What facts should I include in a golf rules question?
Prepare a golf rules question with the format, ball location, sequence, markings and current Local Rules, without assuming a penalty or relief.
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A useful golf rules question describes the format of play, the ball’s location, the order of events and the applicable course or competition instructions. Record what you observed before suggesting a penalty or a drop. This worksheet prepares a question; it does not decide a ruling.
Fill in a short facts worksheet
| Field | Your note |
|---|---|
| Course, hole and event | ___ |
| Format or playing arrangement | ___; ask the organiser if uncertain |
| Ball location before the issue | ___ |
| What happened, in order | ___ |
| Ball found, moved or played | ___; distinguish observations from uncertainty |
| Stakes, lines, signs or objects | Describe exactly, without guessing their status |
| Current Local Rules or event notice | Document/link/date: ___ |
| Question you need answered | ___ |
These blanks are an original editorial aid, not an official submission form. Do not fill missing facts with an assumption to make an online example fit.
Describe the event without choosing the outcome
An invented wording example is: “My ball finished beside a surfaced path. I am playing [format]. I have not lifted it. Which details do you need to assess the situation?” It gives the person helping you facts to investigate; it does not establish interference, entitlement or a relief option.
A photo can accompany your note, but record the sequence and format in words as well. If you are unsure whether somebody moved or played the ball, say so rather than turning a guess into a fact.
Take the record to an appropriate source
The R&A Player’s Rule Finder organizes common scenarios by situation, which is why location and sequence help a lookup. Its stated scope is individual stroke play or match play and it does not cover every eventuality. Rule 20 addresses rules issues and referee/Committee decisions; this page does not reproduce its format-specific procedures.
Next, choose an official rules resource and attach the current Local Rules. For an unresolved competition question, contact its referee or Committee with the record rather than treating this worksheet as permission to act.
Sources and scope
- R&A Player’s Rule Finder: purpose and coverage
- R&A Rule 20: resolving rules issues
- R&A Rules directory and definitions
Navigation evidence checked 16 October 2026. These are related official resources, not independent professional approval. No ruling, penalty, correction or relief procedure is supplied. For scoped teaching examples, use the linked rules topic; current official text and applicable Local Rules still take priority for a live question.