Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Areas of the Course are the five defined parts of a golf course: the general area, the teeing area for the hole being played, all penalty areas, all bunkers, and the putting green for that hole. The area containing the ball determines which Rules and relief options apply.
How it matters in match play
Match play does not create different Areas of the Course. However, the area where a ball lies can change the available relief procedure or penalty, which can decide a hole. A ball touching the general area and a specific area is treated as lying in the specific area; if it touches two specific areas, the priority is penalty area, bunker, then putting green.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Areas of the Course |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 2.2(a)-(c) |
| Related concepts | General Area, Teeing Area, Bunker, Penalty Area, Putting Green |
Worked example
On a par-four, Alex's ball is in a bunker and Ben's is in the general area; Alex counts 5 strokes and Ben 4, so Ben wins the hole, while the different areas determine which relief rules each player may use.
Rule reference: Rule 2.2(a)-(c)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How many Areas of the Course are there?
There are five: the general area, the teeing area for the hole being played, all penalty areas, all bunkers, and the putting green for that hole.
Does the general area include the fairway and rough?
Yes. The general area covers the course except for the four specific areas. It includes fairway, rough and trees, as well as teeing locations other than the teeing area for the hole being played and all wrong greens.
What if a ball touches two Areas of the Course?
It is treated as lying in only one area. If it touches the general area and a specific area, use the specific area. If it touches two specific areas, the order is penalty area, bunker, then putting green.
Do Areas of the Course change match-play scoring?
No. They do not change how a hole is won or lost directly. They identify which Rules and relief procedures apply, and the resulting strokes or penalties can affect the hole's result.
Is a wrong green part of the putting-green area?
No. A wrong green is included in the general area, not the putting green of the hole being played.
Who decides where the boundaries of course areas are?
The Committee defines the course and relevant marked areas under the Rules and any applicable Local Rules. Players must make location determinations promptly and with reasonable care when applying the Rules.