The Game of Golf consists in a ball being played from the teeing ground into the hole by successive strokes, with clubs and balls made in conformity with the Rules governing Form and Make of Golf Clubs and Balls.
A player is permitted to use during a round the clubs, not exceeding fourteen, in his bag when he started except that, without unfairly delaying play and without borrowing from an opponent or a partner or a fellow competitor, he may (1) replace a club which becomes unfit for play and (2) add a club or clubs up to the limit of fourteen.

Penalty - disqualification in both match and stroke play.

ETIQUETTE

1.   No one should move or talk or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole when the player is making a stroke.

2.   The player who has the honor should be allowed to play before his opponent tees his ball.

3.  No player should play until the players in front are out of range.

4.  When the result of a hole has been determined, players should immediately leave the putting green.

5.  Players while looking for a lost ball should allow other matches coming up to pass them; they should signal to the players following them to pass, and having given such signal, they should not continue their play until these players have passed and are out of range.

6.  A player should see that any turf cut or displaced by him is at once replaced and pressed down, and after the play of the hole is completed should see that any ball hole made by him in the putting green is eradicated.

7.  Players should carefully fill up all holes made in a bunker.

8.   Players should see that their caddies do not injure the holes by standing close to them or in replacing the flag-stick.

9.  Players should play without undue delay.

10.  Players who do not continue in the match play rounds of a tournament may, at the discretion of the committee in charge, forfeit any prize they have won in the qualifying round.

Priority on the Course

In the absence of special rules, singles, threesomes, or foursomes shall have precedence of and be entitled to pass any other kind of match. A single player has no standing, and shall give way to a match of any kind.

Any match playing a whole round shall be entitled to pass a match playing a shorter round.

If a match fail to keep its place on the course, and loses more than one clear hole on the players in front, it shall allow the match following to pass.

Definitions

1. A ‘side’ consists of one or more players. In the Rules the term covers (a) one or more players playing one ball, as in a single, threesome, foursome, three-ball match and best-ball match, and (b) all partners, each playing his own ball, in a best-ball or four-ball match.
If one player play against another, the match is called ‘a single.’
If one play against two, each side playing one ball, the match is called ‘a threesome.’
If two play against two, each side playing one ball, the match is called ‘a foursome.’
If three play against one another, each playing his own ball, the match is called a ‘three-ball match.’
If one play against the better or best ball of two or more players, the match is called a ‘best-ball match.’
If two play their better ball against the better ball of two other players, the match is called a ‘four-ball match.’

2. The ‘course’ is the whole area within which play is permitted.

3. ‘Through the green’ is the whole of the course except the teeing ground (Rule 5), hazards (Rule 17) and the putting green (Rule 18).

4. A ‘stroke’ is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking the ball.

5. A ‘penalty stroke’ is a stroke added to the score of a side under certain Rules, and does not affect the rotation of play.

6. A player has ‘addressed the ball’ when he has taken his stance by placing his feet on the ground in position for playing and has grounded his club, or, if in a hazard, when he has taken his stance preparatory to striking at the ball.

7. A ball is ‘in play’ as soon as the player has made a stroke on the teeing ground and it remains in play until holed out, except when it is out of bounds, lost, or lifted in accordance with the Rules.

8. The reckoning of holes is kept by the terms - so many ‘holes up,’ or ‘all even,’ and so many ‘to play.’
A side is ‘dormie’ when it is as many holes up as there are holes remaining to be played.

9.   A ‘competitor’ is a player in a stroke competition; a ‘fellow -competitor’ is the player with whom the competitor plays. Neither is a partner of the other.

For other Definitions, see Rules applying

Rule 1.  Authorities, Questions

Definitions
The ‘committee’ is the committee in charge of the competition.
A ‘referee’ is a person who has been appointed by the committee, or agreed upon by the players with the approval of the committee, to accompany a match to decide questions of fact and of golf law. He shall act on any breach of Rule which he may observe.
A ‘marker’ is a scorer and is not a referee. See Rule 20.
A referee or a marker shall never attend the flagstick or stand at or mark the hole; both are outside agencies (Rule 15).

(1) Referee. If a referee has been appointed by the committee, or agreed upon by the players with the committee’s approval, his decision shall be final. However, in stroke play the committee may limit a referee’s duties.

