Page type: Glossary / definition
Free tool: Open the calculator →
Meaning
The Teeing Area is the rectangular area from which a player must start the hole. It is two club-lengths deep: the front edge runs between the forward-most points of the Committee's tee-markers, and the side edges run back from their outside points.
How it matters in match play
In Match Play, a player who starts from outside the Teeing Area has no penalty, but the opponent may promptly cancel the stroke before either player makes another stroke. If cancelled, the player must replay from inside the Teeing Area and it remains their turn; if not cancelled, the stroke counts and the ball is played as it lies. This differs from Stroke Play.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Teeing Area |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Definition of Teeing Area; Rules 6.1b, 6.2b and 6.4a |
| Related concepts | Areas of the Course, Stroke, Match Play, Stroke Play, Order of Play |
Worked example
Alex starts a par-four from outside the Teeing Area and Ben immediately cancels the stroke. Alex replays from inside the Teeing Area, then takes four further strokes to hole out, so the hole score is 5 rather than 6 because the cancelled stroke does not count.
Rule reference: Definition of Teeing Area; Rules 6.1b, 6.2b and 6.4a
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How large is the Teeing Area?
It is a rectangle two club-lengths deep. The Committee's tee-markers define its front edge and the side edges extend back from the markers' outside points.
Do I have to stand inside the Teeing Area when I hit the shot?
No. You may stand outside the Teeing Area, provided the ball is in the Teeing Area when you make the stroke.
What happens in Match Play if I tee off outside the Teeing Area?
There is no penalty, but your opponent may promptly cancel the stroke before either player makes another stroke. If cancelled, replay from inside the Teeing Area; otherwise the stroke counts and the ball is played as it lies.
Must I use a tee in the Teeing Area?
No. You may play the ball from a tee or directly from the ground.
Can I move the tee-markers before playing?
No. The Committee sets the tee-markers to define the Teeing Area, and moving them to improve conditions affecting the stroke can breach Rule 8.1a(1).
Is the Teeing Area the same as every set of tee-markers on a hole?
No. It is the specific teeing location the player must use for the hole. Starting from the wrong tee-markers is treated as playing from outside the Teeing Area under Rule 6.1b.