Equipment
Fourteen is a limit, not a requirement.
A player may carry fewer than 14 clubs. Rule 4 governs the limit, adding clubs and permitted exceptions.
Read the sourceThe game beyond the scorecard · by ARQS
A little knowledge.
A remarkable game.
Rare shots. Surprising rules. The numbers behind those “you had to be there” moments. Welcome to the curious side of golf.
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What are the chances?
Rare does not
mean impossible.
Explore a simplified model of getting at least one success over repeated attempts. Every attempt is assumed independent, with the same probability.
The default one-in-12,000 is a published amateur hole-in-one estimate, not your personal forecast. Change it to explore a hypothetical scenario. An attempt means one shot on a suitable hole—not one round.
PGA of America: the hole-in-one estimateThe knowledge club
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Equipment
A golf ball has a minimum diameter.
The Equipment Rules set the minimum diameter at 42.67 mm (1.680 inches).
Read the sourceEquipment
There is a maximum ball weight, too.
A conforming ball may weigh no more than 45.93 grams (1.620 ounces).
Read the sourceRules
The search clock matters.
A ball is lost if not found within three minutes after the player or their caddie begins searching. Rule 18 explains identification and other details.
Read the sourceRules
Drops start at knee height.
Under the standard Rule 14 dropping procedure, the ball is released straight down from knee height. Modified rules can apply for players with disabilities.
Read the sourceRules
Match play counts holes.
Opponents compete by holes won, lost or tied. Regular stroke play instead compares total strokes, including penalties.
Read the sourceRules
Gross and net are different scores.
Gross counts strokes, including penalties. Net applies the player’s handicap strokes.
Read the sourceRules
A concession belongs to match play.
In match play an opponent may concede the next stroke, a hole or the match. A clearly communicated concession is final.
Read the sourceRare shots
An ace does not have one universal probability.
A PGA of America article gives an illustrative estimate of one in 12,000 for an amateur hole-in-one. Player ability, distance and conditions matter.
Read the sourceRare shots
An albatross and a condor are different.
An albatross is three strokes under par on a hole; a condor is four under. Precise universal odds are not established by this page.
Read the sourceSources checked October 24, 2026. Consult the current Rules and competition conditions for play.
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