Rules Of Golf 1984

Consideration for Other Players
The player who has the honour should be allowed to play before his opponent or fellow-competitor tees his ball.
No one should move, talk or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke.
In the interest of all, players should play without delay
No player should play until the players in front are out of range.
Players searching for a ball should signal the players behind them to pass as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found. They should not search for five minutes before doing so. They should not continue play until the players following them have passed and are out of range.
When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.

PRIORITY ON THE COURSE

In the absence of special rules, two-ball matches should have precedence over and be entitled to pass any three- or four-ball match.
A single player has no standing and should give way to a match of any kind.
Any match playing a whole round is entitled to pass a match playing a shorter round.
If a match fails to keep its place on the course and loses more than one clear hole on the players in front, it should invite the match following to pass.

CARE OF THE COURSE

Holes in Bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, a player should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by him.

Replace Divots; Repair Ball-Marks and Damage by Spikes
Through the green, a player should ensure that any turf cut or displaced by him is replaced at once and pressed down and that any damage to the putting green made by a ball is carefully repaired. Damage to the putting green caused by golf shoe spikes should be repaired on completion of the hole.

Damage to Greens - Flagsticks, Bags, etc.
Players should ensure that, when putting down bags or the flagstick, no damage is done to the putting green and that neither they nor their caddies damage the hole by standing close to it, in handling the flagstick or in removing the ball from the hole. The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green. Players should not damage the putting green by leaning on their putters, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.

Golf Carts
Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be strictly observed.

Damage Through Practice Swings
In taking practice swings, players should avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees, by removing divots.

SECTION II - DEFINITIONS

Addressing the Ball: A player has 'addressed the ball' when he has taken his stance and has also grounded his club, except that in a hazard a player has addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.
Advice: 'Advice' is any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke.
Information on the Rules or on matters of public information, such as the position of hazards or the flagstick on the putting green, is not advice.
Ball Deemed to Move: See 'Move or Moved'
Ball Holed: See 'Holed'
Ball Lost: See 'Lost Ball'
Ball in Play: A ball is 'in play' as soon as the player has made a stroke on the teeing ground. It remains in play until holed out, except when it is out of bounds, lost or lifted, or another ball has been substituted under an applicable Rule; a ball so substituted becomes the ball in play.
Bunker: A 'bunker' is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like. Grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker is not part of the bunker.
Caddie: A 'caddie' is one who carries or handles a player's clubs during play and otherwise assists him in accordance with the Rules.
When one caddie is employed by more than one player, he is always deemed to be the caddie of the player whose ball is involved, and equipment carried by him is deemed to be that player's equipment, except when the caddie acts upon specific directions of another player, in which case he is considered to be that other player's caddie.
Casual Water: 'Casual water' is any temporary accumulation of water on the course which is visible before or after the player takes his stance and is not in a water hazard. Snow and ice are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player. Dew is not casual water.
Committee: The 'Committee' is the committee in charge of the competition or, if the matter does not arise in a competition, the committee in charge of the course.
Competitor: A 'competitor' is a player in a stroke competition. A 'fellow-competitor' is any person with whom the competitor plays. Neither is partner of the other.
In stroke play foursome and four-ball competitions, where the context so admits, the word 'competitor' or 'fellow-competitor' shall be held to include his partner.
Course: The 'course' is the whole area within which play is permitted (see Rule 33-2)
Equipment: 'Equipment' is anything used, worn or carried by or for the player except any ball he has played at the hole being played and any small object, such as a coin or a tee, when used to mark the position of a ball or the extent of an area in which a ball is to be dropped. Equipment includes a golf cart, whether or not motorised. If such a cart is shared by more than one player, its status under the Rules is the same as that of a caddie employed by more than one player. See 'Caddie'.
Fellow-Competitor: See 'Competitor' .
Flagstick: The 'flagstick' is a movable straight indicator, with or without bunting or other material attached, centred in the hole to show its position. It shall be circular in cross-section.
Forecaddie: A 'forecaddie' is one who is employed by the Committee to indicate to players the position of balls during play and is an outside agency.
Ground Under Repair: 'Ground under repair' is any portion of the course so marked by order of the Committee or so declared by its authorised representative. It includes material piled for removal and a hole made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked. Stakes and lines defining ground under repair are in such ground.
Note 1: Grass cuttings and other material left on the course which have been abandoned and are not intended to be removed are not ground under repair unless so marked.
Note 2: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting play from ground under repair.
Hazards: A 'hazard' is any bunker or water hazard.
Hole: The 'hole' shall be 4¼ inches (108mm) in diameter and at least 4 inches (100mm) deep. If a lining is used, it shall be sunk at least 1 inch (25mm) below the putting green surface unless the nature of the soil makes it impracticable to do so; its outer diameter shall not exceed 4¼ inches (108mm).
Holed: A ball is 'holed' when it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole.
Honour: The side entitled to play first from the teeing ground is said to have the 'honour'.
Lateral Water Hazard: A 'lateral water hazard' is a water hazard or that part of a water hazard so situated that it is not possible or is deemed by the Committee to be impracticable to drop a ball behind the water hazard and keep the spot at which the ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard between the player and the hole.
That part of a water hazard to be played as a lateral water hazard should be distinctively marked.
Note: Lateral water hazards should be defined by red stakes or lines.
Loose Impediments: 'Loose impediments' are natural objects such as stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like, dung, worms and insects and casts or heaps made by them, provided they are not fixed or growing, are not solidly embedded and do not adhere to the ball.
Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green, but not elsewhere.
Snow and ice are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player.
Dew is not a loose impediment.
Lost Ball: A ball is 'lost' if:
a. It is not found or identified as his by the player within five minutes after the player's side or his or their caddies have begun to search for it; or
b. The player has put another ball into play under the Rules, even though he may not have searched for the original ball; or
c. The player has played any stroke with a provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place, whereupon the provisional ball becomes the ball in play.
Time spent in playing a wrong ball is not counted in the five-minute period allowed for search.
Marker: A 'marker' is one who is appointed by the Committee to record a competitor's score in stroke play. He may be a fellow-competitor. He is not a referee.
A marker should not lift a ball or mark its position unless authorised to do so by the competitor and, unless he is a fellow-competitor, should not attend the flagstick or stand at the hole or mark its position.
Matches: See 'Sides and Matches'.
Move or Moved: A ball is deemed to have 'moved' if it leaves its position and comes to rest in any other place.
Observer: An 'observer' is one who is appointed by the Committee to assist a referee to decide questions of fact and to report to him any breach of a Rule. An observer should not attend the flagstick, stand at or mark the position of the hole, or lift the ball or mark its position.
Obstructions: An 'obstruction' is anything artificial, including the artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths, except:
a. Objects defining out of bounds, such as walls, fences, stakes and railings;
b. Any part of an immovable artificial object which is out of bounds; and
c. Any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course.
Out of Bounds: 'Out of bounds' is ground on which play is prohibited.
When out of bounds is defined by reference to stakes or a fence or as being beyond stakes or a fence, the out of bounds line is determined by the nearest inside points of the stakes or fence posts at ground level excluding angled supports.
When out of bounds is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds.
The out of bounds line is deemed to extend vertically upwards and downwards.
A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds.
A player may stand out of bounds to play a ball lying within bounds.
Outside Agency: An 'outside agency' is any agency not part of the match or, in stroke play, not part of a competitor's side, and includes a referee, a marker, an observer or a forecaddie. Neither wind nor water is an outside agency.
Partner: A 'partner' is a player associated with another player on the same side.
In a threesome, foursome or a four-ball match where the context so admits, the word 'player' includes his partner.
Penalty Stroke: A 'penalty stroke' is one added to the score of a player or side under certain Rules. In a threesome or foursome, penalty strokes do not affect the order of play.
Provisional Ball: A 'provisional ball' is a ball played under Rule 27-2 for a ball which may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds.
It ceases to be a provisional ball when the Rule provides either that the player continue play with it as the ball in play or that it be abandoned.
Putting Green: The 'putting green' is all ground of the hole being played which is specially prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such by the Committee. A ball is on the putting green when any part of it touches the putting green.
Referee: A 'referee' is one who is appointed by the Committee to accompany players to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules of Golf. He shall act on any breach of a Rule which he observes or is reported to him.
A referee should not attend the flagstick, stand at or mark the position of the hole, or lift the ball or mark its position.
Rub of the Green: A 'rub of the green' occurs when a ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by any outside agency (see Rule 19-1)
Rule: The term 'Rule' includes Local Rules made by the Committee under Rule 33-8a
Sides and Matches: Side: A player, or two or more players who are partners.
Single: A match in which one plays against another.
Threesome: A match in which one plays against two, and each side plays one ball.
Foursome: A match in which two play against two, and each side plays one ball.
Three-ball: A match play competition in which three play against one another, each playing his own ball.
Best-ball: A match in which one plays against the better ball of two or the best ball of three players.
Four-ball: A match in which two play their better ball against the better ball of two other players.
Stance: Taking the 'stance' consists in a player placing his feet in position for and preparatory to making a stroke.
Stipulated Round: The 'stipulated round' consists of playing the holes of the course in their correct sequence unless otherwise authorised by the Committee. The number of holes in a stipulated round is 18 unless a smaller number is authorised by the Committee. As to extension of stipulated round in match play, see Rule 2-4.
Stroke: A 'stroke' is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of fairly striking at and moving the ball.
Teeing Ground: The 'teeing ground' is the starting place for the hole to be played. It is a rectangular area two club-lengths in depth, the front and the sides of which are defined by the outside limits of two tee-markers. A ball is outside the teeing ground when all of it lies outside the teeing ground.
Through the Green: 'Through the green' is the whole area of the course except:
a. The teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played; and
b. All hazards on the course.
Water Hazard: A 'water hazard' is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature.
All ground or water within the margin of a water hazard is part of the water hazard. The margin of a water hazard is deemed to extend vertically upwards. Stakes and lines defining the margins of water hazards are in the hazards.
Note: Water hazards (other than lateral water hazards) should be defined by yellow stakes or lines.
Wrong Ball: A 'wrong ball' is any ball other than:
a. The ball in play,
b. A provisional ball, or
c. In stroke play, a second ball played under Rule 3-3 or Rule 20-7b.

SECTION III - THE RULES OF PLAY

Rule 1. The Game

1-1. General

The Game of Golf consists in playing a ball from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 1-1:
Match Play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Disqualification.

1-2. Exerting Influence on Ball

No player or caddie shall take any action to influence the position or the movement of a ball except in accordance with the Rules.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 1-2:
Match Play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.
Note: In the case of a serious breach of Rule 1-2, the Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification.

1-3. Agreement to Waive Rules

Players shall not agree to exclude the operation of any Rule or to waive any penalty incurred.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 1-3:
Match Play - Disqualification of both sides;
Stroke play - Disqualification of competitors concerned.

1-4. Points Not Covered by Rules

If any point in dispute is not covered by the Rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with equity.

