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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/golf-out-of-bounds-definition

When is a golf ball at rest out of bounds?

Only when all of the ball is outside the boundary edge.

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  1. When any part of it crosses the line
  2. When half of it is past the line
  3. Only when all of it is outside the boundary ✔

Why: Rule 18.2a says a ball is out of bounds only when the whole ball is outside the course's boundary edge. If any part touches or hangs over the course side, it is still in bounds.

Huh, didn't know that: A player is allowed to stand out of bounds to hit a ball that is still on the course.

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Why did the golf ball stay on the line? It wanted to keep things in bounds.
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References

Answer: Only when all of it is outside the boundary. Rule 18.2a says a ball is out of bounds only when the whole ball is outside the course's boundary edge. If any part touches or hangs over the course side, it is still in bounds.

  1. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 18 Stroke-and-Distance Relief, Ball Lost or Out of Bounds, Provisional Ball www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-18
    A ball at rest is out of bounds only when all of it is outside the boundary edge of the course
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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