Can I improve the ground in the teeing area before my shot?

Yes, you can improve the ground in the teeing area before you hit. Rule 6.2b(3) specifically allows you to alter the surface, move or break growing grass, remove or press down sand and soil, and clear dew, frost, or water. Anything beyond that list gets you the general penalty.

What you're allowed to do

Before making your stroke, you can take a club or your foot and make an indentation in the ground to set your tee or stance. You can pull up, bend, or break any grass, weeds, or other natural objects that are growing or attached in the teeing area. You can also remove loose sand or soil, press it down, and wipe away dew, frost, or standing water. These are the only improvements the Rules let you make without penalty.

What crosses the line

If you do anything else to improve the conditions affecting your stroke — like moving a tee-marker to widen your stance, repairing a divot hole outside the teeing area, or bending a branch that overhangs the teeing area — you've breached Rule 8.1a. That's the general penalty: two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play. The teeing area is the one place on the course where you get a free pass to prep the ground, but the pass has strict boundaries.

Exceptions that change the answer

• You accidentally move a tee-marker without improving your conditions → No penalty. If you trip over a tee-marker, hit it in frustration, or lift it for no reason and it doesn't help your shot, you don't get penalized. But you should put it back — the Committee sets tee-marker positions for everyone, and moving them can affect the competition.

Frequently asked questions

Can I move a tee-marker if it's in my way?

No. Moving a tee-marker to improve your stance or swing is a breach of Rule 8.1a and costs you the general penalty. The only time there's no penalty is if you move it accidentally and it doesn't improve your conditions — but you should still replace it.

Can I repair a divot hole in the teeing area before I tee off?

Yes. A divot hole is part of the ground surface, so you can alter it — press it down, fill it with sand, or make an indentation for your tee. That's explicitly allowed under Rule 6.2b(3).

What about knocking down a branch that overhangs the teeing area?

That's not allowed. The branch isn't growing in the teeing area ground, so breaking it improves conditions beyond what Rule 6.2b(3) permits. General penalty.

Can I remove dew or frost from my ball after I've teed it?

Yes. Rule 6.2b(3) lets you remove dew, frost, and water in the teeing area. That includes wiping off your ball once it's teed, as long as you don't clean it beyond what's needed to remove the moisture.

Does this apply when I'm re-teeing after a lost ball or penalty?

Yes. Rule 6.2a says the teeing area rules apply whenever you're required or allowed to play from the teeing area — including when you're playing again under a Rule like stroke-and-distance.