Rule 2. Match Play

2-1. Winner of Hole

In match play the game is played by holes.
Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, a hole is won by the side which holes its ball in the fewer strokes. In a handicap match the lower net score wins the hole.

2-2. Halved Hole

A hole is halved if each side holes out in the same number of strokes.
When a player has holed out and his opponent has been left with a stroke for the half, if the player thereafter incurs a penalty, the hole is halved.

2-3. Reckoning of Holes

The reckoning of holes is kept by the terms: so many "holes up" or "all square", and so many "to play".
A side is "dormie" when it is as many holes up as there are holes remaining to be played.

2-4. Winner of Match

A match (which consists of a stipulated round, unless otherwise decreed by the Committee) is won by the side which is leading by a number of holes greater than the number of holes remaining to be played.
A side may concede a match at any time prior to the conclusion of the match.
The Committee may, for the purpose of settling a tie, extend the stipulated round to as many holes as are required for a match to be won.

2-5. Claims

In match play, if a doubt or dispute arises between the players and no duly authorised representative of the Committee is available within a reasonable time, the players shall continue the match without delay. Any claim, if it is to be considered by the Committee, must be made before any player in the match plays from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players in the match leave the putting green.
No later claim shall be considered unless it is based on facts previously unknown to the player making the claim and the player making the claim had been given wrong information (Rules 6-2a and 9) by an opponent. In any case, no later claim shall be considered after the result of the match has been officially announced, unless the Committee is satisfied that the opponent knew he was giving wrong information.

2-6. General Penalty

The penalty for a breach of a Rule in match play is loss of hole except when otherwise provided.

Rule 3. Stroke Play

3-1. Winner

The competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner.

3-2. Failure to Hole Out

If a competitor fails to hole out at any hole before he has played a stroke from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before he leaves the putting green, he shall be disqualified.

3-3. Doubt as to Procedure

In stroke play only, when during play of a hole a competitor is doubtful of his rights or procedure, he may, without penalty, play a second ball. After the doubtful situation has arisen and before taking further action, he should announce to his marker his decision to proceed under this Rule and which ball he will score with if the Rules permit.
On completing the round, the competitor shall report the facts immediately to the Committee; if he fails to do so, he shall be disqualified.
If the Rules allow the procedure selected in advance by the competitor, the score with the ball selected shall be his score for the hole. If the competitor fails to announce in advance his procedure or selection, the ball with the higher score shall count if the Rules allow the procedure adopted for such a ball.

Note: A second ball played under Rule 3-3 is not a provisional ball under Rule 27-2.

3-4. Refusal to Comply with a Rule

If a competitor refuses to comply with a Rule affecting the rights of another competitor, he shall be disqualified.

3-5. General Penalty

The penalty for a breach of a Rule in stroke play is two strokes except when otherwise provided.

CLUBS AND THE BALL

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the United States Golf Association reserve the right to change the Rules and make and change the interpretations relating to clubs, balls and other implements at any time.

Rule 4. Clubs

If a manufacturer is in doubt as to whether a club he proposes to manufacture conforms with Rule 4 and Appendix II, he should submit a sample to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews for a ruling, such sample to become its property for reference purposes.
A player in doubt as to the conformity of a club should consult the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

4-1. Form and Make of Clubs

A club is an implement designed to be used for striking the ball.
A putter is a club designed primarily for use on the putting green.
The player’s clubs shall conform with the provisions of this Rule and with the specifications and interpretations set forth in Appendix II.

a. General
The club shall be composed of a shaft and a head. All parts of the club shall be fixed so that the club is one unit. The club shall not be designed to be adjustable except for weight. The club shall not be substantially different from the traditional and customary form and make.

b. Shaft
The shaft shall be generally straight, with the same bending and twisting properties in any direction, and shall be attached to the clubhead at the heel either directly or through a single plain neck or socket. A putter shaft may be attached to any point in the head.

c. Grip
The grip consists of that part of the shaft designed to be held by the player and any material added to it for the purpose of obtaining a firm hold. The grip shall be substantially straight and plain in form and shall not be moulded for any part of the hands.

d. Clubhead
The distance of the clubhead, from the heel to toe, shall be greater than the breadth from face to the back. The clubhead shall be generally plain in shape.
The clubhead shall have only one face designed for striking the ball, except that a putter may have two such faces if the loft of each is substantially the same and does not exceed ten degrees.

e. Club Face
The face shall not have any degree of concavity and, in relation to the ball, shall be hard and rigid. It shall be generally smooth except for such markings as are permitted by Appendix II. If the basic structural material of the head and face of a club, other than a putter, is metal, no inset or attachment is permitted.

f. Wear
A club which conforms with Rule 4-1 when new is deemed to conform after wear through normal use. Any part of a club which has been purposely altered is regarded as new and must conform, in the altered state, to the Rules.

g. Damage
A club which ceases to conform with Rule 4-1 because of damage sustained in the normal course of play may be used in its damaged state, but only for the remainder of the stipulated round during which such damage was sustained. A club which ceases to conform because of damage sustained other than in the normal course of play shall not be used unless it is repaired so as to conform to Rule 4-1.

4-2. Playing Characteristics Not to be Changed

During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club shall not be purposely changed, except that damage occurring during such round may be repaired, provided play is not unduly delayed. Damage which occurred prior to the round may be repaired, provided the playing characteristics are not changed.

4-3. Foreign Material

No foreign material shall be applied to the club face for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-1, -2 or -3:
Disqualification.

4-4. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs

a. Selection and Replacement of Clubs
The player shall start a stipulated round with not more than fourteen clubs. He is limited to the clubs thus selected for that round except that, without unduly delaying play, he may:

(i) if he started with fewer than fourteen, add as many as will bring his total to that number; and
(ii) replace, with any club, a club which becomes unfit for play in the normal course of play.

The addition or replacement of a club or clubs may not be made by borrowing from any other person playing on the course.

b. Partners May Share Clubs
Partners may share clubs, provided that the total number of clubs carried by the partners so sharing does not exceed fourteen.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4a or b, REGARDLESS OF NUMBER OF EXCESS CLUBS CARRIED:
Match Play - At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match shall be adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred. Maximum deduction per round: two holes.
Stroke play - Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round: four strokes.
Bogey and par competitions - Penalties as in match play.
Stableford competitions - see Note to Rule 32-1b.

c. Excess Club Declared Out of Play
Any club carried or used in breach of this Rule shall be declared out of play by the player immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred and thereafter shall not be used by the player during the round under penalty of disqualification.

Rule 5. The Ball

5-1. General

The ball the player uses shall conform to specifications set forth in Appendix III on maximum weight, minimum size, spherical symmetry and initial velocity when tested under specified conditions.

Note 1: The Rules of the United States Golf Association specify a larger minimum size and also an Overall Distance Standard. In international team competitions, the size of the ball shall not be less than 1.620 inches (41.15mm) and the Overall Distance Standard shall not apply.
Note 2: In laying down the conditions under which a competition is to be played (Rule 33-1), the Committee may stipulate that the ball to be used shall be of certain specifications, provided these specifications are within the limits prescribed by Appendix III, and that it be of a size, brand and marking as detailed on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

5-2. Foreign Material Prohibited

No foreign material shall be applied to a ball for the purpose of changing its playing characteristics.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5-1 or 5-2:
Disqualification.

5-3. Ball Unfit for Play

A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut or out of shape or so cracked, pierced or otherwise damaged as to interfere with its true flight or true roll or its normal behaviour when struck. A ball is not unfit for play solely because mud or other materials adhere to it, its surface is scratched or its paint is damaged or discoloured.
If a player has reason to believe his ball has become unfit for play during the play of the hole being played, he may during the play of such hole lift his ball without penalty to determine whether it is unfit, provided he announces his intention in advance to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play and gives his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to examine the ball. If he lifts the ball without announcing his intention in advance or giving his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to examine the ball, he shall incur a penalty of one stroke.
If it is determined that the ball has become unfit for play during play of the hole being played, the player may substitute another ball, placing it on the spot where the original ball lay. Otherwise, the original ball shall be replaced.
If a ball breaks into pieces as a result of a stroke, the stroke shall be replayed without penalty (see Rule 20-5).

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5-3:
Match play - loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

*If a player incurs the general penalty for breach of Rule 5-3, no additional penalty under the Rule shall be applied.

Note 1: The ball may not be cleaned to determine whether it is unfit for play - see Rule 21
Note 2: If the opponent, marker or fellow-competitor wishes to dispute a claim of unfitness, he must do so before the player plays another ball.

PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Rule 6. The Player

Definition

A "marker" is one who is appointed by the Committee to record a competitor’s score in stroke play. He may be a fellow-competitor. He is not a referee.
A marker should not lift a ball or mark its position unless authorised to do so by the competitor and, unless he is a fellow-competitor, should not attend the flagstick or stand at the hole or mark its position.

6-1. Conditions of Competition

The player is responsible for knowing the conditions under which the competition is to be played (Rule 33-1).

6-2. Handicap

a. Match Play
Before starting a match in a handicap competition, the player shall declare to his opponent the handicap to which he is entitled under the conditions of the competition. If a player declares and begins the match with a higher handicap which would affect the number of strokes given or received, he shall be disqualified; otherwise, the player shall play off the declared handicap.

b. Stroke Play
In any round of a handicap competition, the competitor shall ensure that the handicap to which he is entitled under the conditions of the competition is recorded on his score card before it is returned to the Committee. If no handicap is recorded on his score card before it is returned, or if the recorded handicap is higher than that to which he is entitled and this affects the number of strokes received, he shall be disqualified from that round of the handicap competition; otherwise, the score shall stand.

Note: It is the player’s responsibility to know the holes at which handicap strokes are to be given or received.

6-3. Time of Starting and Groups

a. Time of Starting
The player shall start at the time laid down by the Committee.

b. Groups
In stroke play, the competitor shall remain throughout the round in the group arranged by the Committee unless the Committee authorises or ratifies a change.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-3:
Disqualification.
(Best-ball and four-ball play - see Rule 30-3a and Rule 31-2)

Note: The Committee may provide in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1) that, in the absence of circumstances which warrant waiving the penalty of disqualification as provided in Rule 33-7, if the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes of his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole to be played in match play or two strokes in stroke play instead of disqualification.

6-4. Caddie

The player may have only one caddie at any one time, under penalty of disqualification.
For any breach of a Rule by his caddie, the player incurs the applicable penalty.

6-5. Ball

The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player should put an identification mark on his ball.

6-6. Scoring in Stroke Play

a. Recording Scores
After each hole the marker should check the score with the competitor. On completion of the round the marker shall sign the card and hand it to the competitor; if more than one marker record the scores, each shall sign for the part for which he is responsible.

b. Checking Scores
The competitor shall check his score for each hole, settle any doubtful points with the Committee, ensure that the marker has signed the card, countersign the card himself and return it to the Committee as soon as possible. The competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-6b:
Disqualification.

c. No Alteration of Scores
No alteration may be made on a card after the competitor has returned it to the Committee.
If the competitor returns a score for any hole lower than actually taken, he shall be disqualified. If he returns a score for any hole higher than actually taken, the score as returned shall stand.

