Marcela Smith, founder of Girlfriends Guide To Golf, teaches golfers how to confidently navigate the rules and etiquette of the game. What started as a personal journey at age 40 has turned into a mission to make the game more approachable and enjoyable for women at all skill levels.
Through her Girlfriends Golf Academy, Marcela offers an interactive online learning experience where women can conquer the rules of golf, lower their scores, and play with confidence—all while connecting with a supportive community.
Her unique approach simplifies the rules into easy-to-follow lessons that focus on real-world scenarios, empowering you to avoid penalties, prevent disputes, and enjoy every round. Marcela is living proof that you don’t need to be a golf pro or low handicapper to conquer the rules - and win a few fun tournaments!
Join the Girlfriends Golf Academy today! www.GirlfriendsGolfAcademy.com
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Playing the wrong ball isn’t just a two-stroke penalty. If you tee off on the next hole without correcting it, you’re disqualified. Watch USGA Certified Rules Expert Marcella Smith explain what counts as a wrong ball and the exact process required to fix the error and finish the hole properly.
If your ball has gone into thick trees or heavy bushes, you might not want to find it. USGA Certified Rules Expert Marcela Smith clears up a common misconception about whether the Rules of Golf require you to look for a ball, and what hitting a new one means for the rest of the hole.
Don’t let a simple mistake ruin your round – Marcela Smith from Girlfriends Golf Academy shows how to handle teeing off in front of the markers.
Marcela Smith from Girlfriends Guide to Golf explains when a golf ball is defined as lost with a stroke and distance penalty.
Marcela Smith explains the rules when you have a swing and a miss in the tee box/teeing area or if you accidently knock the ball off the tee.
Marcela Smith from the Girlfriends Guide to Golf explains what you can you do if you feel your ball is unplayable in a bunker. Rule 19.3 gives you four options for relief for an unplayable lie/unplayable ball.
Marcela Smith explains your options if your ball is lying in a Yellow Penalty Area. You can always play it as it lies, and you are permitted to take a practice swing and ground your club in the Penalty Area. And you have two options under Rule 17.1, which include Stroke-And-Distance and Back-On-The-Line relief. Each of those will cost you a one stroke penalty.
Marcela Smith, founder of Girlfriends Guide To Golf, shares how to use the lateral relief option, often your best choice in red penalty areas previously referred to as water hazards.
It’s happened to all of us… you make an intentional swing at the ball from the tee box and you miss. Is it a stroke? Is there a penalty? Marcela Smith from Girlfriend’s Guide to Golf explains what happens next.
Marcela Smith from Girlfriends Guide to Golf explains that when you drop out of ground under repair and other abnormal course conditions, make sure that you are completely clear.
Most golfers know that you cannot improve the conditions affecting the golf stroke but they often think the same rules apply everywhere. Marcela Smith explains the more relaxed rules that apply to the teeing area.
If your ball comes to rest on an immovable obstruction like a sprinkler, drain, or cart path, or the condition interferes with your stance (as in this photo), you are entitled to free relief. Marcela Smith from Girlfriends Guide to Golf explains Rule 16.
