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RULES OF GOLF
AS APPROVED BY
THE ROYAL AND ANCIENT GOLF CLUB
OF ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND
and the
UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION
effective 1 January 1996.
Courtesy on the Course
Safety
Prior to playing a stroke or making a practice swing, the player
should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be
hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like
which may be moved by the stroke or swing.
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.
No player should play until the players in front are out of range.
Pace of Play
In the interest of all, players should play without delay.
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.
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.
In the absence of special rules, two-ball matches should have
precedence over and be entitled to pass any three- or four-ball
match, which should invite them through.
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.
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. On
completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the
putting green caused by golf shoe spikes should be repaired.
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.
Rule 1. The Game
1-1. GeneralThe 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.
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.
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.
(Agreeing to play out of turn in stroke play - see Rule 10-2c)
If any point in dispute is not covered by the Rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with equity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When the opponent’s ball is at rest or is deemed to be at rest
under Rule 16-2, 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.
A player may concede a hole or a match at any time prior to the
conclusion of the hole or the match.
Concession of a stroke, hole or match may not be declined or
withdrawn.
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 (Rule 6-2a and Rule 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.
The penalty for a breach of a Rule in match play is loss of hole except when otherwise provided.
The competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner.
If a competitor fails to hole out at any hole and does not correct his mistake before he plays 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.
b. Determination of Score for Hole
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 decision to invoke
this Rule or his selection, the score with the original ball or, if
the original ball is not one of the balls being played, the first
ball put into play shall count if the Rules allow the procedure
adopted for such ball.
Note: A second ball played under Rule 3-3 is not a provisional ball under Rule 27-2.
If a competitor refuses to comply with a Rule affecting the rights of another competitor, he shall be disqualified.
The penalty for a breach of a Rule in stroke play is two strokes except when otherwise provided.
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.
A player in doubt as to the conformity of a club should consult
the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
A manufacturer may submit to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St.
Andrews a sample of a club which is to be manufactured for a ruling
as to whether the club conforms with Rule 4 and
Appendix II. Such sample will become the
property of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews for
reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample before
manufacturing and/or marketing the club, he assumes the risk of a
ruling that the club does not conform with the Rules of Golf.
Where a club, or part of a club, is required to have some specific
property, this means that it must be designed and manufactured with
the intention of having that property. The finished club or part must
have that property within manufacturing tolerances appropriate to the
material used.
A club is an implement designed to be used for striking the
ball.
A putter is a club with a loft not exceeding ten degrees 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.
b. Shaft
The shaft shall be 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 and/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 straight and plain in form, shall
extend to the end of the shaft and shall not be moulded for any part
of the hands.
d. Clubhead
The distance from the heel to the toe of the clubhead shall be
greater than the distance from the face to the back. The clubhead
shall be generally plain in shape.
The clubhead shall have only one striking face, except that a putter
may have two such faces if their characteristics are the same, and
they are opposite each other.
e. Club Face
The face of the club shall be hard and rigid (some exceptions may
be made for putters) and, except for such markings as are permitted
by Appendix II, shall be smooth and shall not have any degree of
concavity.
f. Wear and Alteration
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, with the Rules.
g. Damage
If a player’s club ceases to conform with Rule 4-1 because of
damage sustained in the normal course of play, the player may:
(i) use the club in its damaged state, but only for the remainder of
the stipulated round during
which such damage was sustained; or
(ii) without unduly delaying play, repair it.
A club which ceases to conform because of damage sustained other than in the normal course of play shall not subsequently be used during the round.
(Damage changing playing characteristics of club - see Rule
4-2)
(Damage rendering club unfit for play - see Rule 4-4a)
During a stipulated
round, the playing characteristics of a club shall not be
purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means.
If the playing characteristics of a player’s club are changed during
a round because of damage sustained in the normal course of play, the
player may:
(i) use the club in its altered state; or
(ii) without unduly delaying play, repair it.
If the playing characteristics of a player’s club are changed
because of damage sustained other than in the normal course of play,
the club shall not subsequently be used during the round.
Damage to a club which occurred prior to a round may be repaired
during the round, provided the playing characteristics are not
changed and play is not unduly delayed.
Foreign material must not 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.
The addition or replacement of a club or clubs may not be made by borrowing any club selected for play by 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.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4c:
Disqualification.
The ball the player uses shall conform to requirements specified in Appendix III on maximum weight, minimum size, spherical symmetry, initial velocity and overall distance.
Note: The Committee may require, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), that the ball the player uses must be named on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
Foreign material must not be applied to a ball for the purpose of changing its playing characteristics.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5-1 or 5-2:
Disqualification.
A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut, cracked or out of
shape. A ball is not unfit for play solely because mud or other
materials adhere to it, its surface is scratched or scraped 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.
Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his intention to
his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in
stroke play and mark the position of the ball. He may then lift and
examine the ball without cleaning it and must give his opponent,
marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to examine the ball.