Note: In four-ball stroke play, see also Rules 31-4 and -7a.

6-7. Undue Delay

The player shall play without undue delay. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player shall not unduly delay play.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-7:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.
For repeated offence - Disqualification.

If the player unduly delays play between holes, he is delaying the play of the next hole and the penalty applies to that hole.

6-8. Discontinuance of Play

a. When Permitted
The player shall not discontinue play unless:
(i) the Committee has suspended play;
(ii) he believes there is danger from lightning;
(iii) he is seeking a decision from the Committee on a doubtful or disputed point (see Rule 2-5 and Rule 34-3); or
(iv) there is some other good reason such as sudden illness.

Bad weather is not of itself a good reason for discontinuing play.
If the player discontinues play without specific permission from the Committee, he shall report to the Committee as soon as practicable. If he does so and the Committee considers his reason satisfactory, the player incurs no penalty. Otherwise, the player shall be disqualified.

Exception in match play: Players discontinuing match play by agreement are not subject to disqualification unless by so doing the competition is delayed.
Note: Leaving the course does not of itself constitute discontinuance of play.

b. Procedure
When play is discontinued in accordance with the Rules, it should, if feasible, be discontinued after the completion of the play of a hole. If this is not feasible, the player should lift his ball. The ball may be cleaned when so lifted. If a ball has been so lifted, the player shall, when play is resumed, place a ball on the spot from which the original ball was lifted.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8b:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Rule 7. Practice

7-1. Before or Between Rounds

a. Match Play
On any day of a match play competition, a player may practise on the competition course before a round.

b. Stroke Play
On any day of a stroke competition or play-off, a competitor shall not practise on the competition course or test the surface of any putting green on the course before a round or play-off. When two or more rounds of a stroke competition are to be played over consecutive days, practice between those rounds on any competition course remaining to be played is prohibited.

Exception: Practice putting or chipping on or near the first teeing ground before starting a round or play-off is permitted.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-1b:
Disqualification.

Note: The Committee may in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1) prohibit practice on the competition course on any day of a match play competition or permit practice on the competition course or part of the course (Rule 33-2c) on any day of or between rounds of a stroke competition.

7-2. During Round

A player shall not play a practice stroke either during the play of a hole or between the play of two holes except that, between the play of two holes, the player may practise putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the hole last played, any practice putting green or the teeing ground of the next hole to be played in the round, provided such practice stroke is not played from a hazard and does not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7).

Exception: When play has been suspended by the Committee, a player may, prior to resumption of play, practise (a) as provided in this Rule, (b) anywhere other than on the competition course and (c) as otherwise permitted by the Committee.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-2:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

In the event of a breach between the play of two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

Note 1: A practice swing is not a practice stroke and may be taken at any place, provided the player does not breach the Rules.
Note 2: The Committee may prohibit practice on or near the putting green of the hole last played.

Rule 8. Advice; Indicating Line of Play

Definitions

"Advice" is any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke.
Information on the Rules or on matters of public information, such as the position of hazards or the flagstick on the putting green, is not advice.

8-1. Advice

Except as provided in Rule 8-2, a player may give advice to or ask advice from, only his partner or either of their caddies.

Note: In a team competition without concurrent individual competition, the Committee may in the conditions of the competition (Rule 33-1) permit each team to appoint one person, e.g., team captain or coach, who may give advice to members of that team. Such person shall be identified to the Committee prior to the start of the competition.

8-2. Indicating Line of Play

a. Other Than on Putting Green
Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play indicated to him by anyone, but no one shall stand or close to the line while the stroke is being played.
Any mark placed during the play of a hole by the player or with his knowledge to indicate the line shall be removed before the stroke is played.

Exception: Flagstick attended or held up - see Rule 17-1

b. On the Putting Green
When the player’s ball is on the putting green, the player’s caddie, his partner or his partner’s caddie may, before a stroke is played, point out a line for putting, but in so doing the putting green shall not be touched in front of, to the side of, or behind the hole. No mark shall be placed anywhere on the putting green to indicate a line for putting.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Rule 9. Information as to Strokes Taken

9-1. General

The number of strokes a player has taken shall include any penalty strokes incurred.

9-2. Match Play

A player who has incurred a penalty shall inform his opponent as soon as practicable. If he fails to do so, he shall be deemed to have given wrong information, even though he was not aware that he had incurred a penalty.
An opponent is entitled to ascertain from the player, during the play of a hole, the number of strokes he has taken and, after play of a hole, the number of strokes taken on the hole just completed.
If during the play of a hole the player gives or is deemed to give wrong information as to the number of strokes taken, he shall incur no penalty if he corrects the mistake before his opponent has played his next stroke.
If after play of a hole the player gives or is deemed to give wrong information as to the number of strokes taken on the hole just completed, he shall incur no penalty if he corrects his mistake before any player plays from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players leave the putting green. If the player fails so to correct the wrong information, he shall lose the hole.

9-3. Stroke Play

A competitor who has incurred a penalty should inform his marker as soon as practicable.

ORDER OF PLAY
Rule 10. Order of Play

10-1. Match Play

a. Teeing Ground
The side entitled to play first from the teeing ground is said to have the "honour".
The side which shall have the honour at the first teeing ground shall be determined by the order of the draw. In the absence of a draw, the honour should be decided by lot.
The side which wins a hole shall take the honour at the next teeing ground. If a hole has been halved, the side which had the honour at the previous teeing ground shall retain it.

b. Other Than on Teeing Ground
When the balls are in play, the ball farther from the hole shall be played first. If the balls are equidistant from the hole, the ball to be played first should be decided by lot.

Exception: Rule 30-3c (best-ball and four-ball match play).

c. Playing Out of Turn
If a player plays when his opponent should have played, the opponent may immediately require the player to abandon the ball so played and, without penalty, play a ball in correct order (see Rule 20-5).

10-2. Stroke Play

a. Teeing Ground
The competitor entitled to play first from the teeing ground is said to have the "honour".
The competitor who shall have the honour at the first teeing ground shall be determined by the order of the draw. In the absence of a draw, the honour should be decided by lot.
The competitor with the lowest score at a hole shall take the honour at the next teeing ground. The competitor with the second lowest score shall play next and so on. If two or more competitors have the same score at a hole, they shall play from the next teeing ground in the same order as at the previous teeing ground.

b. Other Than on Teeing Ground
When the balls are in play, the ball farthest from the hole shall be played first. If two or more balls are equidistant from the hole, the ball to be played first should be decided by lot.

Exceptions: Rule 22 (ball interfering with or assisting play) and Rule 31-5 (four-ball stroke play).

c. Playing Out of Turn
If a competitor plays out of turn, no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be played as it lies. If, however, the Committee determines that competitors have agreed to play in an order other than that set forth in Clauses 2a and 2b of this Rule to give one of them an advantage, they shall be disqualified.

(Incorrect order of play in threesomes and foursomes stroke play - see Rule 29-3)

10-3. Provisional Ball or Second Ball from Teeing Ground

If a player plays a provisional ball or a second ball from a teeing ground, he should do so after his opponent or fellow-competitor has played his first stroke. If a player plays a provisional ball or a second ball out of turn, Clauses 1c and 2c of this Rule shall apply.

10-4. Ball Moved in Measuring

If a ball is moved in measuring to determine which ball is farther from the hole, no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be replaced.

TEEING GROUND
Rule 11. Teeing Ground

Definition
The "teeing ground" is the starting place for the hole to be played. It is a rectangular area two club-lengths in depth, the front and the sides of which are defined by the outside limits of two tee-markers. A ball is outside the teeing ground when all of it lies outside the teeing ground.

11-1. Teeing

In teeing, the ball may be placed on the ground, on an irregularity of surface created by the player on the ground or on a tee, sand or other substance in order to raise it off the ground.
A player may stand outside the teeing ground to play a ball within it.
When the first stroke with any ball (including a provisional ball) is played from the teeing ground, the tee-markers are immovable obstructions (see Rule 24-2).

11-2. Ball Falling Off Tee

If a ball, when not in play, falls off a tee or is knocked off a tee by the player in addressing it, it may be re-teed without penalty, but if a stroke is made at the ball in these circumstances, whether the ball is moving or not, the stroke shall be counted but no penalty shall be incurred.

11-3. Playing from Outside Teeing Ground

a. Match Play
If a player, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside the teeing ground, the opponent may immediately require the player to replay the stroke from within the teeing ground, without penalty.

b. Stroke Play
If a competitor, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside the teeing ground, he shall be penalised two strokes and shall then play a ball from within the teeing ground.
Strokes played by a competitor from outside the teeing ground do not count in his score. If the competitor fails to rectify his mistake before making a stroke on the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before leaving the putting green, he shall be disqualified.

PLAYING THE BALL
Rule 12. Searching for and Identifying Ball

Definitions
A "hazard" is any bunker or water hazard.

A "bunker" is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like. Grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker is not part of the bunker.

A "water hazard" is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature.
All ground or water within the margin of a water hazard is part of the water hazard. The margin of a water hazard is deemed to extend vertically upwards. Stakes and lines defining the margins of water hazards are in the hazards.

12-1. Searching for Ball; Seeing Ball

If a ball lies in long grass, rushes, bushes, whins, heather or the like, only so much thereof may be touched as will enable the player to find and identify his ball, except that nothing shall be done which improves its lie, the area of his intended swing or his line of play.
A player is not necessarily entitled to see his ball when playing a stroke.
In a hazard, if a ball is covered by loose impediments or sand, the player may remove only as much thereof as will enable him to see part of a ball. If the ball is moved in such removal, no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be replaced. As to removal of loose impediments outside a hazard, see Rule 23.
If a ball lying in casual water, ground under repair or a hole, cast or runway made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird is accidentally moved during search, no penalty is incurred; the ball shall be replaced, unless the player elects to proceed under Rule 25-1b.
If a ball is believed to be lying in water in a water hazard, the player may probe for it with a club or otherwise. If the ball is moved in so doing, no penalty is incurred; the ball shall be replaced, unless the player elects to proceed under Rule 26-1.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 12-1:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

12-2. Identifying Ball

The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player should put an identification mark on his ball.

Except in a hazard, the player may, without penalty, lift a ball he believes to be his own for the purpose of identification and clean it to the extent necessary for identification. If the ball is the player’s ball, he shall replace it on the spot from which it was lifted. Before the player lifts the ball, he shall announce his intention to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play and give his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to observe the lifting and replacement. If he lifts his ball without announcing his intention in advance or giving his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to observe, or if he lifts his ball for identification in a hazard, he shall incur a penalty of one stroke and the ball shall be replaced.
If a player who is required to replace a ball fails to do so, he shall incur the penalty for a breach of Rule 20-3a, but no additional penalty under Rule 12-2 shall be applied.

