Out of Bounds
Out of bounds is the area outside the course — a ball there no longer counts.
Out of bounds marks the boundary of the playing corridor. Mostly these are white stakes or lines at the edge of the course, for example to roads, neighbouring properties or railway lines. If your ball lands out of bounds, it is no longer in play. You must replay with a penalty stroke, classically from the spot of the last stroke. That is called stroke and distance. Out of bounds is thus the most expensive hazard of the round.
The boundary counts at ground level: if any part of the ball lies on the course side of the line, it is in play. With stakes the imaginary line at their inner edges counts. An example: your tee shot curves to the left towards the white stakes. You immediately play a provisional ball in case the first could be out of bounds. If you find the first in play, you continue with it. If it is out of bounds or gone, you play the provisional with a penalty stroke. That saves the long way back.
Many clubs have a local alternative rule: instead of going back to the tee you may drop near the spot where the ball went out of bounds, against two penalty strokes. Whether that applies is stated on the scorecard or on the notice board. The alternative rule keeps the pace of play high and is the friendlier variant for beginners.
FAQ
What do I do if my ball lies out of bounds?
Your ball is no longer in play, you replay with a penalty stroke from the spot of the last stroke. If you hit from the tee out of bounds, that means: back to the tee, third stroke. Many clubs allow a local alternative rule in which you drop, for two penalty strokes, where the ball went out of bounds — whether that applies is stated on the scorecard.
How do I recognise whether my ball is out of bounds or still in play?
Out of bounds is marked by white stakes or lines, and what matters is the line at ground level, not the fence or the hedge behind it. With stakes the imaginary connection at their inner edges counts. If any part of your ball lies on the course side of this line, it is in play and you may continue playing it normally.
Is a provisional ball worthwhile if I suspect my shot goes out of bounds?
Yes, absolutely — it saves you the long way back. As soon as your ball could have gone out of bounds, you announce a provisional ball loudly and play it. If you find the first ball in play, you continue with it and the provisional is void; if the first is out of bounds or gone, you play the provisional with the penalty stroke.