If he fails to comply with this procedure, 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 cancelled and the player shall play a ball without penalty
as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was
played (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: If the opponent, marker or fellow-competitor wishes to dispute a claim of unfitness, he must do so before the player plays another ball.
(Cleaning ball lifted from putting green or under any other Rule - see Rule 21)
PLAYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Rule 6. The Player DefinitionThe player is responsible for knowing the conditions under which the competition is to be played (Rule 33-1).
a. Match Play
Before starting a match in a handicap competition, the players
should determine from one another their respective handicaps. If a
player begins the match having declared 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 his handicap 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.
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, if the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time, in the absence of circumstances which warrant waiving the penalty of disqualification as provided in Rule 33-7, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play instead of disqualification.
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.
The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player should put an identification mark on his ball.
a. Recording Scores
After each hole the marker should
check the score with the competitor and record it. On completion of
the round the marker shall sign the card and hand it to the
competitor. If more than one marker records the scores, each shall
sign for the part for which he is responsible.
b. Signing and Returning Card
After completion of the round, the competitor should check his
score for each hole and settle any doubtful points with the
Committee. He shall ensure that the marker has signed the card,
countersign the card himself and return it to the Committee as soon
as possible.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-6b:
Disqualification.
c. Alteration of Card
No alteration may be made on a card after the competitor has returned
it to the Committee.
d. Wrong Score for Hole
The competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score
recorded for each hole on his card. If he 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 1: The Committee is responsible for the addition of scores and application of the handicap recorded on the card - see Rule 33-5.
Note 2: In four-ball stroke play, see also Rules 31-4 and 31-7a.
The player shall play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines which may be laid down by the Committee. 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 subsequent offence - Disqualification.
Note 1: If the player unduly delays play between holes, he is delaying the play of the next hole and the penalty applies to that hole.
Note 2: For the purpose of preventing slow play, the
Committee may, in the conditions of a competition
(Rule 33-1), lay down pace of play
guidelines including maximum periods of time allowed to complete a
stipulated round, a hole or a stroke.
In stroke play only, the Committee may, in such a condition, modify
the penalty for a breach of this Rule as follows:
First offence - One stroke;
Second offence - Two strokes.
For subsequent offence - Disqualification.
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 Suspended by Committee
When play is suspended by the Committee, if the players in a match
or group are between the play of two holes, they shall not resume
play until the Committee has ordered a resumption of play. If they
are in the process of playing a hole, they may continue provided they
do so without delay. If they choose to continue, they shall
discontinue either before or immediately after completing the hole,
and shall not thereafter resume play until the Committee has ordered
a resumption of play.
When play has been suspended by the Committee, the player shall
resume play when the Committee has ordered a resumption of play.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8b:
Disqualification.
Note: The Committee may provide in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1) that, in potentially dangerous situations, play shall be discontinued immediately following a suspension of play by the Committee. If a player fails to discontinue play immediately, he shall be disqualified unless circumstances warrant waiving such penalty as provided in Rule 33-7.
(Resumption of play - see Rule 33-2d)
c. Lifting Ball When Play Discontinued
When during the play of a hole a player discontinues play under
Rule 6-8a, he may lift his ball. A 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 6-8c:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
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.
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).
Strokes played in continuing the play of a hole, the result of which
has been decided, are not practice strokes.
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.
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.
The "line of play" is the direction which the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke, plus a reasonable distance on either side of the intended direction. The line of play extends vertically upwards from the ground, but does not extend beyond the hole.
During a stipulated round, a player shall not give advice to anyone in the competition except his partner. A player may ask for advice during a stipulated round from only his partner or either of their caddies.
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 be positioned
by the player on or close to the line or an extension of the line
beyond the hole 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, his
partner or either of their caddies may, before but not during the
stroke, point out a line for putting,
but in so doing the putting green shall not be touched. No mark shall
be placed anywhere to indicate a line for putting.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a team competition (Rule 33-1), permit each team to appoint one person who may give advice (including pointing out a line for putting) to members of that team. The Committee may lay down conditions relating to the appointment and permitted conduct of such person, who must be identified to the Committee before giving advice.
The number of strokes a player has taken shall include any penalty strokes incurred.
A player who has incurred a penalty shall inform his opponent as soon as practicable, unless he is obviously proceeding under a Rule involving a penalty and this has been observed by his opponent. If he fails so to inform his opponent, he shall be deemed to have given wrong information, even if 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 the player fails so to correct the wrong information, he shall lose the hole.
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 and this affects the opponent’s understanding of the result of the hole, 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.
A competitor who has incurred a penalty should inform his marker as soon as practicable.
ORDER OF PLAY
Rule 10. Order of Playa. 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 cancel the stroke so
played and, in correct order, play a ball without penalty as nearly
as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played
(see Rule 20-5).
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)
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.
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 GroundDefinition
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.
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.