Rule 13. Ball Played As It Lies; Lie, Area of Intended Swing and Line of Play; Stance

Definitions
A "hazard" is any bunker or water hazard.

13-1. Ball Played as It Lies

The ball shall be played as it lies, except as otherwise provided in the Rules. (Ball at rest moved - see Rule 18)

13-2. Improving Lie, Area of Intended Swing or Line of Play

Except as provided in the Rules, a player shall not improve or allow to be improved:

the position or lie of his ball,
the area of his intended swing, or
his line of play

by any of the following actions:

moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed (including objects defining out of bounds) or
removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots, other cut turf placed in position or other irregularities of surface

except as follows:

as may occur in fairly taking his stance,
in making a stroke or the backward movement of his club for a stroke,
on the teeing ground in creating or eliminating irregularities of surface, or
on the putting green in removing sand and loose soil as provided in Rule 16-1a or in repairing damage as provided in Rule 16-1c.

The club may be grounded only lightly and shall not be pressed on the ground.

Exception: Ball in or touching hazard - see Rule 13-4.

13-3. Building Stance

A player is entitled to place his feet firmly in taking his stance, but he shall not build a stance.

13-4. Ball Lying in or Touching Hazard

Except as provided in the Rules, before making a stroke at a ball which lies in or touches a hazard (whether a bunker or a water hazard), the player shall not:
a. Test the condition of the hazard or any similar hazard,
b. Touch the ground in the hazard or water in the water hazard with a club or otherwise, or
c. Touch or move a loose impediment lying in or touching the hazard.

Exceptions:
1. At address or in the backward movement for the stroke, the club may touch any obstruction, or any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing.
2. The player may place his clubs in a hazard, provided nothing is done which may constitute testing the soil or improving the lie of the ball.
3. The player after playing the stroke, or his caddie at any time without the authority of the player, may smooth sand or soil in the hazard, provided that, if the ball still lies in the hazard, nothing is done which improves the lie of the ball or assists the player in his subsequent play of the hole.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

(Searching for ball - see Rule 12-1)

Rule 14. Striking the Ball

Definition
A "stroke" is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of fairly striking at and moving the ball.

14-1. Ball to be Fairly Struck at

The ball shall be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or spooned.

14-2. Assistance

In making a stroke, a player shall not accept physical assistance or protection from the elements.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-1 or -2:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

14-3. Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment

Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the player shall not use any artificial device or unusual equipment:

a. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play; or
b. Which might assist him in gripping the club, in making a stroke or in his play, except that plain gloves may be worn, resin, tape or gauze may be applied to the grip (provided such application does not render the grip non-conforming under Rule 4-1c) and a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-3:
Disqualification.

14-4. Striking the Ball More than Once

If a player’s club strikes the ball more than once in the course of a stroke, the player shall count the stroke and add a penalty stroke, making two strokes in all.

14-5. Playing Moving Ball

A player shall not play while his ball is moving.

Exceptions:
Ball falling off tee - Rule 11-2
Striking the ball more than once - Rule 14-4
Ball moving in water - Rule 14-6

When the ball begins to move only after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of his club for the stroke, he shall incur no penalty under this Rule for playing a moving ball, but he is not exempt from any penalty incurred under the following Rules:
Ball at rest moved by player - Rule 18-2a
Ball at rest moving after address - Rule 18-2b
Ball at rest moving after loose impediment touched - Rule 18-2c

14-6. Ball Moving in Water
When a ball is moving in water in a water hazard, the player may, without penalty, make a stroke, but he must not delay making his stroke in order to allow the wind or current to improve the position of the ball. A ball moving in water in a water hazard may be lifted if the player elects to invoke Rule 26.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-5 or -6:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Rule 15. Playing a Wrong Ball

Definition
A "wrong ball" is any ball other than:
a. The ball in play,
b. A provisional ball, or
c. In stroke play, a second ball played under Rule 3-3 or Rule 20-7b.

15-1. General

A player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground unless a Rule permits him to substitute another ball.

15-2. Match Play

If a player plays a stroke with a wrong ball except in a hazard, he shall lose the hole.
If a player plays any strokes in a hazard with a wrong ball, there is no penalty. Strokes played in a hazard with a wrong ball do not count in the player’s score.
If the player and opponent exchange balls during the play of a hole, the first to play the wrong ball other than from a hazard shall lose the hole; when this cannot be determined, the hole shall be played out with the balls exchanged.

15-3. Stroke Play

If a competitor plays a stroke with a wrong ball except in a hazard, he shall add two penalty strokes to his score and shall then play the correct ball.
If a competitor plays any strokes in a hazard with a wrong ball, there is no penalty.
Strokes played with a wrong ball do not count in a competitor’s score.
If a competitor holes out with a wrong ball, but has not made a stroke on the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, has not left the putting green, he may rectify his mistake by playing the correct ball, subject to the prescribed penalty. The competitor shall be disqualified if he does not so rectify his mistake.

For procedure to be followed by owner of wrong ball, see Rule 18-1.

To Top

THE PUTTING GREEN

Rule 16. The Putting Green

Definitions
The "putting green" is all ground of the hole being played which is specially prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such by the Committee. A ball is on the putting green when any part of it touches the putting green.

A ball is "holed" when it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole.

16-1. General

a. Touching Line of Putt
The line of putt must not be touched except:
(i) the player may move sand, loose soil and other loose impediments by picking them up or by brushing them aside with his hand or a club without pressing anything down;
(ii) in addressing the ball, the player may place the club in front of the ball without pressing anything down;
(iii) in measuring - Rule 10-4;
(iv) in lifting the ball - Rule 16-1b;
(v) in repairing old hole plugs or ball marks - Rule 16-1c; and
(vi) in removing movable obstructions - Rule 24-1

(Indicating line for putting on putting green - See Rule 8-2b)

b. Lifting Ball
A ball on the putting green may be lifted and, if desired, cleaned. A ball so lifted shall be replaced on the spot from which it was lifted.

c. Repair of Hole Plugs and Ball Marks
The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player’s ball lies on the putting green. If the ball is moved in the process of such repair, it shall be replaced, without penalty.

d. Testing Surface
During the play of a hole, a player shall not test the surface of the putting green by rolling a ball or roughening or scraping the surface.

e. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt
The player shall not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot touching, the line of putt or an extension of that line behind the ball. For the purpose of this Clause only, the line of putt does not extend beyond the hole.

f. Position of Caddie or Partner
While making a stroke, the player shall not allow his caddie, his partner or his partner’s caddie to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of putt behind the ball.

g. Other Ball to Be at Rest
A player shall not play a stroke or touch his ball in play while another ball is in motion after a stroke on the putting green.

h. Ball Overhanging Hole
When any part of the ball overhangs the edge of the hole, the player is allowed enough time to reach the hole without unreasonable delay and an additional ten seconds to determine whether the ball is at rest. If by then the ball has not fallen into the hole, it is deemed to be at rest.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 16-1:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

16-2. Conceding Opponent’s Next Stroke

When the opponent’s ball is at rest or is deemed to be at rest, the player may concede the opponent to have holed out with his next stroke and the ball may be removed by either side with a club or otherwise.

Rule 17. The Flagstick

17-1. Flagstick Attended, Removed or Held Up

Before and during the stroke, the player may have the flagstick attended, removed or held up to indicate the position of the hole. This may be done only on the authority of the player before he plays his stroke.
If the flagstick is attended or removed by an opponent, a fellow-competitor or the caddie of either with the player’s knowledge and no objection is made, the player shall be deemed to have authorised it. If player or a caddie attends or removes the flagstick or stands near the hole while a stroke is being played, he shall be deemed to attend the flagstick until the ball comes to rest.
If the flagstick is not attended before the stroke is played, it shall not be attended or removed while the ball is in motion.

17-2. Unauthorised Attendance

a. Match Play
In match play, an opponent or his caddie shall not attend or remove the flagstick without the player’s knowledge or authority.

b. Stroke Play
In stroke play, if a fellow-competitor or his caddie attends or removes the flagstick without the competitor’s knowledge or authority while the competitor is making a stroke or his ball is in motion, the fellow-competitor shall incur the penalty for breach of this Rule. In such circumstances, if the competitor’s ball strikes the flagstick or the person attending it, the competitor incurs no penalty and the ball shall be played as it lies, except that, if the stroke was played from the putting green, the stroke shall be replayed.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 17-1 or -2:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

17-3. Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant

The player’s ball shall not strike:
a. The flagstick when attended or removed by the player, his partner or either of their caddies, or by another person with the player’s knowledge or authority; or
b. The player’s caddie, his partner or his partner’s caddie when attending the flagstick, or another person attending the flagstick with the player’s knowledge or authority, or equipment carried by any such person; or
c. The flagstick in the hole, unattended, when the ball has been played from the putting green.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 17-3:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes, and the ball shall be played as it lies.

17-4. Ball Resting Against Flagstick

If the ball rests against the flagstick when it is in the hole, the player or someone authorised by him may move or remove the flagstick and if the ball falls into the hole, the player shall be deemed to have holed out with his last stroke; otherwise the ball, if moved, shall be placed on the lip of the hole, without penalty.

BALL MOVED, DEFLECTED OR STOPPED

Rule 18. Ball at Rest Moved

Definitions
A ball is deemed to have "moved" if it leaves its position and comes to rest in any other place.

An "outside agency" is any agency not part of the match or, in stroke play, not part of a competitor’s side, and includes a referee, a marker, an observer or a forecaddie. Neither wind nor water is an outside agency.

"Equipment" is anything used, worn or carried by or for the player except any ball he has played and any small object, such as a coin or a tee, when used to mark the position of a ball or the extent of an area in which a ball is to be dropped. Equipment includes a golf cart, whether or not motorised. If such a cart is shared by more than one player, its status under the Rules is the same as that of a caddie employed by more than one player. See "Caddie"

A player has "addressed the ball" when he has taken his stance and has also grounded his club, except that in a hazard a player has addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.
Taking the "stance" consists in a player placing his feet in position for and preparatory to making a stroke.

18-1. By Outside Agency

If a ball at rest is moved by an outside agency, the player shall incur no penalty and the ball shall be replaced before the player plays another stroke. If the ball moved is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

(Player’s ball at rest moved by another ball - see Rule 18-5)

18-2. By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment

a. General
When a player’s ball is in play, if:

(i) the player, his partner or either of their caddies lifts or moves it, touches it purposely (except with a club in the act of addressing it) or causes it to move except as permitted by a Rule, or
(ii) equipment of the player or his partner causes the ball to move,

the player shall incur a penalty stroke. The ball shall be replaced unless the movement of the ball occurs after the player has begun his swing and he does not discontinue his swing.

