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Marcela Smith

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 

Your Options for an Unplayable Ball in a Bunker

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.

Your Options From a Yellow Penalty Area

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.

Surprising Actions You Can Take in the Teeing Area

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.

How to Take Free Relief From Immovable Obstructions

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.

Hitting a Provisional Ball

Find out all about the rules and etiquette for hitting a provisional ball in this video from Marcela Smith of Girlfriend’s Guide to Golf.