Basic golf rules: Where do I tee up the golf ball?

Every hole begins with a ball being played from the teeing area. But what is it? And what happens if you make a mistake? Don't worry, this PGA Play guide will explain all...

What is the teeing area?

It is a rectangle that’s two club-lengths deep and starts at the most forward point between two tee-markers.

How do I know my ball is in the teeing area?

It’s when any part of it touches or is above any part of the teeing area.

Do I have to stand in the teeing area to hit a shot?

No, you can stand outside.

Do I have to use a tee?

No, you can either hit your shot from a tee or from the ground.

Can I remove grass or weeds in the teeing area?

Yes, you can move, bend or break grass. You can do the same with weeds or other natural objects that might be attached or growing in the ground.

You can also remove dew, frost and water as well as pressing down or getting rid of sand and soil. You can also use your club or foot to make an indentation in the ground if that’s how you want to tee up your ball.

Can I move the tee-markers if I don’t like where they are?

Don’t do that. The position of the tee markers are set by the club. If you move them you will get a two-shot penalty or lose a hole if you’re playing match play.

What if I accidentally hit my ball during a practice swing?

Don’t worry. If your ball falls off the tee, or you knock it off, before you have made a stroke you can tee it up again anywhere you want in the teeing area without getting a penalty.

What if I whiffed and the ball is still in the teeing area?

You can play it if you want. But you can also lift or move it and play it from somewhere else in the teeing area. You can even tee it up again! But remember, you’re still playing your second shot!

What if I don’t play the ball from the teeing area?

If your ball isn’t in the teeing area, and you make a stroke, what happens depends on whether you are playing stroke play or match play.

If it’s stroke play, you get a two-shot penalty and you must fix the mistake. If it’s match play, your opponent can cancel your shot and make you hit it again.