The two main hazards on a golf course are water and sand.

As a general rule, you may not 'ground your club' in a hazard.

This means you may not allow your clubhead to touch the ground before striking the ball.

If you do you will incur a two-stroke penalty.

You must also not

• Test the condition of the sand or water or mud in the hazard
• Remove any ‘loose impediments’ from the hazard such as stones, twigs or leaves or touch them when addressing the ball or on his back swing