The dreaded whiff – that embarrassing moment when you take a mighty swing and completely miss the golf ball. It’s a scenario that can make even seasoned golfers cringe, but understanding how it’s treated under the Rules of Golf can help ease the sting.
The key factor in determining whether a missed swing counts as a stroke is your intention. A “stroke” is defined as the forward movement the club made to strike the ball. So if you intend to hit the ball with your swing, but fail to make contact, it still counts as a stroke.
This rule applies regardless of where you are on the course – whether you’re in the teeing area, in the fairway, in a bunker or in any of the other defined areas of the course.
Now, accidentally causing your ball to move with a practice swing is going to earn you a penalty in most situations, and in most areas of the course.
Check out the video on whiffs:
There’s a silver lining for tee shots: If your ball is in the teeing area and you accidentally knock the ball off the tee with your foot, club, or anything else, there’s no penalty! You can re-tee, take a breath, and make your swing.
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With an Advanced Rules Certification from the USGA, Marcela teaches golf rules at clubs across the country. She’s helped thousands of women boost their confidence, avoid penalties, and elevate their overall enjoyment of the game.