Golf: Rules and how it works
Browse SportsMonkie's rules and how it works about golf, organized in one crawlable topic hub.
7 articles in this topic.
How Many Clubs Are Allowed in a Golf Bag? The 14 Rule
How many clubs are allowed in a golf bag? A maximum of 14, under Rule 4.1b. Carrying more costs two strokes per hole, up to four. Penalty and a sample set.
Can You Ground Your Club in a Bunker? The Rule Explained
No, you cannot ground your club in a bunker right behind the ball. Here is USGA and R&A Rule 12.2, the penalty, and exactly what you can and cannot do.
The Embedded Ball Rule: When You Get Free Relief
The embedded ball rule (Rule 16.3) gives free relief when your ball plugs in its own pitch-mark. When it applies and how to take your drop.
Winter Rules in Golf: Lift, Clean and Place Explained
Winter rules in golf are preferred lies (Model Local Rule E-3): lift, clean and place on the fairway. When they apply and how far you can move the ball.
Match Play vs Stroke Play in Golf
In stroke play you count every shot; in match play you win holes, not strokes. Here is how the two golf formats differ, how scoring works, and their uses.
How to Determine Your Golf Handicap: The WHS Formula
How to determine your golf handicap under the WHS: the score differential formula, rounds needed, and how to get an official index in 2026.
Golf Handicap Explained: How It Works and How to Get One
A golf handicap estimates your scoring ability so players of all levels compete fairly. Learn how it is calculated, what it means, and how to get one.