(2) Questions. Except as provided in (1) above, any question shall be decided by the committee, whose decision shall be final. The committee may, at its discretion, refer questions to the USGA Rules of Golf Committee. If there be no committee, any questions may be referred to an arbitrator, and his decision shall be final; should the interested players fail to agree on an arbitrator, they may submit a joint statement to the USGA Rules of Golf Committee, whose decision shall be final.
(a) Claims in Match Play. In match play if a question arise on any point, in order for a claim to be considered it must be made before the players play from the next teeing ground, or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before they leave the putting green. Any later claim based on newly discovered facts cannot be considered unless the player making the claim had been given wrong information by an opponent.
(b) Change in Stroke Play Rulings. In stroke play a committee may, at its discretion, change its own ruling at any time.

(3) Equity. If a point in question be not covered by the Rules of Golf or local rules, it shall be decided in equity.

(4) Doubt as to Rights. In stroke play only, when a competitor is doubtful of his rights, he may:
(1) play out the hole with the ball from where it lies and, at the same time, complete the play of the hole with a second ball under what he believes to be his rights under the Rules for the given situation.
(2) On completing the round he must report the facts immediately to the committee. If it be found that the Rules allow play in such manner as he played the second ball, his score with the second ball must be his score for the hole. To play a second ball in these circumstances constitutes an election to score with that ball if the rules permit. If the Rules do not allow play as the second ball was played, then the score with the original ball is the score for the hole. (The sole purpose of this ruling is to enable a player to avoid disqualification when doubtful of his rights; a player is not permitted to play in two ways and then choose his score).
(3) Before playing a stroke with either ball under this Rule, the player must announce to his marker his intention to play both the original ball and a second ball.

Note: The privilege of playing a second ball does not exist in match play.

Rule 2.  General Penalties

(1) The penalty for the breach of a Rule or local rule is the loss of the hole in match play and two strokes in stroke play, except when otherwise specifically provided in the Rules.
Penalty Qualified. When a player has holed out and his opponent has been left with a stroke for a half, nothing shall deprive the player of the half which he has already gained, but if the player thereafter incur any penalty under the Rules he shall concede the half of the hole.

(2) Waiving Rules and Penalties. Players shall not agree to exclude the operation of any Rule or local rule, nor to waive any penalty incurred.

Penalty - Disqualification of both sides.

(3) Delay in Play. A player who by delay in play unfairly interferes with the play of any other player shall be disqualified.

(4) Clubs and Balls. Players using clubs and balls which are not in conformity with the Rules Governing Form and Make of Golf Clubs and Balls shall be disqualified.

(5) Best-ball and Four-ball Matches. Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Rules, where a player would by the Rules incur the loss of the hole, he shall be disqualified for that hole, but the disqualification shall not apply to his partner.

Rule 3.  Conditions of Play: Winner

(1) In match play the game is played by holes.
Except as otherwise provided for in the Rules, a hole is won by the side which holes its ball in fewer strokes than the opposing side, and a hole is halved if both sides hole out in the same number of strokes.

A match consists of a round of eighteen holes (unless otherwise determined) and is won by the side which is leading by a number of holes greater than the number of holes remaining to be played, and is halved if each side wins the same number of holes.

(2) In stroke competition the competitor who holes the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner. A tie or ties shall be decided as and when the committee may determine.

The Rules of Golf Committee is of the opinion that it is hardly possible to play match and stroke play at the same time in a satisfactory manner, or without infringing Rules.

Rule 4  Advice

Definition. ‘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 as to the Rules is not advice. A player may have the line to the hole indicated to him by his partner or either of their caddies, but no mark shall be placed nor shall anyone stand on or close to the line while the stroke is being played.

(1) A player or a competitor may not give or ask for advice or take any action which may result in his receiving advice except from his caddie, his partner, or his partner’s caddie.
Note: A fellow competitor is not a partner, nor is a forecaddie a caddie.

