Can I smash my club if I get angry?

The rules provided (Rule 20.1 and 1.3c) cover how rulings are resolved and penalty levels, not specifically smashing clubs. However, Rule 1.3c states that serious misconduct can result in disqualification.

How rulings work when you're unsure

Rule 20.1 says that when you need to determine a spot, point, line, or area — like where your ball crossed a penalty area or where to drop — you just have to do what's reasonably expected under the circumstances. Your reasonable judgment is accepted even if video later shows you were off a bit. But if you realize you got it wrong before you hit, you have to fix it.

The three penalty levels

Rule 1.3c lays out three penalty tiers. One stroke for minor breaches or when you take penalty relief. The general penalty — loss of hole in match play, two strokes in stroke play — for most rule breaches where the advantage is more significant. Disqualification for serious misconduct or when the advantage is too big to keep your score valid. Neither you nor the committee can change these penalties.

Exceptions that change the answer

• You realize your location determination was wrong before making the stroke → You must correct it under Rule 14.5
• A ruling request is made in match play after the final hole but before the result is final → The match may resume if the ruling changes the outcome
• You play two balls in match play because you're uncertain → The original ball's score counts if you and your opponent refer it to the committee and they didn't object to the second ball

Frequently asked questions

What counts as serious misconduct?

Serious misconduct isn't defined in the provided text, but Rule 1.3c says it can lead to disqualification. The committee decides based on the circumstances.

Can I ask for a ruling after the match is over?

If you become aware of a possible breach after what you thought was the final hole, you can request a ruling before the result is final. If the ruling changes the match score, you may have to resume play.

What if video shows my drop was in the wrong spot?

Your reasonable judgment is accepted even if video later proves it wrong, as long as you did what was reasonably expected at the time.

Can the committee waive a penalty?

No. Neither a player nor the committee has authority to apply penalties differently than the Rules provide.

Is playing two balls allowed in match play?

Playing two balls is limited to stroke play. In match play, if you do play two balls, the original ball's score counts if you and your opponent refer it to the committee and they didn't object.