Before a player plays his first stroke with any ball from the teeing ground of the hole being played, the tee-markers are deemed to be fixed. In such circumstances, if the player moves or allows to be moved a tee-marker for the purpose of avoiding interference with his stance, the area of his intended swing or his line of play, he shall incur the penalty for a breach of Rule 13-2.
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 counts but no penalty is incurred.
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 cancel the stroke so played and
play a ball 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
incur a penalty of two strokes and shall then play a ball from
within the teeing ground.
If the competitor plays a stroke from the next teeing ground without
first correcting his mistake or, in the case of the last hole of the
round, leaves the putting green
without first declaring his intention to correct his mistake, he
shall be disqualified.
Strokes played by a competitor from outside the teeing ground do not
count in his score.
The provisions of Rule 11-4 apply.
PLAYING THE BALL
Rule 12. Searching for and Identifying BallDefinitions
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. The margin of a bunker extends vertically downwards, but not upwards. A ball is in a bunker when it lies in or any part of it touches 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 extends vertically
upwards and downwards. Stakes and lines defining the margins of water
hazards are in the hazards. Such stakes are obstructions. A ball is
in a water hazard when it lies in or any part of it touches the water
hazard.
In searching for his ball anywhere on the course, the player may
touch or bend long grass, rushes, bushes, whins, heather or the like,
but only to the extent necessary to find and identify it, provided
that this does not improve the lie of the ball, 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 by probing, raking or other means as much thereof
as will enable him to see a part of the ball. If an excess is
removed, no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be re-covered so
that only a part of the ball is visible. If the ball is moved in such
removal, no penalty is incurred; the ball shall be replaced and, if
necessary, re-covered. 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.
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. Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his intention
to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in
stroke play and mark the position of the ball. He must then 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, marking the position of the ball or giving his
opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to observe, or
if he lifts his ball for identification in a hazard, or cleans it
more than necessary for identification, 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.
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. The margin of a bunker extends vertically downwards, but not upwards. A ball is in a bunker when it lies in or any part of it touches 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 extends vertically
upwards and downwards. Stakes and lines defining the margins of water
hazards are in the hazards. Such stakes are obstructions. A ball is
in a water hazard when it lies in or any part of it touches the water
hazard.
The "line of play" is the direction which the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke, plus a reasonable distance on either side of the intended direction. The line of play extends vertically upwards from the ground, but does not extend beyond the hole.
The ball shall be played as it lies, except as otherwise provided in the Rules. (Ball at rest moved - see Rule 18)
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,
- his line of play or a reasonable extension of that line beyond the hole, or
- the area in which he is to drop or place a ball
by any of the following actions:
- moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed (including immovable obstructions and 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 hazard - see Rule 13-4.
A player is entitled to place his feet firmly in taking his stance, but he shall not build a stance.
Except as provided in the Rules, before making a
stroke at a ball which is in a
hazard (whether a
bunker or a
water hazard) or which, having
been lifted from a hazard, may be dropped or placed in the 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. Provided nothing is done which constitutes testing the condition of the hazard or improves the lie of the ball, there is no penalty if the player (a) touches the ground in any hazard or water in a water hazard as a result of or to prevent falling, in removing an obstruction, in measuring or in retrieving or lifting a ball under any Rule or (b) places his clubs in a hazard.
2. 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 is still in the hazard, nothing is done which improves the lie of the ball or assists the player in his subsequent play of the hole.
Note: At any time, including at address or in the backward movement for the stroke, the player may touch with a club or otherwise any obstruction, any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course or any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
(Searching for ball - see Rule 12-1)
Definition
A "stroke" is the forward movement of the club made with the
intention of fairly striking at and moving the ball, but if a player
checks his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches the ball
he is deemed not to have made a stroke.
The ball shall be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or spooned.
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.
A player in doubt as to whether use of an item would constitute
a breach of Rule 14-3 should consult the Royal and Ancient Golf Club
of St. Andrews.
A manufacturer may submit to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St.
Andrews a sample of an item which is to be manufactured for a ruling
as to whether its use during a stipulated round would cause a player
to be in breach of Rule 14-3. Such sample will become the property of
the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews for reference
purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample before
manufacturing and/or marketing the item, he assumes the risk of a
ruling that use of the item would be contrary to the Rules of
Golf.
Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the player shall not use any artificial device or unusual equipment:
a. Which might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or
b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play; or
c. Which might assist him in gripping the club, except that:
(i) plain gloves may be worn;
(ii) resin, powder and drying or moisturising agents may be used;
(iii) tape or gauze may be applied to the grip (provided such
application does not render the grip non-conforming under
Rule 4-1c); and
(iv) a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-3:
Disqualification.
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.
A player shall not play while his ball is moving.
Exceptions:
- Ball falling off tee - Rule 11-3
- 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
(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by player, partner or caddie
- see Rule 1-2)
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.
