estimated last crossing point, not the ball's resting place or an earlier entry. Relief costs one stroke; the area must be no nearer the hole and outside that penalty area.

Rule basis: The R&A and USGA · 2023 Rules of Golf · Individual regular stroke play; lateral relief from a red penalty area. Assume no applicable Local Rule changes and no Rule 25 modifications for the player.

Rule editions and sources