(2) Information as to Strokes Played. A player is entitled at any time during the play of a hole to ascertain from his opponent the number of strokes the latter has played; if the opponent give wrong information as to the number of strokes he has played, he shall lose the hole, unless he correct his mistake before the player has played another stroke.
See Rule 2(1)

A player who has incurred a penalty shall state the fact to his opponent or his marker as soon as possible

Rule 5.  The Teeing Ground

Definitions
The ‘teeing-ground’ is the starting place for the hole to be played. The front shall be indicated by two marks, and the teeing-ground is a rectangular space of the depth of two club-lengths directly behind the line indicated by the two marks.

In ‘teeing’ the ball may be placed on the ground, or on sand or other substance in order to raise it off the ground.
A player may take his stance outside the limits of the teeing ground to play a ball within these limits.

Honor. The side which plays first from a teeing ground is said to have the ‘honor’.

(1) A match begins by each side playing a ball from the first teeing ground in the order of the draw. In the absence of a draw the option of taking the honor shall, if necessary, be decided by lot.
The side which wins a hole shall take the honor at the next teeing ground. If a hole has been halved the side which had the honor at the previous teeing ground shall retain it.
In any handicap match the honor is determined by the net scores of the preceding hole.

(2) Opponent May Recall Ball. If a player play when his opponent should have had the honor, or play a ball from outside the limits of the teeing ground, the ball may be at once recalled by the opposing side, and may be re-teed without penalty.
(a) Order of Play; Provisional Ball. Whenever a player having the honor has played a stroke (see Definition 4) from the teeing ground - no matter what the result may be - the opponent must play the next stroke. The playing of a provisional ball does not in any way affect the order in which the sides play, and if a player plays a provisional ball before his opponent has played a stroke the opponent may at once recall the stroke.

(3) Ball Falling off Tee. If a ball, when not in play, fall off a tee, or be knocked off a tee by the player in addressing it, it may be re-teed without penalty; if the ball be struck under these circumstances, whether moving or not, the stroke shall be counted but no penalty shall be incurred.

(4) In stroke play the honor shall be taken as in match play, but if a competitor by mistake play out of turn, no penalty shall be incurred, and the stroke cannot be recalled.

(5) In Stroke Play, Playing Outside Limits of Teeing Ground. If at any hole a competitor play his first stroke from outside the limits of the teeing ground, he shall count that stroke, tee a ball, and play his second stroke from within these limits.

Penalty - Disqualification

(6) In a threesome or foursome the partners shall strike off alternately from the teeing grounds.
(a) In stroke play, if the partners play a stroke or strokes in incorrect order, such stroke or strokes shall be cancelled, and the side shall be penalized two strokes. A ball shall then be put in play as nearly as possible at the spot from which the side first played in incorrect order. If the first ball was played from a teeing ground, a ball may be teed.

Rule 6.  Order Of Play

(1) When the balls are in play, the ball farther from the hole shall be played first. Through the green or in a hazard, if a player play when his opponent should have played, the opponent may at once recall the stroke, and a ball shall be dropped without penalty as near as possible to the place from which the previous stroke was played.
When the balls are equi-distant from the hole, the option of playing shall be decided by lot.

For teeing ground, see Rule 5
For putting green, see Rule 18(8)

(2) Stroke Play. Through the green, in a hazard or on the putting green the ball farther from the hole shall be played first, except as permitted by Rule 11(3) and (3a), but if by mistake a competitor play out of turn no penalty shall be incurred and the stroke cannot be recalled.

(3) Three-Ball, Best-Ball and Four-Ball Matches. Through the green or in a hazard, a player shall incur no penalty for playing when an opponent should have done so, and the stroke may not be recalled.
On the putting green the stroke may be recalled by an opponent, but no penalty shall be incurred.

(4) Best-Ball and Four-Ball Matches. Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side deems best.

(5) In a threesome or foursome, after a side has struck off from the teeing ground, the partners thereafter shall strike alternately during the play of each hole.
(a) In stroke play, if the partners play a stroke or strokes in incorrect order, such stroke or strokes shall be cancelled, and the side shall be penalized two strokes. A ball shall then be put in play as nearly as possible at the spot from which the side first played in incorrect order. If the first ball was played from a teeing ground, a ball may be teed; if from through the green or a hazard, it shall be dropped; if on the putting green, it shall be placed.

