What Is Out of Bounds in Golf?
Out of Bounds: The area beyond the course boundary, marked by white stakes or a fence.
Out of Bounds — full definition
The area beyond the course boundary, typically marked by white stakes or a fence. If your ball comes to rest out of bounds, the penalty is stroke and distance — you must replay the shot from the original spot with a one-stroke penalty. Many courses now offer a local rule allowing a two-stroke drop near where the ball went out.
Out of Bounds — frequently asked
Out of Bounds — what’s the penalty?
- Stroke and distance — replay from the original spot with a one-stroke penalty
- Many courses now offer a local rule: two-stroke drop near where the ball went OB
Out of Bounds — how do you identify it?
- White stakes or white lines mark the boundary
- Fences, walls, or property lines may also define OB
More on Out of Bounds
Stroke and distance is the most expensive penalty in golf, and the local-rule alternative is set by the committee, not by you.
- US golf associations directoryThe bodies that publish local rules and run competitions in your state.
- Score differential calculatorWhat a stroke-and-distance hole does to the round you post.
Other rules & penalties
Stymie
A historic golf term for when an opponent’s ball blocked your path to the hole on the putting green.
Lateral Hazard
Now called a red penalty area — a hazard running alongside the line of play.
Provisional Ball
A second ball played from the same spot when you think your original may be lost or out of bounds.
Unplayable Lie
You can declare your ball unplayable anywhere except in a penalty area, with three relief options.
Ground Under Repair
A marked area on the course where you get free relief — no penalty.
Embedded Ball
A ball stuck in its own pitch-mark in the general area — you get free relief.
Free Relief
Relief without penalty, available in specific situations defined by the Rules of Golf.