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Ein Golfer in schwarzem Outfit und weißer Kappe kniet auf einem Golfplatz und zielt auf einen Ball. Im Hintergrund sind Berge mit schneebedeckten Gipfeln sichtbar.

Hans Kienesberger's rules and regulations

Our golf tips

Hans-Kienesberger

Hans Kienesberger started playing golf in 1988, ÖGV Referee Examination 1998, 2000 he became a member of the ÖGV Championship Committee, 2005 R&A Referee Examination in St. Andrews Result 80%, ÖGV Tournament Director and also assignments on the European Tour - e.g. Referee in St. Andrews "Dunhill Links" by invitation of the European Tour.

Anyone who says we don't take the rules of golf too seriously, we're not playing "The Open", is playing a ball game, but certainly not golf.

Basically, golf is about the "spirit of the game"

Contact:

Hans Kienesberger
ÖGV Championship/Rules Committee
Phone: +43 664 4430602 or +43 664 88524740
E-mail: hans.kienesberger@golf.at

A tranquil lake surrounded by green fields and trees, with snow-capped mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Situation on the front green during match play

Can a ball be marked on the apron?

A golfer takes a swing in a sand bunker on a sunny day, surrounded by trees, a lake, and mountains.

Waste Area: Bunker or terrain?

Is the waste area part of the bunker or part of the site?

Person golfing on a vibrant green course with mountains, trees, and a pond in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.

Ball moves at rest

What should I do if the ball moves during the swing?

Golf course nestled in lush mountains, featuring a sand trap and pond under a blue sky with a mountain backdrop.

"Hot" discussion on the topic of "facilitating the no-play zone"

Aerial view of a golf course in a green valley with mountains, trees, fairways, and blue sky. Serene and picturesque landscape captured in the image.

Questions about counting play and first ball lost after tee shot

Do I have to look for my ball or can I continue to play the provisional ball?

Golf course with lush green grass, trees, and a backdrop of rolling hills and mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Animal holes: relief yes or no!

How do I recognise if my ball is on an animal hole and how do I proceed?

A golfer in a deep sand bunker with high wooden walls is preparing to hit a shot, showcasing a challenging position on the course.

Will I get relief from these wooden planks in the bunker yes or no?

Do I have to play the ball as it lies or do I get a free drop?

Close-up of a golf putter and ball on a green. A golfer stands in the background ready to take a putt. The background is lush with trees and hills.

Sometimes this can be a problem.

Ball moved by natural forces - Rule 9.3

A woman putting on a golf green with mountains and a wooden chalet in the background on a sunny day.

Rule change from 2025

Self-standing putter

A golf course with a sand trap on lush green grass, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.

Ball moved by natural forces

Placing the ball

Golf course with lush green grass and white sand bunkers, surrounded by mountains and trees under a clear blue sky. Mountains visible in the distance.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 11

Changes from 1 January 2023

Golfer putting on a green course with towering mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Rule 11: Ball is deflected on the green by an insect

What do I do if my ball hits an insect on the green?

A person in a red shirt and white skirt prepares to hit a golf ball on a lush green course with trees and hills in the background.

Does a practice shot count if you touch the ball? What is the rule on this?

Diagram showing a golf course with two greens, a ball, and marked areas for relief from a wrong green, labeled in German with flags, zones, and annotations.

Rule for wrong hole.

A golf course with lush greens, trees, a sand bunker, and mountains in the background under a blue sky.

Ball between flagstick and hole

What should I do if the ball is jammed between the flagstick and the hole?

A golf ball balances on the edge of a golf hole on a green, creating a tense moment. The close proximity hints at a near miss or a successful putt.

Is the ball considered holed? What is the procedure here?

A golf course with green grass, sand bunkers, and surrounding trees under a blue sky. The landscape is peaceful and ideal for playing golf.

Nearest point of relief?

Where is the nearest point of relief for a safety net?

A golfer in red shirt and white pants swings in a sand trap, surrounded by lush greenery and a shimmering lake in the background.

Ball moved by players or natural forces?

What is the rule for this?

A colorful comic strip showing golfers in comedic situations on a course, engaging in various missteps and humorous exchanges.

Does Chip receive a penalty because he moved his ball when he fell? And where does he have to continue playing from?

What is the rule of golf? What factors play a role?

View of a golf course green with a flag, surrounded by trees and a hill under a clear blue sky. The scene is peaceful and well-maintained.

What do you do if the ball is jammed between the flagstick and the edge of the hole because of the wind and half of it is over the edge of the hole?