Rule 7.  Impediments and Obstructions

(1) Irregularities of surface which could in any way affect the player’s stroke shall not be removed or pressed down by the player, his partner, or either of their caddies; a player is, however, always entitled to place his feet firmly on the ground when taking his stance, but he is not allowed to build a stance.

(2) Definition. Loose Impediments. The term ‘loose impediments’ denotes any impediments not fixed or growing, and includes dung, worms, worm-casts and loose stones. For snow and ice, see Rule 16.
Rocks embedded in the ground are ‘things fixed.’

Removal of Loose Impediments. Except when the ball lies in or touches a hazard, any loose impediment may be removed without penalty.
If the ball move after any loose impediment lying within a club length of the ball through the green has been touched by the player, his partner, or either of their caddies, the player shall be deemed to have caused the ball to move and the penalty shall be one stroke.

For putting green, see Rule 18(2)
For hazards, see Rule 17(1c)

(3) Fixed or Growing Impediments. Before playing a player shall not improve the position of his ball by moving, bending, or breaking anything fixed or growing, except (1) so far as is necessary to enable him fairly to take his stance in addressing the ball, and (2) in making his backward or forward swing. The club may be grounded only lightly, and not pressed on the ground.

A practice swing may be taken any place on the course provided the player does not violate the provisions of Rules 7 and 17.
For practice strokes, see Rule 13(5).
Drawing the club back and forward across the line of play is illegal.

Looking for Ball. If a ball lie in bushes, long grass, or the like, only so much thereof may be touched as will enable the player to find his ball.
For ball covered by sand, see Rule 17(1e)
A player is entitled to find his ball. Once found he is not of necessity entitled to a sight of the ball when playing his stroke but must play the ball as it lies.

(4) Artificial Obstructions. Definition. An ‘obstruction’ is any flagstick, sand box, ball-washer, implement, stake, guidepost, vehicle, seat, shelter or similar obstruction (but not other buildings); clothes; drain covers; a hole made by the greenkeeper; material piled for removal, including a pile of leaves or cut grass; guy wires and other material used to support trees, poles and other objects; artificial poles for electric wires; artificial steps not made entirely of earth, but not steps of buildings which are not classified as obstructions under this Rule; parts of bridges and abutments not in confines of hazards; protective screens, ropes, and railings; stakes defining hazards and boundaries, but not fences or fence posts; parts of water systems and their covers, containers, bases and supports, including fountains, pumps, pump houses, tanks, valves, hose and sprinklers; traps for insects or animals; boards for scores and notices; tents; refreshment stands; paper, bottles and similar artificial objects.
(a) Any such obstruction may be removed. A ball moved in so doing must be lifted without penalty and dealt with as provided in Rule 10(5). If lifted from a hazard, the ball must be dropped in the hazard.
(b) A ball lying on or touching such an obstruction may be lifted without penalty and dropped, or on the putting green placed, within two club-lengths of that point of the obstruction nearest where the ball originally lay, and must come to rest not nearer the hole. If lifted from a hazard, the ball must be dropped in the hazard.
(c) If the player’s backward or forward swing or his stance for a stroke in the desired direction be interfered with by any such immovable obstruction which is within two club-lengths of his ball, the ball may be lifted without penalty and dropped, or on the putting green placed, within two club-lengths of that point of the obstruction nearest where the ball originally lay, and must come to rest not nearer the hole. If lifted from a hazard, the ball must be dropped in the hazard.

(5) Ground Under Repair. It is the duty of the authorities in charge of a course to define accurately the extent of any ground under repair; however, in emergency, the committee or the referee may declare an area as ground under repair even though it may not have been so marked. Stakes and lines defining ground under repair are not in such ground.
(a) Teeing Ground, Through the Green, and Hazards. If a ball be found in ground under repair, or if ground under repair interfere with the player’s stance or his backward or forward swing, the ball may be lifted without penalty and dropped outside such ground within two club-lengths of the nearest margin, and must come to rest not nearer the hole. If lifted from a hazard, the ball must be dropped in the hazard. If the ball, when dropped, roll into a position from which this Rule gives relief, it may be redropped without penalty.
(b) On the Putting Green. Ground under repair may be treated as if it were casual water as provided in Rule 16(2 and 3).
(c) A ball in ground under repair may be played as it lies unless a local rule prohibits.