Definition
A "wrong ball" is any ball other than the player’s:
a. Ball in play,
b. Provisional ball, or
c. Second ball played under Rule 3-3 or
Rule 20-7b in stroke play.
Note: Ball in play includes a ball substituted for the ball in play whether or not such substitution is permitted.
A player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground unless a Rule permits him to substitute another ball. If a player substitutes another ball when not so permitted, that ball is not a wrong ball; it becomes the ball in play and, if the error is not corrected as provided in Rule 20-6, the player shall incur a penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play.
(Playing from wrong place - see Rule 20-7).
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 wrong ball belongs to another player,
its owner shall place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball
was first played.
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.
If a competitor plays a stroke or strokes with a
wrong ball, he shall incur a
penalty of two strokes, unless the only stroke or strokes played
with such ball were played when it was in a hazard, in which case no
penalty is incurred.
The competitor must correct his mistake by playing the correct ball.
If he fails to correct his mistake before he plays a stroke from the
next teeing ground or, in the
case of the last hole of the round, fails to declare his intention to
correct his mistake before leaving the
putting green, he shall be
disqualified.
Strokes played by a competitor with a wrong ball do not count in his
score.
If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner shall
place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.
(Lie of ball to be placed or replaced altered - see Rule 20-3b)
THE PUTTING GREEN
Rule 16. The Putting GreenDefinitions
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.
The "line of putt" is the line which the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke on the putting green. Except with respect to Rule 16-1e, the line of putt includes a reasonable distance on either side of the intended line. The line of putt does not extend beyond the hole.
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.
a. Touching Line of Putt
The line of putt must not be
touched except:
(i) the player may move sand and loose soil on the putting green
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 pressing down a ball-marker;
(vi) in repairing old hole plugs or ball marks on the putting green -
Rule 16-1c; and
(vii) 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, Ball Marks and Other Damage
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. Any other damage to the putting
green shall not be repaired if it might assist the player in his
subsequent play of the hole.
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.
f. Position of Caddie or Partner
While making a stroke on the putting green, 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. Playing Stroke While Another Ball in Motion
The player shall not play a stroke while another ball is in motion
after a stroke from the putting green, except that, if a player does
so, he incurs no penalty if it was his turn to play.
(Lifting ball interfering with or assisting play while another ball in motion - see Rule 22)
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 16-1:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
When any part of the ball overhangs the lip 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. If the ball subsequently falls into the hole, the player is deemed to have holed out with his last stroke, and he shall add a penalty stroke to his score for the hole; otherwise there is no penalty under this Rule.
(Undue delay - see Rule 6-7)
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, prior to the stroke, the flagstick is attended, removed or held up
by anyone with the player’s knowledge and no objection is made, the
player shall be deemed to have authorised it. If anyone attends or
holds up the flagstick or stands near the hole while a stroke is
being played, he shall be deemed to be attending the flagstick until
the ball comes to rest.
a. Match Play
In match play, an opponent or his caddie shall not, without the
authority or prior knowledge of the player, attend, remove or hold up
the flagstick while the player is making a stroke or his ball is in
motion.
b. Stroke Play
In stroke play, if a fellow-competitor or his caddie attends,
removes or holds up the flagstick without the competitor’s authority
or prior knowledge 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, the person attending it or
anything carried by him, 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 cancelled, the
ball replaced and the stroke replayed.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 17-1 or -2:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
The player’s ball shall not strike:
a. The flagstick when attended, removed or held up by the player, his
partner or either of their caddies, or by another person with the
player’s authority or prior knowledge; 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 authority or prior knowledge or anything 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.
If the ball rests against the flagstick when it is in the hole, the player or another person 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 MovedDefinitions
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 the competitor’s side, and includes a referee, a marker, an observer and 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 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 two or more players, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be the equipment of the player whose ball is involved except that, when the cart is being moved by one of the players sharing it, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be that player’s equipment.
Note: A ball played at the hole being played is equipment when it has been lifted and not put back into play.
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.
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.
(Player’s ball at rest moved by another ball - see Rule 18-5)
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 removal of movable obstruction - Rule 24-1
b. Ball Moving After Address
If a player’s ball in play
moves after he has
addressed it (other than as a
result of a stroke), 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.
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 or the ball-marker moves in the
process of removing any loose
impediment, the ball or the ball-marker shall be replaced. There
is no penalty provided the movement of the ball or the ball-marker is
directly attributable to the removal of the loose impediment.
Otherwise, the player shall incur a penalty stroke under Rule
18-2a or Rule 20-1.
a. During Search
If, during search for a player’s ball, the ball 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)
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)
If a ball in play and at rest is moved by another ball in motion after a stroke, the moved 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 1: If a ball to be replaced under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
Note 2: If it is impossible to determine the spot on which a ball is to be placed, see Rule 20-3c.
