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Rules disagreements on the course can be awkward — and most golfers, even experienced ones, handle them incorrectly. In this video from Girlfriends Guide to Golf, Marcela Smith walks us through exactly what the rules require when a dispute arises in stroke play. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to do in the moment, this one is essential viewing.
Girlfriends Guide to golf – Know The Rules
This video tackles one of the most misunderstood procedures in stroke play: what to do when players disagree on the correct ruling. Marcela breaks down the two-ball rule in clear, practical terms — covering when to invoke it, how to announce your choice, and why you must report to the committee before signing your scorecard. It’s relevant to any golfer who competes in stroke play, from club competitions to more formal events.
Key Takeaways
You cannot settle a rules dispute by agreement in stroke play
You cannot settle a rules dispute by agreement in stroke play
Players may help each other apply the rules, but an informal agreement between competitors is not binding — the correct procedure must still be followed.
When uncertain, declare you are playing two balls before you make a stroke
You must announce your intention and identify which ball you want to count if your chosen procedure turns out to be correct — failing to do so means the first ball played counts by default.
You must report the situation to the committee before returning your scorecard
Even if both balls produce the same score, failure to report means disqualification — so mark your card as a reminder and tell the relevant official straight away.
Next time a rules question arises on the course, remember the three steps: say something, play two balls, and report to the committee before signing your card. This video is particularly useful for any golfer who competes in stroke play and wants to protect both herself and her fellow competitors.
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