(6) Hole or Runway Made by Burrowing Animal:
(a) Teeing Ground, Through the Green, and Hazards. If a ball lie in or touch a hole, a cast or a runway made by a burrowing animal or a reptile or a bird, or if such a condition interfere with the player’s stance or his backward or forward swing, the ball may be lifted without penalty and dropped as near as possible to the place where it lay, and must come to rest not nearer the hole. If lifted from a hazard, the ball must be dropped in the hazard. If the ball, when dropped, roll into a position from which this Rule gives relief, it may be redropped without penalty,
(b) On the Putting Green. A condition as described in (a) above may be treated as if it were casual water as provided in Rule 16(2 and 3).

(7) Flagstick. The flagstick my be removed by either side at any time. A player may, however, always have the position of the hole indicated to him. This may be done by any player or caddie in the match, and the flagstick may be used for this purpose and held up. A player may send his own caddie to attend the flagstick while he plays his stroke. The player playing the stroke may not require an opponent or an opponent’s caddie to indicate the position of the hole. If a player or a caddie hold or remove the flagstick when a stroke is being played, he shall be deemed to continue to hold the flagstick until the ball comes to rest.
If the player’s ball strike the flagstick when it is held or has been removed by himself or his partner or by either of their caddies, his side shall lose the hole. If the player’s ball strike the flagstick when it is held by or has been removed by an opponent or his caddie, the opponent’s side shall lose the hole. The penalty applies when the flagstick has been removed or when it is attended, regardless of whether it be actually held when struck.
If the ball rest against the flagstick which is in the hole, the player may remove the flagstick, and, if the ball fall into the hole, the player shall be deemed to have holed at his last stroke.
In match play there is no penalty for striking the flagstick when it has not been removed or is not attended by either side.

Note - A referee or a marker (see Rule 21(4)) shall never attend the flagstick or stand at or mark the hole; both are outside agencies (Rule 15).

(8) In stroke play when a competitor’s ball lying within twenty yards of the hole is played and strikes the flagstick or the person standing at the hole, the penalty is two strokes. When a flagstick is attended the penalty is incurred when the ball is played from any distance.
Neglect on the part of the person standing at the hole does not exempt the competitor from incurring the penalty.

Rule 8.  Lost or Unplayable Ball

Definitions.
A ball is ‘lost’ if it be not found within five minutes after the player’s side or his or their caddies have begun to search for it, and if subsequently found may not be played.

The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable. It may be declared unplayable at any place on the course.

(1) Except as provided for in Rule 17(2), if a ball be lost or be deemed by the player to be unplayable, the player shall play his next stroke as nearly as possible at the spot from which the ball which is lost or unplayable was played, adding a penalty stroke to the score for the hole.
If the stroke was played from the teeing ground, a ball may be teed; if from through the green or a hazard, it shall be dropped; and if on the putting green, it shall be placed.
For a provisional ball for a ball lost or unplayable, see Rule 19.
A person outside the match may point out the location of the ball for which search is being made.

(2) Lifting Ball in Stroke Play. A ball may be lifted under this Rule from any place on the course except a water hazard or casual water in a hazard, play from which is governed by Rule 17(2).
If a competitor lift a ball under Rule 8(2) he shall either
(a) play a ball as provided under Rule 8(1) or
(b) tee and play a ball under penalty of two strokes, keeping the point from which the ball was lifted between him and the hole; if this be impossible, he shall tee and play a ball under penalty of two strokes as near as possible to the place from which the ball was lifted but not nearer the hole.
In preparing a tee as above authorized, the player is exempted from the restrictions imposed by Rule 7(3).
(c) If in stroke play a competitor play a provisional ball under Rule 19 and find his first ball unplayable he must continue play with the provisional ball. He may not proceed under Rule 8(2a or b)

Penalty - Disqualification

Rule 9.   Ball Out of Bounds

Definition. ‘Out of Bounds’ is ground on which play is prohibited, but it does not include ground under repair. A ball is ‘out of bounds’ when the greater part of it lies outside the course. When boundaries are fixed by stakes or fences, the exact line is the inside line, at the ground, of the fence posts or stakes; when a boundary is determined by a white line, the line itself is in bounds.