Here, the initial situation is decisive for the further process.

A wide green valley with towering mountains under a bright blue sky. The landscape is tranquil, featuring lush lawns and a backdrop of forested peaks.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 6

Changes from 1 January 2023

Golfer tees off on a green course surrounded by mountains and trees, under a bright blue sky. A person sits nearby, watching from the side. Sunlight filters through leaves.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 5

Changes from 1 January 2023

Golfer in yellow shirt swings on a green course with mountains in the background, under a blue sky.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 10

Changes from 1 January 2023

A picturesque golf course with green fairways, a pond, and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 9

Changes from 1 January 2023

A golfer swings in a sandy bunker, with lush greenery and snowy mountains under a blue sky in the background.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 7

Changes from 1 January 2023

Three-panel illustration showing a golfer putting. First panel correct with use of shadow, other panels incorrect showing alignment issues and wrong shadow.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 8

Changes from 1 January 2023

Illustrated update on golf rules for 2023 depicting scenarios with disabilities, ball movement by natural forces, scorecard handling, and equipment use.

An infographic with the most important changes to the Rules of Golf 2023

A serene golf course with lush green grass, a sand bunker, and a small pond, set against the backdrop of towering mountains and a blue sky.

Incorrect drop in a penalty area

Ball touches the red line - is it in the penalty area again?

Two golfers on a lush green golf course surrounded by mountains under a clear blue sky. One golfer is about to swing, while the other stands nearby.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 2

Changes from 1 January 2023

A calm pond with reflections of trees and a grassy foreground under a bright sky. Peaceful nature setting ideal for relaxation.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 1

Changes from 1 January 2023

Golf course with green grass and sand bunkers, set against a mountain backdrop and blue sky.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 3

Changes from 1 January 2023

Golfer putting on a green course with towering mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Changes to the Rules of Golf 2023 - Part 4

Changes from 1 January 2023

A tranquil lake with a wooden bridge, surrounded by green hills and trees under a blue sky with clouds, creating a peaceful natural scene.

In the field - part 2

"Hot" discussion on the topic of "facilitating the no-play zone"

A scenic landscape with green hills, scattered trees, and sunlit meadows. Mountains in the background under a bright blue sky, evoking tranquility.

Ball moved unintentionally during test swing and is now 3 metres from its original position

Lush golf course with two distant players under a clear blue sky, surrounded by trees and sunlight casting shadows on the green.

The following problem: Penalty, yes or no?

Ball mistakenly picked up in play.

Golf club and ball on green grass with pine trees and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Question about ball position

Is the ball in the penalty area or in unusual pitch conditions?

Scenic view of a golf course with a rustic cabin, a pond with fountain, and a bridge, set amidst green lawns and tall trees.

Rule decision Penalty Area

Supposed ball in penalty area is found after drop and hit, how to proceed?

A tranquil pond with reflections of trees, set against a mountain backdrop. Sun rays filter through trees, adding a serene glow to the peaceful landscape.

What to do if a ball that has been dropped in the right way comes to rest outside the relief area?

Lush golf course with green fairways, surrounded by tall pine trees and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

"There's nothing in golf that doesn't exist"

Ball is moved by external influences.

A golf course with a flag on the green, surrounded by trees and mountains under a blue sky with clouds, creating a peaceful and vibrant landscape.

Sprinklers close to the green

Sprinkler in putt line

A green golf course with a yellow marker, surrounded by birch trees with autumn leaves. The setting appears calm and peaceful, ideal for a relaxing game.

Tees and hole positions

Selection of tees and hole positions in a tournament.

A picturesque golf course with green fairways, trees, and a pond, set against a backdrop of mountains and a blue sky.

Foursome Match Play:

The wrong player plays a provisional ball. How to proceed?

Infographic detailing rules and etiquette for amateur golf, including prize acceptance, professional actions, and reinstatement process.

Change of amateur status

Changes since 1 January 2022

Two golfers on a green golf course surrounded by mountains and a lake.

No-play zones: Sample court rules

How a no-play zone is defined and the rules.

People walking on a golf course surrounded by green grass and trees, with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Provisional ball

Playing a provisional ball after the search time has expired

Three golfers on a sunny green golf course surrounded by trees, one preparing to tee off while two others wait, under a clear blue sky.

Count the number of strokes

Overview of Maximum Score

Lush green golf course with players, surrounded by hills and a village with a church steeple, under a blue sky in a mountainous area.

Provisional ball picked up by the player later becomes the ball in play

A lush golf course with green grass, bordered by pine trees, under a clear blue sky and mountains in the background, illuminated by sunlight.