Definitions
An "outside agency" is any agency not part of the match or, in
stroke play, not part of the competitor’s side, and includes a
referee, a marker, an observer and 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 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 two or more players, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be the equipment of the player whose ball is involved except that, when the cart is being moved by one of the players sharing it, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be that player’s equipment.
Note: A ball played at the hole being played is equipment when it has been lifted and not put back into play.
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 except a worm or an insect, the stroke shall be cancelled, the ball replaced and the stroke replayed.
If the ball is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
(Player’s ball deflected or stopped by another ball - see Rule 19-5)
Note: If the referee or the Committee determines that a player’s ball has been purposely deflected or stopped by an outside agency, Rule 1-4 applies to the player. If the outside agency is a fellow-competitor or his caddie, Rule 1-2 applies to the fellow-competitor.
a. Match Play
If a player’s ball is accidentally 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 accidentally 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.
(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by player, partner or caddie - see Rule 1-2)
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 play a ball without penalty as nearly as
possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played
(see Rule 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.
(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by opponent or caddie - see Rule 1-2)
See Rule 19-1 regarding ball deflected by outside agency.
a. At Rest
If a player’s ball in motion after a stroke is deflected or
stopped by a ball in play and at rest, the player shall play his ball
as it lies.
In match play, no penalty is incurred. In stroke play, there is no
penalty unless both balls lay on the
putting green prior to the
stroke, in which case the player incurs a penalty of two
strokes.
b. In Motion
If a player’s ball in motion after a stroke is deflected or
stopped by another ball in motion after a stroke, the player shall
play his ball as it lies. There is no penalty unless the player was
in breach of Rule 16-1g, in which case
he shall incur the penalty for breach of that Rule.
Exception: If the player’s ball is in motion after a stroke on the putting green and the other ball in motion is an outside agency - see Rule 19-1b.
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 PlaceA 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 or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of lifting the ball under a Rule or marking its position, the ball or the ball-marker shall be replaced. There is no penalty provided the movement of the ball or the ball-marker is directly attributable to the specific act of marking the position of or lifting the ball. Otherwise, the player shall incur a penalty stroke under this Rule or Rule 18-2a.
Exception: If a player incurs a penalty for failing to act in accordance with Rule 5-3 or Rule 12-2, no additional penalty under Rule 20-1 shall be applied.
Note: The position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin 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.
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 a part of the course,
the ball shall be re-dropped, without penalty. There is no limit to
the number of times a ball shall be re-dropped in such circumstances.
(Taking action to influence position or movement of ball - see Rule 1-2)
b. Where to Drop
When a ball is to be dropped as near as possible to a specific
spot, it shall be dropped not nearer the hole than the specific spot
which, if it is not precisely known to the player, shall be
estimated.
A ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course 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 to a position where there is interference by the condition
from which relief was taken under Rule
24-2 (immovable obstruction) or Rule
25-1 (abnormal ground conditions), or rolls back into the
pitch-mark from which it was lifted under
Rule 25-2 (embedded ball);
(vi) rolls and comes to rest more than two club-lengths from where it
first struck a part of the course; or
(vii) rolls and comes to rest nearer the hole than its original
position or estimated position (see Rule 20-2b) unless otherwise
permitted by the Rules.
(viii) rolls and comes to rest nearer the hole than the point where
the original ball last crossed the margin of the area or hazard,
(Rule 25-1c(i) and (ii)) or the margin
of the water hazard (Rule 26-1b) or
lateral water hazard (Rule 26-1c).
If the ball when re-dropped rolls into any position listed above, it
shall be placed as near as possible to the spot where it first struck
a part of the course when re-dropped.
If a ball to be re-dropped or placed under this Rule is not
immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
a. By Whom and Where
A ball to be placed under the Rules shall be placed by the player
or his partner. If a ball is to be replaced, the player, his partner
or the person who lifted or moved it shall place it on the spot from
which it was lifted or moved. In any such case, the player shall be
responsible for any breach of the Rules.
If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of
placing or replacing the ball, the ball or the ball-marker shall be
replaced. There is no penalty provided the movement of the ball or
the ball-marker is directly attributable to the specific act of
placing or replacing the ball or removing the ball-marker. Otherwise,
the player shall incur a penalty stroke under
Rule 18-2a or Rule 20-1.
b. Lie of Ball to Be Placed or Replaced Altered
If the original lie of a ball to be placed or replaced has been
altered:
(i) except in a hazard, the ball
shall be placed in the nearest lie most similar to the original lie
which is not more than one club-length from the original lie, not
nearer the hole and not in a hazard;
(ii) in a water hazard, the ball
shall be placed in accordance with Clause (i) above, except that the
ball must be placed in the water hazard;
(iii) 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 or replaced:
(i) through the green, the ball
shall be dropped as near as possible to the place where it lay but
not in a hazard or on a
putting green;
(ii) in a hazard, the ball shall be dropped in the hazard as near as
possible to the place where it lay;
(iii) on the putting green, the
ball shall be placed as near as possible to the place where it lay
but not in a hazard.
d. Ball Fails to Come to Rest on Spot
If a ball when placed fails to come to rest on the spot on which
it was placed, it shall be replaced without penalty. If it still
fails to come to rest on that spot:
(i) except in a hazard, it shall be
placed at the nearest spot not nearer the hole or in a hazard where
it can be placed at rest;
(ii) in a hazard, it shall be placed in the hazard at the nearest
spot not nearer the hole where it can be placed at rest.
