What Is a Stymie in Golf?
Stymie: A historic golf term for when an opponent’s ball blocked your path to the hole on the putting green.
Stymie — full definition
Historically, a stymie occurred in match play when an opponent’s ball blocked your line to the hole on the putting green and you were not allowed to mark it. The rule was abolished in 1952. Today “stymied” is used colloquially to mean any blocked or obstructed shot — a tree in your line, a bunker between you and the pin, or any situation where a direct path is unavailable. It’s also the name of our platform.
Stymie — frequently asked
Stymie — what was the original rule?
- In match play, if your opponent’s ball was between yours and the hole, you couldn’t ask them to mark it
- You had to chip over or play around their ball
- The rule was abolished in 1952
Stymie — how is it used today?
- “Stymied” means any blocked or obstructed shot — a tree in your line, a bunker between you and the pin
- Any situation where a direct path to the target is unavailable
- It’s also the name of our platform
More on Stymie
The rule died in 1952; the word did not, and it is the name on the door here.
- Why this site is called StymieThe obstructed-shot idea, applied to finding a tee time.
- Match playThe format the stymie rule belonged to — it never applied in stroke play.
- Golf course directory20,000+ US courses, scorecards and ratings.
- Course mapEvery course we hold, plotted.
Other rules & penalties
Lateral Hazard
Now called a red penalty area — a hazard running alongside the line of play.
Out of Bounds
The area beyond the course boundary, marked by white stakes or a fence.
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.