The “7 Rules of Relaxed Golf” were popularized by the Golf Channel and NBC Sports to simplify the game for recreational players. These common-sense practices are intended for casual rounds among friends rather than competitive tournament play.

• Maximum Score: Set a maximum score of double par on any hole (e.g., 6 on a par 3, 8 on a par 4) to keep the game moving.

• Penalties: All penalties are one stroke, including out of bounds, lost balls, or water hazards. Simply drop a ball near where the original was lost and play on.

• Search Time: Limit ball searches to two minutes. If the ball isn’t found within that time, proceed with the one-stroke penalty mentioned above.

• Unfortunate Lies: With your partners’ consent, you may improve your lie by moving the ball out of divots, footprints in unraked bunkers, or away from dangerous roots.

• Conceded Putts: Allow “gimmies” or conceded putts with the consent of your playing partners to speed up play on the green.

• Equipment: There are no restrictions on equipment, including the number of clubs in your bag (ignoring the official 14-club limit).

• Common Sense: When in doubt about a situation, use common sense and fairness rather than strictly deciphering the official USGA rulebook.