Rules question · Rule 5.5a · Expert
Hit a ball back to the driving range: is that a practice stroke?
While you wait for another player on a hole, there is a driving range ball next to you. As a courtesy you hit it back there. What is the ruling?
Answer
No penalty, that is not a practice stroke
While playing a hole you must not make practice strokes. But hitting a ball back to a practice area or to another player solely as a courtesy is not a practice stroke. A practice swing without a ball is also allowed.