If a ball when placed comes to rest on the spot on which it is placed, and it subsequently moves, there is no penalty and the ball shall be played as it lies, unless the provisions of any other Rule apply.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 20-1, -2 or -3:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
If the player’s ball in play
has been lifted, it is again in play when dropped or placed.
A substituted ball becomes the ball in play when it has been dropped
or placed.
(Ball incorrectly substituted - see Rule
15-1).
(Lifting ball incorrectly substituted, dropped or placed - see Rule
20-6).
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.
A ball incorrectly substituted, 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.
For a ball played from outside the teeing ground or from a wrong teeing ground - see Rules 11-4 and 11-5.
a. Match Play
If a player plays a stroke with a ball which has been dropped or
placed in a wrong place, he shall lose the hole.
b. Stroke Play
If a competitor plays a stroke with his
ball in play
(i) which has been dropped or placed in a wrong place or
(ii) which has been moved and not replaced in a case where the Rules
require replacement, he shall, provided a serious breach has
not occurred, incur the penalty prescribed by the applicable
Rule and play out the hole with the ball.
If, after playing from a wrong place, a competitor becomes aware of that fact and believes that a serious breach may be involved, he may, provided he has not played a stroke from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, left the putting green, declare that he will play out the hole with a second ball dropped or placed in accordance with the Rules. The competitor shall report the facts to the Committee before returning his score card; if he fails to do so, he shall be disqualified. The Committee shall determine whether a serious breach of the Rule occurred. If so, the score with the second ball shall count and the competitor shall add two penalty strokes to his score with that ball.
If a serious breach has occurred and the competitor has failed to correct it as prescribed above, he shall be disqualified.
Note: If a competitor plays a second ball, penalty strokes incurred by playing the ball ruled not to count and strokes subsequently taken with that ball shall be disregarded.
A ball on the putting green may be cleaned when lifted under Rule 16-1b. Elsewhere, a ball may be cleaned when lifted except when it has been lifted:
a. To determine if it is unfit for play (Rule 5-3);
b. For identification (Rule 12-2), in which case it may be cleaned only to the extent necessary for identification; or
c. Because it is interfering with or assisting play (Rule 22).
If a player cleans his ball during play of a hole except as provided in 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.
Exception: If a player incurs a penalty for failing to act in accordance with Rule 5-3, Rule 12-2 or Rule 22, no additional penalty under Rule 21 shall be applied.
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.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
Note: Except on the putting green, the ball may not be cleaned when lifted under this Rule - see Rule 21.
"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 natural ice, other than frost, are either
casual water or loose
impediments, at the option of the player. Manufactured ice is an
obstruction.
Dew and frost are not loose impediments.
Except when both the loose
impediment and the ball lie in or touch the same
hazard, any loose impediment may be
removed without penalty. If the ball moves, see
Rule 18-2c.
When a ball is in motion, a loose impediment which might influence
the movement of the ball 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)
An "obstruction" is anything artificial, including the artificial
surfaces and sides of roads and paths and manufactured ice,
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.
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, it shall be replaced, and there is no penalty provided that the movement of the ball is directly attributable to the removal of the obstruction. Otherwise, Rule 18-2a applies.
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 under Rule 24-1.
When a ball is in motion, an obstruction which might influence the movement of the ball, other than an attended flagstick or equipment of the players, shall not be removed.
Note: If a ball to be dropped or placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
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 is in 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 a part of the course 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 is in 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 to a position where there is interference by the condition from which relief was 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 1: If a ball is in 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.
Note 2: If a ball to be dropped or placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
c. Ball Lost
Except in a water hazard or a
lateral water hazard, if there
is reasonable evidence that a ball is lost in an immovable
obstruction, the player may, without penalty, substitute another ball
and follow the procedure prescribed in Rule 24-2b. For the purpose of
applying this Rule, the ball shall be deemed to lie at the spot where
it entered the obstruction. If the ball is lost in an underground
drain pipe or culvert the entrance to which is in a hazard, a ball
must be dropped in that hazard or the player may proceed under
Rule 26-1, if applicable.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
"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 natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player. Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Dew and frost are not casual water. A ball is in casual water when it lies in or any part of it touches the 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. Stakes defining ground under repair are obstructions. The margin of ground under repair extends vertically downwards, but not upwards. A ball is in ground under repair when it lies in or any part of it touches the ground under repair.
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 or an environmentally-sensitive area which has been defined as ground under repair.
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 such a
condition on the course 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.
Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule denying the player relief from interference with his stance by all or any of the conditions covered by this Rule.
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 a part of the course which fulfils (a), (b) and (c) above.
(ii) In a Hazard: If the ball is in 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 a part of the course
which affords maximum available relief from the condition; or
(b) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard, keeping
the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot
on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the
hazard the ball may be dropped.
Exception: If a ball is in 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 to a position where there is interference by the condition from which relief was 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.
Note: If a ball to be dropped or placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
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 a part of the course 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 original ball last crossed the margin of the area, but
not nearer the hole, on a part of the course which affords maximum
available relief from the condition; or
(b) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard, keeping
the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the
hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is
dropped, with no limit to how far behind the hazard the ball may be
dropped.
Exception: If a ball is 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.
A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground 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. The ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course through the green. "Closely-mown area" means any area of the course, including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.
A player must not play a ball which lies on a putting green other than that of the hole being played. The ball must be lifted and the player must proceed as follows: 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 a part of the course 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.
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 and downwards. Stakes and lines defining the margins of water
hazards are in the hazards. Such stakes are obstructions. A ball is
in a water hazard when it lies in or any part of it touches the water
hazard.
Note 1: Water hazards (other than lateral water hazards) should be defined by yellow stakes or lines.
Note 2: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting play from an environmentally-sensitive area which has been defined as a 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
in accordance with Rule 26-1b.
That part of a water hazard to be played as a lateral water hazard
should be distinctively marked. A ball is in a lateral water hazard
when it lies in or any part of it touches the lateral water hazard.
Note 1: Lateral water hazards should be defined by red stakes or lines.
Note 2: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting play from an environmentally-sensitive area which has been defined as a lateral 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 in it. In the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated as a lost ball and Rule 27 applies.
If a ball is in 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 a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (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 the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, 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 last crossed the margin of a lateral water hazard, drop a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than (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 may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.
(Ball moving in water in a water hazard - see Rule 14-6).
a. Ball Comes to Rest in the Hazard
If a ball played from within a water hazard comes to rest in the
same hazard after the stroke, the player may:
(i) proceed under Rule 26-1; or
(ii) under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as nearly as
possible at the spot from which the last stroke from outside the
hazard was played (see Rule 20-5).
If the player proceeds under Rule 26-1a, he may elect not to play
the dropped ball. If he so elects, he may:
(a) proceed under Rule 26-1b, adding the additional penalty of one
stroke prescribed by that Rule; or
(b) proceed under Rule 26-1c, if applicable, adding the additional
penalty of one stroke prescribed by that Rule; or
(c) add an additional penalty of one stroke and play a ball 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 penalty of one stroke under
Rule 27-1 or Rule
28a, may:
(i) play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot in the hazard from
which the original ball was last played (see
Rule 20-5); or
(ii) proceed under Rule 26-1b, or if applicable Rule 26-1c, adding
the additional penalty of one stroke prescribed by the Rule and
using as the reference point the point where the original ball last
crossed the margin of the hazard before it came to rest in the
hazard; or
(iii) add an additional penalty of one stroke and play a ball
as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke from
outside the hazard was played (see Rule
20-5).
Note 1: When proceeding under Rule 26-2b, the player is not required to drop a ball under Rule 27-1 or Rule 28a. If he does drop a ball, he is not required to play it. He may alternatively proceed under Clause (ii) or (iii).
Note 2: If a ball played from within a water hazard is declared unplayable outside the hazard, nothing in Rule 26-2b precludes the player from proceeding under Rule 28b or 28c.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
If the original ball is lost in an immovable obstruction
(Rule 24-2) or under a condition
covered by Rule 25-1 (casual water,
ground under repair and certain damage to the course), the player may
proceed under the applicable 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 in an immovable obstruction, under a condition
covered by Rule 25-1 or in a water
hazard.
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.
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 (see Rule 20-5).
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 27-1:
Match play - Loss of hole;
Stroke play - Two strokes.
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 is 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.
The player may declare his ball unplayable at any place on the
course except when the ball is in a
water hazard. 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 a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (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 point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped.
If the unplayable ball is in a bunker, the player may proceed under Clause a, b or c. If he 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 DefinitionsThreesome: 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.
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.
If a player plays when his partner should have played, his side shall lose the hole.
If the partners play a stroke or strokes in incorrect order, such stroke or strokes shall be cancelled and the side shall incur a penalty of two strokes. The side shall correct the error by playing a ball in correct order as nearly as possible at the spot from which it first played in incorrect order (see Rule 20-5). If the side plays a stroke from the next teeing ground without first correcting the error or, in the case of the last hole of the round, leaves the putting green without declaring its intention to correct the error, the side shall be disqualified.
Three-Ball: A match play competition in which three play against
one another, each playing his own ball. Each player is playing two
distinct matches.
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.
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.
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 play a ball without penalty as nearly as
possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played
(see Rule 20-5). In his match with the
other opponent, the ball shall be played as it lies.