Under the Rules no penalty is incurred if a player accidentally causes his ball to move in the following circumstances:

In measuring to determine which ball farther from hole - Rule 10-4
In searching for covered ball in hazard or for ball in casual water, ground under repair, etc. - Rule 12-1
In the process of repairing hole plug or ball mark - Rule 16-1c
In the process of removing loose impediment on putting green - Rule 18-2c
In the process of lifting ball under a Rule - Rule 20-1
In the process of placing or replacing ball under a Rule - Rule 20-3a
In complying with Rule 22 relating to lifting ball interfering with or assisting play
In removal of movable obstruction - Rule 24-1

b. Ball Moving After Address
If a ball in play moves after the player has addressed it other than as a result of a stroke, he shall be deemed to have moved the ball and shall incur a penalty stroke and the ball shall be played as it lies.

c. Ball Moving After Loose Impediment Touched
Through the green, if the ball moves after any loose impediment lying within a club-length of it has been touched by the player, his partner or either of their caddies and before the player has addressed it, the player shall be deemed to have moved the ball and shall incur a penalty stroke. The player shall replace the ball unless the movement of the ball occurs after he has begun his swing and he does not discontinue his swing.
On the putting green, if the ball moves in the process of removing any loose impediment, it shall be replaced without penalty.

18-3. By Opponent, Caddie or Equipment in Match Play

a. During Search
If, during search for a player’s ball, it is moved by an opponent, his caddie or his equipment, no penalty is incurred and the player shall replace the ball.

b. Other Than During Search
If, other than during search for a ball, the ball is touched or moved by an opponent, his caddie or his equipment, except as otherwise provided in the Rules, the opponent shall incur a penalty stroke. The player shall replace the ball.

(Ball moved in measuring to determine which ball farther from the hole - see Rule 10-4)
(Playing a wrong ball - see Rule 15-2)
(Ball moved in complying with Rule 22 relating to lifting ball interfering with or assisting play.)

18-4. By Fellow-Competitor, Caddie or Equipment in Stroke Play

If a competitor’s ball is moved by a fellow-competitor, his caddie or his equipment, no penalty is incurred. The competitor shall replace his ball.

(Playing a wrong ball - see Rule 15-3)

18-5. By Another Ball

If a player’s ball at rest is moved by another ball, the player’s ball shall be replaced.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

*If a player who is required to replace a ball fails to do so, he shall incur the general penalty for breach of Rule 18 but no additional penalty under Rule 18 shall be applied.

Note: If it is impossible to determine the spot on which a ball is to be placed, see Rule 20-3c.

Rule 19. Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped

Definitions
An "outside agency" is any agency not part of the match or, in stroke play, not part of a competitor’s side, and includes a referee, a marker, an observer or a forecaddie. Neither wind nor water is an outside agency.

19-1. By Outside Agency

If a ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by any outside agency, it is a rub of the green, no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be played as it lies except:
a. If a ball in motion after a stroke other than on the putting green comes to rest in or on any moving or animate outside agency, the player shall, through the green or in a hazard, drop the ball, or on the putting green place the ball, as near as possible to the spot where the outside agency was when the ball came to rest in or on it, and
b. If a ball in motion after a stroke on the putting green is deflected or stopped by, or comes to rest in or on, any moving or animate outside agency, the stroke shall be cancelled and the ball shall be replaced.

If the ball is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

(Player’s ball deflected or stopped by another ball at rest - see Rule 19-5)

Note: If the referee or the Committee determines that a ball has been deliberately deflected or stopped by an outside agency, including a fellow-competitor or his caddie, further procedure should be prescribed in equity under Rule 1-4.

19-2. By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment

a. Match Play
If a player’s ball is deflected or stopped by himself, his partner or either of their caddies or equipment, he shall lose the hole.

b. Stroke Play
If a competitor’s ball is deflected or stopped by himself, his partner or either of their caddies or equipment, the competitor shall incur a penalty of two strokes. The ball shall be played as it lies, except when it comes to rest in or on the competitor’s, his partner’s or either of their caddies’ clothes or equipment, in which case the competitor shall through the green or in a hazard drop the ball, or on the putting green place the ball, as near as possible to where the article was when the ball came to rest in or on it.

Exception: Dropped Ball - see Rule 20-2a.

19-3. By Opponent, Caddie or Equipment in Match Play

a. Purposely
If a player’s ball is purposely deflected or stopped by an opponent, his caddie or his equipment, the opponent shall lose the hole.

Note: In the case of a serious breach of Rule 19-3a, the Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification.

b. Accidentally
If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by an opponent, his caddie or his equipment, no penalty is incurred. The player may play the ball as it lies or, before another stroke is played by either side, cancel the stroke and replay the stroke (see 20-5).
If the ball has come to rest in or on the opponent’s or his caddie’s clothes or equipment, the player may through the green or in a hazard drop the ball, or on the putting green place the ball, as near as possible to where the article was when the ball came to rest in or on it.

Exception: Ball striking person attending flagstick - see Rule 17-3b.

19-4. By Fellow-Competitor, Caddie or Equipment in Stroke Play

See Rule 19-1 regarding ball deflected by outside agency.

19-5. By a Ball at Rest

If a player’s ball in motion is deflected or stopped by a ball at rest, the player shall play his ball as it lies. In stroke play, if both balls lay on the putting green prior to the stroke, the player incurs a penalty of two strokes. Otherwise, no penalty is incurred.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

RELIEF SITUATIONS AND PROCEDURE

Rule 20. Lifting, Dropping and Placing; Playing from Wrong Place

20-1. Lifting

A ball to be lifted under the Rules may be lifted by the player, his partner or another person authorised by the player. In any such case, the player shall be responsible for any breach of the Rules.
The position of the ball shall be marked before it is lifted under a Rule which requires it to be replaced. If it is not marked, the player shall incur a penalty of one stroke and the ball shall be replaced. If it is not replaced, the player shall incur the general penalty for breach of this Rule but no additional penalty under Rule 20-1 shall be applied.
If a ball is accidentally moved in the process of lifting it under a Rule, no penalty shall be incurred and the ball shall be replaced.

Note: The position of a ball to be lifted should be marked, if feasible, by placing a ball-marker or other similar object immediately behind the ball. If the ball-marker interferes with the play, stance or stroke of another player, it should be placed one or more clubhead-lengths to one side.

20-2. Dropping and Re-Dropping

a. By Whom and How
A ball to be dropped under the Rules shall be dropped by the player himself. He shall stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm’s length and drop it. If a ball is dropped by any other person or in any other manner and the error is not corrected as provided in Rule 20-6, the player shall incur a penalty stroke.
If the ball touches the player, his partner, either of their caddies or their equipment before or after it strikes the ground, the ball shall be re-dropped, without penalty.

(Taking action to influence position or movement of ball - see Rule 1-2)

b. Where to Drop
When a ball is to be dropped, it shall be dropped as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, except when a Rule permits or requires it to be dropped elsewhere. If a ball is to be dropped in a hazard, the ball shall be dropped in and come to rest in that hazard.

Note: A ball when dropped must first strike the ground where the applicable Rule requires it to be dropped. If it is not so dropped, Rules 20-6 and 20-7 apply.

c. When to Re-Drop
A dropped ball shall be re-dropped without penalty if it:
(i) rolls into a hazard;
(ii) rolls out of a hazard;
(iii) rolls onto a putting green;
(iv) rolls out of bounds;
(v) rolls back into the condition from which relief was taken under Rule 24-2 (immovable obstruction) or Rule 25 (abnormal ground conditions and wrong putting green);
(vi) rolls and comes to rest more than two club-lengths from where it first struck the ground; or
(vii) rolls and comes to rest nearer the hole than is permitted by the Rules.
If the ball again rolls into such position, it shall be placed as near as possible to the spot where it first struck the ground when re-dropped.

20-3. Placing and Replacing

a. By Whom and Where
A ball to be placed under the Rules shall be placed by the player or his partner. A ball is to be replaced shall be replaced by the player, his partner or the person who lifted or moved it on the spot where the ball lay. In any such case, the player shall be responsible for any breach of the Rules.
If a ball is accidentally moved in the process of placing or replacing it under a Rule, no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be replaced.

b. Lie of Ball to Be Placed or Replaced Altered
Except in a bunker, if the original lie of a ball to be placed or replaced has been altered, the ball shall be placed in the nearest lie most similar to that which it originally occupied, not more than one club-length from the original lie and not nearer the hole. In a bunker, the original lie shall be recreated as nearly as possible and the ball shall be placed in that lie.

c. Spot Not Determinable
If it is impossible to determine the spot where the ball is to be placed, the ball shall through the green or in a hazard be dropped, or on the putting green be placed, as near as possible to the place where it lay but not nearer the hole.

d. Ball Fails to Remain on Spot
If a ball when placed fails to remain on the spot on which it was placed, it shall be replaced without penalty. If it still fails to remain on that spot, it shall be placed at the nearest spot not nearer the hole where it can be placed at rest.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 20-1, -2 or -3:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

20-4. Ball in Play When Dropped or Placed

A ball dropped or placed under a Rule governing the particular case is in play.

20-5. Playing Next Stroke from Where Previous Stroke Played

When, under the Rules, a player elects or is required to play his next stroke from where a previous stroke was played, he shall proceed as follows: If the stroke is to be played from the teeing ground, the ball to be played shall be played from anywhere within the teeing ground and may be teed; if the stroke is to be played from through the green or a hazard, it shall be dropped; if the stroke is to be played on the putting green, it shall be placed.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 20-5:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

20-6. Lifting Ball Wrongly Dropped or Placed

A ball dropped or placed in a wrong place or otherwise not in accordance with the Rules but not played may be lifted, without penalty, and the player shall then proceed correctly.
In match play, if, before the opponent plays his next stroke, the player fails to inform him that the ball has been lifted, the player shall lose the hole.

20-7. Playing from Wrong Place

For a ball played outside teeing ground, see Rule 11-3.

a. Match Play
If a player plays a stroke with a ball which has been dropped or placed under an applicable Rule but in a wrong place, he shall lose the hole.

b. Stroke Play
If a competitor plays a stroke with a ball which has been (i) dropped or placed under an applicable Rule but in a wrong place, or (ii) moved and not replaced in a case where the Rules require replacement, he shall incur the penalty prescribed by the relevant Rule and play out the hole with the ball. If a serious breach of the relevant Rule is involved, the competitor shall be disqualified, unless the breach has been rectified as provided in the next paragraph.

If a serious breach may be involved and the competitor has not made a stroke on the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, has not left the putting green, the competitor may rectify any such serious breach by adding two penalty strokes to his score, dropping or placing a second ball in accordance with the Rules and playing out the hole. The competitor should play out the hole with both balls.
On completion of the round the competitor shall report the facts immediately to the Committee; if he fails to do so, he shall be disqualified. The Committee shall determine whether a serious breach of the Rule was involved and, accordingly, whether the score with the second ball shall count.

Note: Penalty strokes incurred by playing the ball ruled not to count and strokes subsequently taken with that ball shall be disregarded.

