What is a borrow in golf?

In golf, a borrow is a term used to describe a situation where a player's ball lands on a different hole than the one they were aiming for. This typically occurs when the ball veers off course, either due to a mis-hit or external factors like wind.

Types of Borrows

There are two main types of borrows:

• Forward Borrow: This happens when a player's ball lands on a hole ahead of the one they were playing. For example, if a player is playing the 10th hole and their ball lands on the 11th hole, it's considered a forward borrow.
• Backward Borrow: This occurs when a player's ball lands on a hole behind the one they were playing. For instance, if a player is playing the 10th hole and their ball lands on the 9th hole, it's considered a backward borrow.

Rules and Etiquette

While borrowing a hole is not explicitly mentioned in the official rules of golf, it is generally considered a breach of etiquette. The primary reason for this is that it can disrupt the flow of play for other golfers on the course.

• Forward Borrows: In the case of a forward borrow, the player who borrowed the hole should generally wait for the group playing that hole to finish before proceeding.
• Backward Borrows: For backward borrows, the player should generally wait for the group behind them to pass before playing their shot.

Consequences of Borrowing

While there are no specific penalties for borrowing a hole, it can lead to:

• Slow Play: Waiting for other groups to finish can slow down the pace of play.
• Frustration for Other Players: Other players may be inconvenienced by having to wait for a borrowed hole to be cleared.
• Damage to the Course: Repeatedly borrowing a hole can lead to wear and tear on the green.

Conclusion

Borrowing a hole in golf is generally discouraged due to its impact on etiquette and the flow of play. It's important to be aware of the potential consequences and to strive for accurate shots that avoid borrowing holes altogether.