Exception: Ball striking person attending flagstick - see Rule 17-3b.
(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by opponent - see Rule 1-2)
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. If the wrong ball belongs to another
player, its owner shall place a ball on the spot from which the wrong
ball was first played.
(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, 4-2 or 4-3 | Clubs |
Rule 5-1 or 5-2 | The Ball |
Rule 6-2a | Handicap (playing off higher handicap) |
Rule 6-4 | Caddie |
Rule 6-7 | Undue Delay; Slow Play (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
applicable 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.
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.
The Rules of Golf, so far as they are not at variance with the following special Rules, shall apply to four-ball stroke play.
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.
The side shall be penalised for a breach of Rule 4-4 by either partner.
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 6-6b.
(Wrong score - see Rule 31-7a)
Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers best.
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.
If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner shall
place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.
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, 4-2 or 4-3 | Clubs |
Rule 5-1 or 5-2 | The Ball |
Rule 6-2b | Handicap (playing off higher handicap; failure to record handicap) |
Rule 6-4 | Caddie |
Rule 6-6b | Signing and Returning Card |
Rule 6-6d | Wrong Score for Hole, i.e. when the recorded score of the partner whose score is to count is lower than actually taken. If the recorded score of the partner whose score is to count is higher than actually taken, it must stand as returned. |
Rule 6-7 | Undue Delay; Slow Play (repeated offence) |
Rule 7-1 | Practice Before or Between Rounds |
Rule 14-3 | Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment |
Rule 31-4 | Gross Score to count Not Individually Identifiable |
b. Breach by Both Partners
A side shall be disqualified:
(i) for a breach by both partners of Rule 6-3 (Time of Starting and Groups) or Rule 6-8 (Discontinuance of Play), or
(ii) if, at the same hole, each partner is in breach of a Rule the penalty for which is disqualification 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.
If a competitor's breach of a Rule assists his partner's play, the partner incurs the applicable 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.
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 or no score returned | 0 |
One over fixed score | 1 |
Fixed score | 2 |
One under fixed score | 3 |
Two under fixed score | 4 |
Three under fixed score | 5 |
Four under fixed score | 6 |
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.
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, 4-2 or 4-3 | Clubs |
Rule 5-1 or 5-2 | 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 | Signing and Returning Card |
Rule 6-6d | Wrong Score for Hole, except that no penalty shall be incurred when a breach of this Rule does not affect the result of the hole |
Rule 6-7 | Undue Delay; Slow Play (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 CommitteeThe Committee shall lay down the conditions under which a
competition is to be played.
The Committee has no power to waive a Rule of Golf.
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.
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.
Note: Where a single round is to be played on more than one day, the Committee may provide in the conditions of a competition that the holes and teeing grounds may be differently situated on each day of the competition, provided that, on any one day, all competitors play with each hole and each teeing ground in the same 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)
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.
The Committee shall publish a table indicating the order of holes at which handicap strokes are to be given or received.
In stroke play, the Committee shall issue for each competitor a
score card containing the date and the competitor’s name or, in
foursome or four-ball stroke play, the competitors’ names.
In stroke play, 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 and in the process applying the
handicaps recorded on the card, and adding the better-ball
scores.
In bogey, par and Stableford competitions, the Committee is
responsible for applying the handicap recorded on the card and
determining the result of each hole and the overall result or points
total.
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.
A penalty of disqualification may in exceptional individual cases
be waived, modified or imposed if the Committee considers such action
warranted.
Any penalty less than disqualification shall not be waived or
modified.
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.
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
(Rule 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.
There is no time limit on applying the disqualification penalty for a
breach of Rule 1-3.
b. Stroke Play
Except as provided below, in stroke play, no penalty shall be
rescinded, modified or imposed after the competition has closed. A
competition is deemed to have closed when the result has been
officially announced or, in stroke play qualifying followed by match
play, when the player has teed off in the first match.
Exceptions: A penalty of disqualification shall be imposed after the competition has closed if a competitor:
(i) was in breach of Rule 1-3
(Agreement to Waive Rules); or
(ii) returned a score card on which he had recorded a handicap which,
before the competition closed, he knew was higher than that to which
he was entitled, and this affected the number of strokes received
(Rule 6-2b); or
(iii) returned a score for any hole lower than actually taken
(Rule 6-6d) for any reason other than
failure to include a penalty which, before the competition closed, he
did not know he had incurred; or
(iv) knew, before the competition closed, that he had been in breach
of any other Rule for which the prescribed penalty is
disqualification.
If a referee has been appointed by the Committee, his decision shall be final.
In the absence of a referee, any dispute or doubtful point on the Rules shall be referred to the Committee, whose decision shall be final.
If the Committee cannot come to a decision, it shall refer the dispute or doubtful point to the Rules of Golf Committee of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, whose decision shall be final.
If the dispute or doubtful point 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