Somewhere down the line, every golfer will be penalized.

This keeps the game fair and gives every golfer an equal chance of achieving their goal.

It is just part of the action and all you can do is make the best out of it.

Whenever faced with a challenging situation, you must stay upbeat and take it head on.

Golf penalties do not mean the end of the world.

For you can recover from them and make a comeback.

Even pros like Tiger Woods experience this.

But they plan ahead and that is why they are able to outgun others.

Here are a few tips for you to keep check of your golf penalties.

The Details

1. Assessment

Understand the penalty you have received and plan accordingly.

There are different types, such as a single-or-double-stroke penalty.

2. Penalties

A double-stroke penalty applies when you ground the club in a hazard.

This can occur when the ball falls into a sand trap or lands near water.

3. The Sand Trap

In the sand, your club can’t touch the sand during the practice shots.

It may only touch the sand when you actually play the shot.

This makes it a lot more difficult to plan the shot.

4. Whiff

A whiff is a penalty that is applied every time you drop the ball to strike but fail to do so.

Each time you swing will be counted on the leader board.

5. Playable Position

When you move the ball from an unplayable position to a playable one, a one stroke penalty is added.

6. Water

When a ball ends up in the water, it is impossible for you to continue from that spot.

The ball is moved back to within a few yards of the land where you can play it.

7. Lost Ball

If the ball is lost, then you are likely to get a steep penalty.

A stroke is added to your score as the ball is returned to its original position.

8. Practice Error

If you make a practice error and accidentally touch the ball before playing it, you get a one-stroke penalty.

9. Obstruction

Any sort of obstruction caused by you that changes the position of the ball will also lead to a penalty.

It is illegal to move the ball on purpose.

10. Ball Hit

If the ball hits you after you have struck it, then you will get a double-stroke penalty.

11. Shielding

If it starts raining and you use additional help to protect your ball or yourself, it is a double-stroke penalty.

12. Extra Clubs

If you carry more than 14 clubs, then you will be charged a double-stroke penalty for every hole played with extra clubs.

13. Hitting Another Ball

If your ball strikes another ball on the green, it equals a double-stroke penalty.

14. Breaking Plants

If you use your body to break any plant life on the course, you get a two-stroke penalty.

The Bottom Line

Scoring golf penalties is a simple task that you can manage yourself.

You just need to have knowledge about the rules and regulations.

These tips will help you understand the key elements of golf penalties so that you can prepare your game accordingly.