Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A lie is the position and conditions in which a golf ball is resting, such as on fairway grass, in rough, in a bunker or in a penalty area. The lie is one of the conditions affecting the stroke, so a player accepts it rather than improving it before playing.
How it matters in match play
In match play, each player normally plays the ball from its lie and may not improve that lie before the stroke, subject to the Rules' exceptions. A poor lie can affect who wins a hole, but the lie does not change the match score by itself. If an opponent causes a ball to move, Rule 9.5 deals with replacement and penalty consequences.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Lie |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 8.1; Rule 9.1 and Rule 9.5 |
| Related concepts | Playing the Ball as It Lies, Conditions Affecting the Stroke, Improve, Relief Area, Unplayable Ball |
Worked example
Alex's ball is resting in thick rough 145 metres from the hole, while Ben's ball is on the fairway 150 metres away; the distances do not change either player's lie, and each must normally play the ball as it lies.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 8.1; Rule 9.1 and Rule 9.5
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Can I improve my lie before playing?
Usually no. Rule 8.1 prohibits actions that improve the lie or other conditions affecting the stroke, unless an exception applies. Reasonable actions such as removing a loose impediment or marking and replacing the ball can be allowed under the Rules.
Does a lie mean only the grass under the ball?
No. In Rules context, the lie is part of the conditions affecting the stroke. The relevant situation can include the surface or material supporting the ball and its surrounding conditions, such as sand or rough, rather than simply the grass beneath it.
What happens if my opponent moves my ball in match play?
When it is known or virtually certain that the opponent caused the ball at rest to move, Rule 9.5 generally requires the ball to be replaced and normally gives the opponent one penalty stroke, subject to the Rule's exceptions, including a concession or a request from the player.
Can I take relief from a bad lie?
A bad lie alone does not create free relief. Relief may be available when a specific Rule applies, such as an abnormal course condition, or a player may use the unplayable-ball options under Rule 19 with the applicable penalty.
Does a lie decide who wins the hole?
No. The lie affects the conditions for a stroke, but the hole is won by the player or side with the lower score, unless the hole is conceded or otherwise decided under the applicable match-play Rules.
Is 'good lie' an official scoring term?
No. Golfers commonly use 'good lie' or 'bad lie' as descriptive language. The Rules use lie as a defined concept connected with the ball's resting conditions and the prohibition on improving conditions affecting the stroke.