Rule 21. Cleaning Ball

A ball may be cleaned when lifted as follows:

Upon suspension of play in accordance with Rule 6-8b;
For identification under Rule 12-2, but the ball may be cleaned only to the extent necessary for identification;
On the putting green under Rule 16-1b;
For relief from an obstruction under Rule 24-1b or -2b;
For relief from abnormal ground conditions or wrong putting green under Rules 25-1b, -2 and -3;
For relief from a water hazard under Rule 26;
For relief for an unplayable ball under Rule 28; or
under a Local Rule permitting cleaning the ball.

If a player cleans his ball during play of a hole except as permitted under this Rule, he shall incur a penalty of one stroke and the ball, if lifted, shall be replaced.
If a player who is required to replace a ball fails to do so, he shall incur the penalty for breach of Rule 20-3a, but no additional penalty under Rule 21 shall be applied.

Rule 22. Ball Interfering with or Assisting Play

Any player may:
a. Lift his ball if he considers that the ball might assist any other player or
b. Have any other ball lifted if he considers that the ball might interfere with his play or assist the play of any other player,
but this may not be done while another ball is in motion. In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first rather than lift. A ball lifted under this Rule shall be replaced.
If a ball is accidentally moved in complying with this Rule, no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be replaced.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Rule 23. Loose Impediments

Definition
"Loose impediments" are natural objects such as stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like, dung, worms and insects and casts or heaps made by them, provided they are not fixed or growing, are not solidly embedded and do not adhere to the ball.
Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green but not elsewhere.
Snow and ice are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player.
Dew is not a loose impediment.

23-1. Relief

Except when both the loose impediment and the ball lie in or touch a hazard, any loose impediment may be removed without penalty. If the ball moves, see Rule 18-2c.
When a player’s ball is in motion, a loose impediment on his line of play shall not be removed.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

(Searching for ball in hazard - see Rule 12-1)
(Touching line of putt - see Rule 16-1a)

Rule 24. Obstructions

Definition
An "obstruction" is anything artificial, including the artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths, except:
a. Objects defining out of bounds, such as walls, fences, stakes and railings;
b. Any part of an immovable artificial object which is out of bounds; and
c. Any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course.

24-1. Movable Obstruction

A player may obtain relief from a movable obstruction as follows:

a. If the ball does not lie in or on the obstruction, the obstruction may be removed; if the ball moves, no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be replaced.
b. If the ball lies in or on the obstruction, the ball may be lifted, without penalty, and the obstruction removed. The ball shall through the green or in a hazard be dropped, or on the putting green be placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball lay in or on the obstruction, but not nearer the hole.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted for relief under Rule 24-1.

When a ball is in motion, an obstruction on the player’s line of play other than an attended flagstick and equipment of the players shall not be removed.

24-2. Immovable Obstruction

a. Interference
Interference by an immovable obstruction occurs when a ball lies in or on the obstruction, or so close to the obstruction that the obstruction interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing. If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if an immovable obstruction on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt. Otherwise, intervention on the line of play is not, of itself, interference under this Rule.

b. Relief
Except when the ball lies in or touches a water hazard or a lateral water hazard, a player may obtain relief from interference by an immovable obstruction, without penalty, as follows:

(i) Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies shall be determined (without crossing over, through or under the obstruction) which (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids interference (as defined) and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. The player shall lift the ball and drop it within one club-length of the point thus determined on ground which fulfils (a), (b) and (c) above.

Note: The prohibition against crossing over, through or under the obstruction does not apply to the artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths or when the ball lies in or on the obstruction.

(ii) In a Bunker: If the ball lies in or touches a bunker, the player shall lift and drop the ball in accordance with Clause (i) above, except that the ball must be dropped in the bunker.

(iii) On the Putting Green: If the ball lies on the putting green, the player shall lift the ball and place it in the nearest position to where it lay which affords relief from interference, but not nearer the hole nor in a hazard.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Rule 24-2b.
(Ball rolling back into condition from which relief taken - see Rule 20-2c(v))

Exception: A player may not obtain relief under Rule 24-2b if (a) it is clearly unreasonable for him to play a stroke because of interference by anything other than an immovable obstruction or (b) interference by an immovable obstruction would occur only through use of an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

Note: If a ball lies in or touches a water hazard (including a lateral water hazard), the player is not entitled to relief without penalty from interference by an immovable obstruction. The player shall play the ball as it lies or proceed under Rule 26-1.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Rule 25. Abnormal Ground Conditions and Wrong Putting Green

Definitions
"Casual water" is any temporary accumulation of water on the course which is visible before or after the player takes his stance and is not in a water hazard. Snow and ice are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player. Dew is not casual water.

"Ground under repair" is any portion of the course so marked by order of the Committee or so declared by its authorised representative. It includes material piled for removal and a hole made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked. Stakes and lines defining ground under repair are in such ground.

Note 1: Grass cuttings and other material left on the course which have been abandoned and are not intended to be removed are not ground under repair unless so marked.

Note 2: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting play from ground under repair.

25-1. Casual Water, Ground Under Repair and Certain Damage to Course

a. Interference
Interference by casual water, ground under repair or a hole, cast or runway made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird occurs when a ball lies in or touches any of these conditions or when the condition interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing.
If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if such condition on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt.
If interference exists, the player may either play the ball as it lies (unless prohibited by Local Rule) or take relief as provided in Clause b.

b. Relief
If the player elects to take relief, he shall proceed as follows:
(i) Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies shall be determined which (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids interference by the condition, and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. The player shall lift the ball and drop it without penalty within one club-length of the point thus determined on ground which fulfils (a), (b) and (c) above.

(ii) In a Hazard: If the ball lies in or touches a hazard, the player shall lift and drop the ball either:
(a) Without penalty, in the hazard, as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, on ground which affords maximum available relief from the condition; or
(b) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard, keeping the spot where the ball lay directly between himself and the hole.

Exception: If a ball lies in or touches a water hazard (including a lateral water hazard), the player is not entitled to relief without penalty from a hole, cast or runway made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird. The player shall play the ball as it lies or proceed under Rule 26-1.

(iii) On the Putting Green: If the ball lies on the putting green, the player shall lift the ball and place it without penalty in the nearest position to where it lay which affords maximum available relief from the condition, but not nearer the hole nor in a hazard.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Rule 25-1b.

(Ball rolling back into condition from which relief taken - see Rule 20-2c(v))

Exception: A player may not obtain relief under Rule 25-1b if (a) it is clearly unreasonable for him to play a stroke because of interference by anything other than a condition covered by Rule 25-1a or (b) interference by such a condition would occur only through use of an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

c. Ball Lost Under Condition Covered by Rule 25-1
It is a question of fact whether a ball lost after having been struck towards a condition covered by Rule 25-1 is lost under such condition. In order to treat the ball as lost under such condition, there must be reasonable evidence to that effect. In the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated as a lost ball and Rule 27 applies.

(i) Outside a Hazard: If a ball is lost outside a hazard under a condition covered by Rule 25-1, the player may take relief as follows: the point on the course nearest to where the ball last crossed the margin of the area shall be determined which (a) is not nearer the hole than where the ball last crossed the margin, (b) avoids interference by the condition and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. He shall drop a ball without penalty within one club-length of the point thus determined on ground which fulfils (a), (b) and (c) above.
(ii) In a Hazard: If a ball is lost in a hazard under a condition covered by Rule 25-1, the player may drop a ball either:
(a) Without penalty, in the hazard, as near as possible to the point at which the ball last crossed the margin of the area, but not nearer the hole, on ground which affords maximum available relief from the condition; or
(b) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard between himself and the hole.

Exception: If a ball lies in a water hazard (including a lateral water hazard), the player is not entitled to relief without penalty for a ball lost in a hole, cast or runway made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird. The player shall proceed under Rule 26-1.

25-2. Embedded Ball

A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in any closely-mown area through the green may be lifted, cleaned and dropped, without penalty, as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not nearer the hole. "Closely-mown area" means any area of the course, including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.

25-3. Wrong Putting Green

If a ball lies on a putting green other than that of the hole being played, the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies shall be determined which (a) is not nearer the hole and (b) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. The player shall lift the ball and drop it without penalty within one club-length of the point thus determined on ground which fulfils (a) and (b) above. The ball may be cleaned when so lifted.

Note: Unless otherwise prescribed by the Committee, the term "a putting green other than that of the hole being played" includes a practice putting green or pitching green on the course.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Rule 26. Water Hazards (Including Lateral Water Hazards)

Definitions

A "water hazard" is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature.
All ground or water within the margin of a water hazard is part of the water hazard. The margin of a water hazard extends vertically upwards. Stakes and lines defining the margins of water hazards are in the hazards.

Note: Water hazards (other than lateral water hazards) should be defined by yellow stakes or lines.

A "lateral water hazard" is a water hazard or that part of a water hazard so situated that it is not possible or is deemed by the Committee to be impracticable to drop a ball behind the water hazard and keep the spot at which the ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard between the player and the hole.
That part of a water hazard to be played as a lateral water hazard should be distinctively marked.

Note: Lateral water hazards should be defined by red stakes or lines.

26-1. Ball in Water Hazard

It is a question of fact whether a ball lost after having been struck toward a water hazard is lost inside or outside the hazard. In order to treat the ball as lost in the hazard, there must be reasonable evidence that the ball lodged therein. In the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated as a lost ball and Rule 27 applies.

If a ball lies in, touches or is lost in a water hazard (whether the ball lies in water or not), the player may under penalty of one stroke:
a. Play his next stroke as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played or moved by him (see Rule 20-5); or
b. Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between himself and the hole, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped; or
c. As additional options available only if the ball lies in or is lost in a lateral water hazard, drop a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of (i) the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard or (ii) a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole. The ball must be dropped and come to rest not nearer the hole than the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.

26-2. Ball Remains in Hazard

a. Ball Comes to Rest in the Hazard
If a ball played from within a water hazard has not crossed any margin of the hazard, the player may:
(i) proceed under Rule 26-1; or
(ii) under penalty of one stroke, play his next stroke as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke from outside the hazard was played (see Rule 20-5).

b. Ball Lost or Unplayable Outside Hazard or Out of Bounds
If a ball played from within a water hazard is lost or declared unplayable outside the hazard or is out of bounds, the player, after taking a stroke-and-distance penalty under Rule 27-1 or Rule 28a, may:
(i) play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played by him (see Rule 20-5); or
(ii) under the penalty prescribed therein, proceed under Rule 26-1b, or as additional options in the case of a lateral water hazard, under Rule 26-1c, using as the reference point the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard before it came to rest in the hazard; or
(iii) under penalty of one stroke, play his next stroke as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke from outside the hazard was played (see Rule 20-5).

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Rule 27. Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball

If the original ball is lost under a condition covered by Rule 25-1 (casual water, ground under repair and certain damage to the course), the player may proceed under that Rule. If the original ball is lost in a water hazard, the player shall proceed under Rule 26.
Such Rules may not be used unless there is reasonable evidence that the ball is lost under a condition covered by Rule 25-1 or in a water hazard.