Question from players who play a foursome together.

Can rackets be used together?

A golf course with a flag on the green, lush greenery, and mountains in the background under a clear sky.

Rule decision in match play

Disputed cases in the hole game

Aerial view of golf course with green area, sand trap, and labeled penalty zones. Letters and words mark specific spots on the course for guidance.

An unresolved rules issue at the club

Where can I drop?

A golf course with sand bunkers, manicured greens, surrounded by mountains and trees under a clear blue sky.

Occurred at the 1st AJGT - Penalty Area

A golf course with lush green grass, a pond, and trees, set against distant mountains under a clear blue sky. Golf equipment lies in the foreground.

Rule 23 Four-ball

Incorrectly completed scorecard

Lush green golf course with sand bunker, surrounded by mountains and a clear blue sky.

Playing the wrong ball: consequences of not applying the rules correctly

Penalty for playing the wrong ball

A lush green field with bushes, surrounded by dense forest and mountains under a clear blue sky. The scene is peaceful and beautiful.

Are players allowed to interrupt the game because it starts to rain?

When may a player interrupt the game?

A lush, sunlit golf course with green fairways set against a backdrop of forested mountains, under a clear blue sky. A small building and trees are visible.

Match play: Both players are late for their tee time

What is the rule for this?

Close-up of a golf ball on a green, with a putter nearby. Trees and a clubhouse are in the background under a cloudy sky.

Which statements make it clear that the player wants to play a provisional ball?

Provisional ball

Lush golf course with green grass, a sand bunker, and surrounding mountains under a cloudy sky, creating a serene and picturesque outdoor scene.

Player wants relief because of an animal hole in the bunker

What is the rule for this?

Lush green field with a small tent, bordered by dense forest, set against a majestic mountain range and a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Question regarding sprinklers close to the green:

Sprinkler in putt line

A golf course with lush green fairways amidst pine trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. A few people can be seen in the distance enjoying a game.

Player picks up a ball because he thinks it is a stray ball. However, he realises that this was his ball in play.

What is the correct procedure?

Large rock on green grass with sand trap and mountains in background under bright, sunny sky.

Player claimed relief for his unplayable ball, after the drop his ball came to rest in an unplayable position again.

What are the options for an unplayable ball?

Illustrated golf scorecard showing player's scores, par numbers, and signatures for verification. Includes player name and a handicap score.

Responsibilities for the scorecard

Who is responsible for what?

A serene golf scene with a green, a flag, a lake, trees, and snow-covered mountains under a blue sky.

Procedure for identifying the ball

How to proceed?

Green golf course with flag in distance, tree on left and metal post in center under cloudy sky.

Drop yes or no?

The following situation: see picture

Lush green golf course with a pond and trees under a clear blue sky.

Provisional ball penalty area?

The following questions on the subject of penalty area and provisional ball

Provisional ball penalty area?

Can you play a provisional ball if the ball could be in the penalty area?

Calm lake reflecting green trees and a clear sky, surrounded by grass and a few scattered trees along the shore.

Supported trees Penalty area

Can you take a relief?

A gloved hand picks up a golf ball from a hole on a lush green surface, with other balls around, indicating a practice or successful putting session.

Ball notched or bounce

Am I allowed to replace my ball with a new ball if my ball is nicked or has a crack?

Aerial view of a golf course with clear water lakes, green fairways, sand bunkers, and trees, set against a backdrop of distant hills under a blue sky.

Provisional ball

Ruling on provisional ball in the penatly area

Four people on a green golf course, surrounded by tall trees and distant mountain under a clear sky.

Is there a set time for the individual holes and when do you get which penalty?

Diagram shows when a tennis ball is "out." It includes examples with green checks for in play and red crosses for out of bounds situations.

When is a ball out of bounds?

When is a ball considered to be in and when is it considered to be out?

Golf course with bright green grass, a tranquil pond, yellow flowers, and trees under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Ball moved in peace? Penalty?

When is a ball considered to have moved?

Lush golf course with green fairways, bunkers, and dense trees in the background under a clear sky, creating a tranquil outdoor setting for golf.

Ball moves calmly in match play

The following situation happened in match play:

Sun rises over a tranquil golf course with green grass, scattered trees, and a pond reflecting the sky. Contrails create patterns against the clear blue sky.

Flooding of a penalty area - temporary water - yes or no.

A played ball lands in the flooded penalty area. Can I drop without penalty or do I get a penalty stroke?