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Rule 18.1

Stroke and distance

Also searched as: stroke and distance relief, back to the tee, hitting three off the tee, re-teeing

You add one penalty stroke and play again from where you made your last stroke. This option is available at any time.

Stroke and distance is the answer to out of bounds and a lost ball. It is also an option for an unplayable ball and in a penalty area.

An example: your tee shot goes out of bounds. With the penalty stroke, your next stroke from the tee is your third. Hence the phrase ‘hitting three off the tee’.

As soon as you have put the new ball in play, the original ball is out of play, even if it is found within the three-minute search time. A ball you drop or place is in play straight away, on the teeing area only once you make a stroke at it. If you then play the original ball, you play a wrong ball.

Step by step

  1. 1Add a penalty stroke. One stroke is added.
  2. 2Go back to your previous spot. From the teeing area you may tee the ball anywhere in the teeing area.
  3. 3Otherwise drop. In the general area, a bunker or a penalty area, drop within one club-length of the previous spot, no nearer the hole. On the putting green, place the ball.