Can I improve the ground or move grass in the teeing area before my stroke?

Yes, you can improve certain conditions in the teeing area before your stroke. Rule 6.2b(3) lets you alter the ground surface, move or break grass and weeds, remove or press down sand and soil, and remove dew, frost, or water — all without penalty.

What you're allowed to do

Before making a stroke from the teeing area, you can take several actions to improve the conditions affecting your stroke. You may make an indentation in the ground with your club or foot. You can move, bend, or break any grass, weeds, or other natural objects that are attached or growing in the teeing area. You're also allowed to remove or press down sand and soil, and you can remove dew, frost, and water. These are the only improvements permitted without penalty.

What you can't do

Any other action that improves the conditions affecting your stroke gets you the general penalty (two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play) under Rule 8.1a. For example, you can't move a tee-marker to give yourself a better angle, you can't remove a divot that's not in your teeing area, and you can't bend a branch that's outside the teeing area even if it overhangs. The teeing area rules only apply to the specific teeing area you're playing from, not to other teeing locations on the course.

Exceptions that change the answer

• You accidentally move a tee-marker without improving conditions → There's no penalty if you trip over a tee-marker, hit it in anger, or lift it for no reason, as long as it doesn't improve the conditions affecting your stroke. You don't even have to replace it before playing, though you should.

Frequently asked questions

Can I tear up grass in the teeing area to make a better lie?

Yes. Rule 6.2b(3) explicitly allows you to move, bend, or break grass, weeds, and other natural objects growing in the teeing area before your stroke.

Can I remove dew or frost from my ball in the teeing area?

Yes. You may remove dew, frost, and water in the teeing area before making your stroke. This is one of the specific improvements Rule 6.2b(3) permits.

What if I press down a divot in the teeing area?

That's allowed. Pressing down sand and soil in the teeing area is listed as a permitted action under Rule 6.2b(3).

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

No. Moving a tee-marker to improve your conditions gives you the general penalty under Rule 8.1a(1). The only exception is if you move it accidentally without improving conditions.

Do these permissions apply if I'm re-teeing after a lost ball?

Yes. Rule 6.2a says the teeing area rules apply whenever you're required or allowed to play from the teeing area, including when playing again under a Rule.