Definitions
A ball is "lost" if:
a. It is not found or identified as his by the player within five minutes after the player’s side or his or their caddies have begun to search for it; or
b. The player has put another ball into play under the Rules, even though he may not have searched for the original ball; or
c. The player has played any stroke with a provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place, whereupon the provisional ball becomes the ball in play.
Time spent in playing a wrong ball is not counted in the five-minute period allowed for search.

"Out of bounds" is ground on which play is prohibited.
When out of bounds is defined by reference to stakes or a fence, or as being beyond stakes or a fence, the out of bounds line is determined by the nearest inside points of the stakes or fence posts at ground level excluding angled supports.
When out of bounds is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds.
The out of bounds line extends vertically upwards and downwards.
A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds.
A player may stand out of bounds to play a ball lying within bounds.

A "provisional ball" is a ball played under Rule 27-2 for a ball which may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds. It ceases to be a provisional ball when the Rule provides either that the player continue play with it as the ball in play or that it be abandoned.

27-1. Ball Lost or Out of Bounds

If a ball is lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, the player shall play a ball, under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played or moved by him (see Rule 20-5).

27-2. Provisional Ball

a. Procedure
If a ball may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds, to save time the player may play another ball provisionally as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was played (see Rule 20-5). The player shall inform his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play that he intends to play a provisional ball, and he shall play it before he or his partner goes forward to search for the original ball. If he fails to do so and plays another ball, such ball is not a provisional ball and becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1); the original ball is deemed to be lost.

b. When Provisional Ball Becomes Ball in Play
The player may play a provisional ball until he reaches the place where the original ball is likely to be. If he plays a stroke with the provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place, the original ball is deemed to be lost and the provisional ball becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1).
If the original ball is lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play, under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1).

c. When Provisional Ball to Be Abandoned
If the original ball is neither lost outside a water hazard nor out of bounds, the player shall abandon the provisional ball and continue play with the original ball. If he fails to do so, any further strokes played with the provisional ball shall constitute playing a wrong ball and the provisions of Rule 15 shall apply.

Note: If the original ball lies in a water hazard, the player shall play the ball as it lies or proceed under Rule 26. If it is lost in a water hazard or unplayable, the player shall proceed under Rule 26 or Rule 28, whichever is applicable.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Rule 28. Ball Unplayable

At any place on the course except in a water hazard a player may declare his ball unplayable. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.
If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he shall, under penalty of one stroke:
a. Play his next stroke as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played or moved by him (see Rule 20-5); or
b. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole; or
c. Drop a ball behind the spot where the ball lay, keeping that spot directly between the himself and the hole, with no limit to how far behind that spot the ball may be dropped.

If the unplayable ball lies in a bunker and the player elects to proceed under Clause b or c, a ball must be dropped in the bunker.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

OTHER FORMS OF PLAY

Rule 29. Threesomes and Foursomes

Definitions
Threesome: A match in which one plays against two, and each side plays one ball.
Foursome: A match in which two play against two, and each side plays one ball.

29-1. General

In a threesome or a foursome, during any stipulated round the partners shall play alternately from the teeing grounds and alternately during the play of each hole. Penalty strokes do not affect the order of play.

29-2. Match Play

If a player plays when his partner should have played, his side shall lose the hole.

29-3. Stroke Play

If the partners play a stroke or strokes in incorrect order, such stroke or strokes shall be cancelled and the side shall be penalised two strokes. A ball shall then be put in play as nearly as possible at the spot from which the side first played in incorrect order (see Rule 20-5) before a stroke has been played from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before the side has left the putting green. If this is not done, the side shall be disqualified.

Rule 30. Three-Ball, Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play

30-1. Rules of Golf Apply

The Rules of Golf, so far as they are not at variance with the following special Rules, shall apply to three-ball, best-ball and four-ball matches.

30-2. Three-Ball Match Play

In a three-ball match, each player is playing two distinct matches.

a. Ball at Rest Moved by an Opponent
Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, if the player’s ball is touched or moved by an opponent, his caddie or equipment other than during search, Rule 18-3b applies. That opponent shall incur a penalty stroke in his match with the player, but not in his match with the other opponent.

b. Ball Deflected or Stopped by an Opponent Accidentally
If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by an opponent, his caddie or equipment, no penalty shall be incurred. In his match with that opponent the player may play the ball as it lies or, before another stroke is played by either side, he may cancel the stroke and replay the stroke (see Rule 20-5). In his match with the other opponent, the occurrence shall be treated as a rub of the green and the hole shall be played out with the original ball.

Exception: Ball striking person attending flagstick - see Rule 17-3b.

(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by opponent - see Rule 19-3a)

30-3. Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play

a. Representation of Side
A side may be represented by one partner for all or any part of a match; all partners need not be present. An absent partner may join a match between holes, but not during play of a hole.

b. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs
The side shall be penalised for a breach of Rule 4-4 by any partner.

c. Order of Play
Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers best.

d. Wrong Ball
If a player plays a stroke with a wrong ball except in a hazard, he shall be disqualified for that hole, but his partner incurs no penalty even if the wrong ball belongs to him. The owner of the ball shall replace it on the spot from which it was played, without penalty. If the ball is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

e. Disqualification of Side
(i) A side shall be disqualified for a breach of any of the following by any partner:

Rule 1-3 Agreement to Waive Rules

Rule 4-1, -2 or -3 Clubs

Rule 5 The Ball

Rule 6-2a Handicap (playing off higher handicap)

Rule 6-4 Caddie

Rule 6-7 Undue Delay (repeated offence)

Rule 14-3
Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment

(ii) A side shall be disqualified for a breach of any of the following by all partners:

Rule 6-3 Time of Starting and Groups

Rule 6-8 Discontinuance of Play

f. Effect of Other Penalties
If a player’s breach of a Rule assists his partner’s play or adversely affects an opponent’s play, the partner incurs the relative penalty in addition to any penalty incurred by the player.
In all other cases where a player incurs a penalty for breach of a Rule, the penalty shall not apply to his partner. Where the penalty is stated to be loss of hole, the effect shall be to disqualify the player for that hole.

g. Another Form of Match Played Concurrently
In a best-ball or four-ball match when another form of match is played concurrently, the above special Rules shall apply.

Rule 31. Four-Ball Stroke Play

In four-ball stroke play two competitors play as partners, each playing his own ball. The lower score of the partners is the score for the hole. If one partner fails to complete the play of a hole, there is no penalty.

31-1. Rules of Golf Apply

The Rules of Golf, so far as they are not at variance with the following special Rules, shall apply to four-ball stroke play.

31-2. Representation of Side

A side may be represented by either partner for all or any part of a stipulated round; both partners need not be present. An absent competitor may join his partner between holes, but not during play of a hole.

31-3. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs

The side shall be penalised for a breach of Rule 4-4 by either partner.

31-4. Scoring

The marker is required to record for each hole only the gross score of whichever partner’s score is to count. The gross scores to count must be individually identifiable; otherwise the side shall be disqualified. Only one of the partners need be responsible for complying with Rule 6-6a and b.

(Wrong score - see Rule 31-7a)

31-5. Order of Play

Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers best.

31-6. Wrong Ball

If a competitor plays a stroke or strokes with a wrong ball except in a hazard, he shall add two penalty strokes to his score for the hole and shall then play the correct ball. His partner incurs no penalty even if the wrong ball belongs to him.
The owner of the ball shall replace it on the spot from which it was played, without penalty. If the ball is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

31-7. Disqualification Penalties

a. Breach by One Partner
A side shall be disqualified from the competition for a breach of any of the following by either partner:

Rule 1-3 Agreement to Waive Rules

Rule 3-4 Refusal to Comply with Rule

Rule 4-1, -2 or -3 Clubs

Rule 5 The Ball

Rule 6-2b Handicap (playing off higher handicap; failure to record handicap)

Rule 6-4 Caddie

Rule 6-6b Checking Scores

Rule 6-6c No Alteration of Scores, i.e. when the recorded lower score of the partners is lower than actually played. If the recorded lower score of the partners is higher than actually played, it must stand as returned.

Rule 6-7 Undue Delay (repeated offence)

Rule 7-1 Practice Before or Between Rounds

Rule 14-3 Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment

Rule 31-4 Gross Scores to count Not Individually Identifiable

b. Breach by Both Partners
A side shall be disqualified for a breach of any of the following by both partners:
Rule 6-3 Time of Starting and Groups.
Rule 6-8 Discontinuance of Play.
At the same hole, of a Rule or Rules, the penalty for which is disqualification either from the competition or for a hole.

c. For the Hole Only
In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would entail disqualification, the competitor shall be disqualified only for the hole at which the breach occurred.

31-8. Effect of Other Penalties

If a competitor’s breach of a Rule assists his partner’s play, the partner incurs the relative penalty in addition to any penalty incurred by the competitor.
In all other cases where a competitor incurs a penalty for breach of a Rule, the penalty shall not apply to his partner.

Rule 32. Bogey, Par and Stableford Competitions

32-1. Conditions

Bogey, par and Stableford competitions are forms of stroke competition in which play is against a fixed score at each hole. The Rules for stroke play, so far as they are not at variance with the following special Rules, apply.

a. Bogey and Par Competitions
The reckoning for bogey and par competitions is made as in match play. Any hole for which a competitor makes no return shall be regarded as a loss. The winner is the competitor who is most successful in the aggregate of holes.
The marker is responsible for marking only the gross number of strokes for each hole where the competitor makes a net score equal to or less than the fixed score.

Note: Maximum of 14 Clubs - Penalties as in match play - see Rule 4-4.

b. Stableford Competitions
The reckoning in Stableford competitions is made by points awarded in relation to a fixed score at each hole as follows:

Hole Played in Points

More than one over fixed score 0

One over fixed score 1

Fixed score 2

One under fixed score 3

Two under fixed score 4

Three under fixed score 5

The winner is the competitor who scores the highest number of points.
The marker shall be responsible for marking only the gross number of strokes at each hole where the competitor’s net score earns one or more points.

Note: Maximum of 14 Clubs (Rule 4-4) - Penalties applied as follows: From total points scored for the round, deduction of two points for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum deduction per round: four points.

32-2. Disqualification Penalties

a. From the Competition
A competitor shall be disqualified from the competition for a breach of any of the following:

Rule 1-3 Agreement to Waive Rules

Rule 3-4 Refusal to Comply with Rule

Rule 4-1, -2 or -3 Clubs

Rule 5 The Ball

Rule 6-2b Handicap (playing off higher handicap; failure to record handicap)

Rule 6-3 Time of Starting and Groups

Rule 6-4 Caddie

Rule 6-6b Checking Scores

Rule 6-6d No alteration of scores, except that the competitor shall not be disqualified when a breach of this Rule does not affect the result of the hole

Rule 6-7 Undue Delay (repeated offence)

Rule 6-8 Discontinuance of Play

Rule 7-1 Practice Before or Between Rounds

Rule 14-3 Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment

b. For a Hole
In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would entail disqualification, the competitor shall be disqualified only for the hole at which the breach occurred.

