Even the world’s best golfers make costly, strange, or heartbreaking mistakes involving the rules of golf. From major championships to weekly tour events, golf history is filled with bizarre golf rule violations and controversies that serve as powerful lessons for every player.
This guide is based on official rule interpretations from the USGA and the R&A, the global governing bodies of golf. It retells these famous incidents with clear lessons you can use today. At Deer Creek Golf Club, our PGA professionals teach players how to avoid these same mistakes during everyday rounds.
1987: Craig Stadler and the Towel: The ‘Illegal Stance’ Penalty
What Happened:
At the Andy Williams Open, Craig Stadler’s ball landed under a tree. To avoid getting his pants dirty, he placed a towel on the ground to kneel on while making the shot. It seemed harmless at the time.
Why It Was a Violation:
A fan watching the broadcast at home called in to report the incident. Under the rule structure at the time, placing an object to improve your footing was considered to be illegally building a stance. It was a clear case where a player violated the rules of golf at the time, even if by accident.
The Aftermath:
After his round, Stadler was assessed a two-stroke penalty. Because he had already signed his scorecard without accounting for those two strokes, he was then disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard.
The Lesson for Amateurs:
Never place a towel, mat, or any other object to improve your footing or posture before a shot. You must play the course as you find it.
1999: Tiger Woods and the Boulder: A Legal Loose Impediment
What Happened:
At the Phoenix Open, Tiger Woods’ tee shot came to rest behind a massive, immovable-looking boulder. His path to the green was completely blocked.
Why It Was NOT a Violation:
Upon inspection, officials determined the boulder was not attached to the ground. This classified it as a “loose impediment.” The rules of golf allow players to move loose impediments, regardless of their size.
The Aftermath:
A group of fans was famously enlisted to help roll the giant boulder out of Tiger’s line of play. He was then able to hit his shot without a penalty.
The Lesson for Amateurs:
Know the difference between a loose impediment (like a rock, twig, or palm frond) and an immovable obstruction. Our PGA pros at Deer Creek Golf Club can explain how to handle local debris common on Broward County golf courses.
2010: Dustin Johnson at Whistling Straits: The Bunker That Didn’t Look Like a Bunker
What Happened:
Leading by one stroke on the final hole of the PGA Championship, Dustin Johnson hit his ball into a sandy area trampled by spectators. Not realizing it was a hazard, he rested his club on the sand before his shot.
Why It Was a Violation:
A local rule for the tournament stated that all sandy areas on the course were to be played as bunkers. Grounding your club in a bunker is one of the most well-known golf rule violations.
The Aftermath:
Johnson was given a two-stroke penalty after the hole, which knocked him out of the playoff and cost him a chance to win his first major.
The Lesson for Amateurs:
Always read the local rules sheet on the scorecard before your round. Hazard definitions can change from course to course.
2019: Modern Rules, Modern Confusion
The 2019 modernisation of the rules simplified many things, but it also led to a new wave of interesting golf rule violations as players adjusted.
Patrick Reed: Improving Conditions Behind the Ball
At the Hero World Challenge, Patrick Reed was penalized two strokes after cameras caught him brushing sand from behind his ball with his club during practice swings. Officials ruled he had “improved the conditions affecting the stroke.” This is a key rule to remember in any sandy area.
Haotong Li: Caddie Alignment Penalty
A new rule prohibited a caddie from standing behind a player to help with alignment once they began taking their stance. Haotong Li was penalised two strokes when his caddie briefly stood behind him on the final green. It was a golf rule violation under the modernised rules that cost him over $100,000.
Rickie Fowler: Knee-High Drop Confusion
The new rules required players to take penalty drops from knee height, not shoulder height. Rickie Fowler was one of the first to be seen doing this on TV, leading to a memorable and slightly awkward-looking moment that highlighted the change for all golfers.
2024: Carl Schimenti at Q-School: The Wrong Tee Box Disaster
What Happened:
In a high-pressure moment at Korn Ferry Tour Q-School, Carl Schimenti and his playing partners mistakenly teed off from the wrong set of tee markers, which were significantly forward of the correct ones.
Why It Was a Violation:
They played from outside the designated teeing area. The rule for this is a two-stroke penalty, and the player must correct the mistake by playing from the correct spot before teeing off on the next hole.
The Aftermath:
After failing to correct the mistake, Schimenti was disqualified from the tournament.
The Lesson for Amateurs:
This is one of the most common golf rules violations. Always confirm you are between the correct tee markers before you hit the ball.
Learn the Rules With the Pros at Deer Creek
While these stories of famous golf rule violations are well-known for their drama, understanding the basic golf rules helps every player avoid penalties and enjoy the game more. Our PGA Professionals cover the most important rules and how to handle common situations in all beginner golf lessons.
Now, it’s time to put that knowledge to the test. Our championship Deerfield Beach golf course offers the perfect setting to apply what you’ve learned, from taking a proper drop near a penalty area to navigating our pristine bunkers. Playing a round here is the best way to move from theory to practice.
For more tips on rules and game improvement, be sure to read our blog. Contact us today to book your tee times, view memberships, or find out about playing at our course!
FAQ: Common Questions About Golf Rules
What Are the Most Common Penalties for Amateurs?
The most common golf rules violations for amateurs include playing the wrong ball, taking an incorrect drop, and simple scoring errors. Most penalties are either one or two strokes.
How Much Time Do I Have to Look for a Lost Ball Now?
Under the current USGA/R&A rules, the search time for a lost ball is limited to 3 minutes. This was reduced from the old 5-minute rule in 2019 to help improve the pace of play.
What Happens if I Sign an Incorrect Scorecard?
In the past, this often led to disqualification. The modern rules are more lenient. If you signed for a higher score, the score stands. If you signed for a lower score due to not including a penalty, you are penalised but may not be disqualified if you were unaware of the violation.
Sources and Further Reading
For players who wish to dive deeper into the official rules of golf, the governing bodies provide comprehensive online resources. This guide was developed using information from the following official sources.
Related Readings: