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Rule 18.2

Out of bounds

Also searched as: OB, white stakes, boundary, boundary stakes, out of bounds stakes, boundary fence, angled supports

The area outside the boundary edge of the course. A ball is out of bounds only when all of it is outside the boundary edge.

You may stand out of bounds to play a ball that lies on the course. If you fear your ball may be out of bounds, it is best to play a provisional ball straight away.

Many clubs use a Local Rule that offers an alternative for a ball that is lost or out of bounds: two penalty strokes and dropping near where the ball went out. It is not intended for elite competitions and only applies if the Committee puts it into effect.

Angled supports that hold up a boundary fence are not boundary objects. The boundary edge runs along the fence posts, excluding the angled supports. If a support sticks out onto the course, it is an immovable obstruction and you get free relief. This does not apply if the Committee has declared the supports integral objects.

Step by step

  1. 1Check the boundary. The boundary edge is the line between the course-side points of the stakes at ground level. If the ball touches that line, it is in bounds.
  2. 2Add a penalty stroke. A ball out of bounds costs one penalty stroke.
  3. 3Replay from your previous spot. You play again from where you made your last stroke, see stroke and distance.