ADMINISTRATION

Rule 33. The Committee

33-1. Conditions; Waiving Rule

The Committee shall lay down the conditions under which a competition is to be played.
Certain special rules governing stroke play are so substantially different from those governing match play that combining the two forms of play is not practicable and is not permitted. The results of matches played and the scores returned in these circumstances shall not be accepted.
In stroke play the Committee may limit a referee’s duties.

33-2. The Course

a. Defining Bounds and Margins
The Committee shall define accurately:
(i) the course and out of bounds,
(ii) the margins of water hazards and lateral water hazards,
(iii) ground under repair, and
(iv) obstructions and integral parts of the course.

b. New Holes
New holes should be made on the day on which a stroke competition begins and at such other times as the Committee considers necessary, provided all competitors in a single round play with each hole cut in the same position.

Exception: When it is impossible for a damaged hole to be repaired so that it conforms with the Definition, the Committee may make a new hole in a nearby similar position.

c. Practice Ground
Where there is no practice ground available outside the area of a competition course, the Committee should lay down the area on which players may practise on any day of a competition, if it is practicable to do so. On any day of a stroke competition, the Committee should not normally permit practice on or to a putting green or from a hazard of the competition course.

d. Course Unplayable
If the Committee or its authorised representative considers that for any reason the course is not in a playable condition or that there are circumstances which render the proper playing of the game impossible, it may, in match play or stroke play, order a temporary suspension of play or, in stroke play, declare play null and void and cancel all scores for the round in question. When play has been temporarily suspended, it shall be resumed from where it was discontinued, even though resumption occurs on a subsequent day. When a round is cancelled, all penalties incurred in that round are cancelled.

(Procedure in discontinuing play - see Rule 6-8)

33-3. Times of Starting and Groups

The Committee shall lay down the times of starting and, in stroke play, arrange the groups in which competitors shall play.
When a match play competition is played over an extended period, the Committee shall lay down the limit of time within which each round shall be completed. When players are allowed to arrange the date of their match within these limits, the Committee should announce that the match must be played at a stated time on the last day of the period unless the players agree to a prior date.

33-4. Handicap Stroke Table

The Committee shall publish a table indicating the order of holes at which handicap strokes are to be given or received.

33-5. Score Card

In stroke play, the Committee shall issue for each competitor a score card containing the date and the competitor’s name.
The Committee is responsible for the addition of scores and application of the handicap recorded on the card.
In four-ball stroke play, the Committee is responsible for recording the better-ball score for each hole, the addition and the application of the handicaps recorded on the card.

33-6. Decision of Ties

The Committee shall announce the manner, day and time for the decision of a halved match or of a tie, whether played on level terms or under handicap.
A halved match shall not be decided by stroke play. A tie in stroke play shall not be decided by a match.

33-7. Modification of Penalty

The Committee has no power to waive a Rule of Golf. A penalty of disqualification, however, may, in exceptional individual cases, be waived or be modified or be imposed if the Committee considers such action warranted.

33-8. Local Rules

a. Policy
The Committee may make and publish Local Rules for abnormal conditions if they are consistent with the policy of the Governing Authority for the country concerned as set forth in Appendix I to these Rules.

b. Waiving Penalty
A penalty imposed by a Rule of Golf shall not be waived by a Local Rule.

Rule 34. Disputes and Decisions

34-1. Claims and Penalties

a. Match Play
In match play if a claim is lodged with the Committee under Rule 2-5, a decision should be given as soon as possible so that the state of the match may, if necessary, be adjusted.
If a claim is not made within the time limit provided by Rule 2-5, it shall not be considered unless it is based on facts previously unknown to the player making the claim and the player making the claim had been given wrong information (Rules 6-2a and 9) by an opponent. In any case, no later claim shall be considered after the result of the match has been officially announced, unless the Committee is satisfied that the opponent knew he was giving wrong information.

b. Stroke Play
No penalty shall be imposed after the competition is closed unless the Committee is satisfied that the competitor has knowingly returned a score for any hole lower than actually taken (Rule 6-6c; no penalty shall be rescinded after the competition is closed. A competition is deemed to have closed when the result of the competition has been officially announced or, in stroke play qualifying followed by match play, when the player has teed off in his first match.

34-2. Referee’s Decision

If a referee has been appointed by the Committee, his decision shall be final.

34-3. Committee’s Decision

In the absence of a referee, the players shall refer any dispute to the Committee, whose decision shall be final.

If the Committee cannot come to a decision, it shall refer the dispute to the Rules of Golf Committee of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, whose decision shall be final.

If the point in doubt or dispute has not been referred to the Rules of Golf Committee, the player or players have the right to refer an agreed statement through the Secretary of the Club to the Rules of Golf Committee for an opinion as to the correctness of the decision given. The reply will be sent to the Secretary of the Club or Clubs concerned.

If play is conducted other than in accordance with the Rules of Golf, the Rules of Golf Committee will not give a decision on any question.

Appendix
Rules of Amateur Status

Rule 1-3	Agreement to Waive Rules
Rule 4-1, -2 or -3	Clubs
Rule 5	The Ball
Rule 6-2a	Handicap (playing off higher handicap)
Rule 6-4	Caddie
Rule 6-7	Undue Delay (repeated offence)
Rule 14-3	Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment
(ii) A side shall be disqualified for a breach of any of the following by all partners:
Rule 6-3	Time of Starting and Groups
Rule 6-8	Discontinuance of Play

Rule 1-3	Agreement to Waive Rules
Rule 3-4	Refusal to Comply with Rule
Rule 4-1, -2 or -3	Clubs
Rule 5	The Ball
Rule 6-2b	Handicap (playing off higher handicap; failure to record handicap)
Rule 6-4	Caddie
Rule 6-6b	Checking Scores
Rule 6-6c	No Alteration of Scores, i.e. when the recorded lower score of the partners is lower than actually played. If the recorded lower score of the partners is higher than actually played, it must stand as returned.
Rule 6-7	Undue Delay (repeated offence)
Rule 7-1	Practice Before or Between Rounds
Rule 14-3	Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment
Rule 31-4	Gross Scores to count Not Individually Identifiable

Hole Played in	Points
More than one over fixed score	0
One over fixed score	1
Fixed score	2
One under fixed score	3
Two under fixed score	4
Three under fixed score	5

[1899] [1902] [1904] [1908] [1912] [1920] [1925] [1933] [1939] [1946] [1950] [1952] [1954] [1956] [1960] [1964] [1968] [1970] [1972] [1976] [1980] [1984] [1988] [1992] [1996] [2000] [2004] [2008] [2012] [2016] [2019] [<< 18th Century Rules Codes ] [Home] [Contents] [ 19th Century Rules Codes >>]

RULES OF GOLF AS APPROVED BY THE ROYAL AND ANCIENT GOLF CLUB OF ST. ANDREWS,and theUNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION effective 1 April 1984.

SECTION I - ETIQUETTE

COURTESY ON THE COURSE

PRIORITY ON THE COURSE

CARE OF THE COURSE

SECTION II - DEFINITIONS

SECTION III - THE RULES OF PLAY Rule 1. The Game

1-1. General

1-2. Exerting Influence on Ball

1-3. Agreement to Waive Rules

1-4. Points Not Covered by Rules

Rule 2. Match Play

2-1. Winner of Hole

2-2. Halved Hole

2-3. Reckoning of Holes

2-4. Winner of Match

2-5. Claims

2-6. General Penalty

Rule 3. Stroke Play

3-1. Winner

3-2. Failure to Hole Out

3-3. Doubt as to Procedure

3-4. Refusal to Comply with a Rule

3-5. General Penalty

CLUBS AND THE BALL

Rule 4. Clubs

4-1. Form and Make of Clubs

4-2. Playing Characteristics Not to be Changed

4-3. Foreign Material

4-4. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs

Rule 5. The Ball

5-1. General

5-2. Foreign Material Prohibited

5-3. Ball Unfit for Play

PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES Rule 6. The Player

Definition

6-1. Conditions of Competition

6-2. Handicap

6-3. Time of Starting and Groups

6-4. Caddie

6-5. Ball

6-6. Scoring in Stroke Play

6-7. Undue Delay

6-8. Discontinuance of Play

Rule 7. Practice

7-1. Before or Between Rounds

7-2. During Round

Rule 8. Advice; Indicating Line of Play

Definitions

8-1. Advice

8-2. Indicating Line of Play

Rule 9. Information as to Strokes Taken

9-1. General

9-2. Match Play

9-3. Stroke Play

ORDER OF PLAYRule 10. Order of Play

10-1. Match Play

10-2. Stroke Play

10-3. Provisional Ball or Second Ball from Teeing Ground

10-4. Ball Moved in Measuring

TEEING GROUNDRule 11. Teeing Ground

11-1. Teeing

11-2. Ball Falling Off Tee

11-3. Playing from Outside Teeing Ground

PLAYING THE BALLRule 12. Searching for and Identifying Ball

12-1. Searching for Ball; Seeing Ball

12-2. Identifying Ball

Rule 13. Ball Played As It Lies; Lie, Area of Intended Swing and Line of Play; Stance

13-1. Ball Played as It Lies

13-2. Improving Lie, Area of Intended Swing or Line of Play

13-3. Building Stance

13-4. Ball Lying in or Touching Hazard

Rule 14. Striking the Ball

14-1. Ball to be Fairly Struck at

14-2. Assistance

14-3. Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment

14-4. Striking the Ball More than Once

14-5. Playing Moving Ball

Rule 15. Playing a Wrong Ball

[1899] [1902] [1904] [1908] [1912] [1920] [1925] [1933] [1939] [1946] [1950] [1952] [1954] [1956] [1960] [1964] [1968] [1970] [1972] [1976] [1980] [1984] [1988] [1992] [1996] [2000] [2004] [2008] [2012] [2016] [2019]

[<< 18th Century Rules Codes ] [Home] [Contents] [ 19th Century Rules Codes >>]

RULES OF GOLF

AS APPROVED BY
THE ROYAL AND ANCIENT GOLF CLUB
OF ST. ANDREWS,
and the
UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION

effective 1 April 1984.

SECTION III - THE RULES OF PLAY

Rule 1. The Game

PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Rule 6. The Player

ORDER OF PLAY
Rule 10. Order of Play

TEEING GROUND
Rule 11. Teeing Ground

PLAYING THE BALL
Rule 12. Searching for and Identifying Ball

THE PUTTING GREEN

Rule 16. The Putting Green

BALL MOVED, DEFLECTED OR STOPPED

Rule 18. Ball at Rest Moved

RELIEF SITUATIONS AND PROCEDURE

Rule 20. Lifting, Dropping and Placing; Playing from Wrong Place

OTHER FORMS OF PLAY

Rule 29. Threesomes and Foursomes