Section 7: Violations & Penalties
Stance Violations
A player whose stance does not comply with Rule 803 at the moment of release commits a stance violation. The first stance violation on a hole is typically a warning to the card; a second stance violation by the same player on the same hole results in a one-throw penalty and the throw is re-thrown without re-marking. Stance violations called by other members of the card require seconding; uncontested calls stand.
Falling Putt Violations
A breach of the falling-putt rule within 10 meters of the target is a stance violation. The throw counts and is followed by a one-throw penalty and a re-throw from the original lie when the violation is the player's second on the hole, per the standard stance-violation cadence.
Out-of-Bounds (OB)
A disc determined to be OB carries a one-throw penalty. The next lie is established by one of the following options at the player's choice (subject to TD designation):
- Re-throw from the previous lie
- Mark a lie up to one meter perpendicular from where the disc last crossed into OB, on the in-bounds side, no closer to the target
- Play from a designated drop zone, where defined for that hole
Missed Mandatory
A disc that fails to pass a mandatory on the indicated side incurs a one-throw penalty, with the next lie at the designated drop zone or, in absence of a drop zone, the previous lie.
Lost Disc
One-throw penalty plus replay from the previous lie, after the 3-minute search interval has elapsed.
Time Violations
A player who exceeds the 30-second throw window receives a warning on first occurrence in the round and a one-throw penalty on subsequent occurrences. Time violations are called by the card.
Courtesy Violations (Rule 804)
- Smoking near other players, distracting actions during another player's throw, throwing without a clear fairway, profanity in earshot of spectators or other players, and other discourteous conduct
- First courtesy violation in a round is a warning; subsequent courtesy violations carry a one-throw penalty
- Egregious or repeated misconduct may be referred by the TD or an Official to PDGA Disciplinary procedure under Rule 801
Caddie Bib and Credential Non-Compliance
At Majors and Elite Series events, a caddie who is not wearing an issued bib and cannot display a caddie credential in a player-only area, and who was not identified to the group before the round began, may be denied permission to caddie for the remainder of the round by a Tournament Official under Competition Manual Rule 3.05.
Disqualification and Suspension
Falsifying a scorecard, refusing a TD ruling, fighting or threatening violence, intentionally damaging course property, and similarly serious misconduct are grounds for disqualification from the event under Rule 801 and may trigger PDGA Disciplinary review extending to multi-event suspensions.