(1) If a ball lie out of bounds, the player shall play his next stroke as nearly as possible at the spot from which the ball which is out of bounds was played. If the stroke was played from the teeing ground, a ball may be teed; if from through the green or a hazard, it shall be dropped; and if on the putting green, it shall be placed.

Penalty - Distance only

When a ball has been struck toward out of bounds, it is a question of fact whether a ball is out of bounds or lost in bounds. For the player to treat the ball as being out of bounds, there must be reasonable evidence to that effect. If, on reaching the place where the ball is likely to be, the player or his opponent be in doubt, the player may not assume that the ball is out of bounds until a search of five minutes has been made.
For a provisional ball for a ball out of bounds, see Rule 19.

(2) Ascertaining Location of Ball. A player at any time may ascertain whether his opponent’s ball is out of bounds.

(3) A player may stand out of bounds to play a ball lying within bounds.

Penalty for violation of Rule 9 in stroke play is disqualification

Rule 10.   Playing, Touching, Cleaning and Placing Ball

(1) Ball to Be Fairly Struck at. The ball must be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or spooned.

(2) Ball Played Wherever It Lies and not Touched. A ball may not be touched and must be played wherever it lies except as otherwise provided for in the Rules or local rules. Except in a hazard, the player may, without penalty, touch his ball with his club in the act of addressing it, provided he does not move the ball.

(3) Holing out Original Ball. A player must hole out with the ball driven from the tee unless it be lost or unplayable or played out of bounds or into a water hazard or casual water or become unfit for play. In any such case a player may substitute another ball as provided in the Rules.

(4) Cleaning Ball. A ball lifted from a water hazard or casual water or from ground under repair may be cleaned; otherwise a player may not clean a ball except to the extent necessary for identification.

(5) Dropping and Placing. When a ball is lifted and dropped under the Rules, it must be dropped as near as possible to the place where it lay and must not come to rest nearer the hole.
If the ball when dropped come to rest nearer the hole, it shall be re-dropped without penalty; and in cases where it is impossible owing to the configuration of the ground to prevent a dropped ball from rolling nearer the hole, the ball shall be placed.
A ball lifted from the putting green must be replaced on the spot from which it was lifted, except as otherwise provided for in the Rules.

For hazards, see Rule 17.

How to Drop a Ball. The player himself shall drop it. He shall face the hole, stand erect, and drop the ball behind him over his shoulder.
If, in dropping, the ball touch the player, he shall incur no penalty; or, if it roll into a hazard, he may re-drop without penalty.

Rule 11.   Lifting, Identification

It is recommended that each player place an identification mark upon his ball

(1) For Identification. On notice to the opponent in match play and to the fellow competitor in stroke play, a ball in play may be lifted for identification, but it must be replaced on the spot from which it was lifted.

(2) Balls within a Club-Length. When a ball not on the putting green lies within a club-length of another ball, the ball lying nearer to the hole may, at the option of either the player or the opponent, be lifted until the other ball is played, and shall then be replaced as near as possible to the place where it lay.
If either ball be accidentally moved in complying with this Rule, no penalty shall be incurred, and the ball so moved shall be replaced.
If the lie of the lifted ball be altered in playing the other ball, the lifted ball shall be placed as near as possible to the place where it lay and in a lie similar to that which it originally occupied.

(3) In stroke play a competitor may have any other competitor’s ball played or lifted, at the option of its owner, if he find that it interferes with his play. If the latter refuse to comply with this Rule when requested to do so, he shall be disqualified.
(a) Ball Nearer Hole of Assistance to Player. If a competitor whose ball is the nearer to the hole consider that his ball might be of assistance to his fellow competitor, he shall lift it or play first.
(b) Ball Lifted when Competitor’s Ball in Motion. If a competitor lift his ball while the fellow competitor’s ball is in motion, he shall incur a penalty of two strokes.
(c) Ball Lifted before Holed Out. If a competitor or his caddie pick up his ball from the putting green before it is holed out (except as permitted by the Rules), he shall, before he has struck off from the next teeing ground, or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before he has left the putting green, be permitted to replace the ball under penalty of two strokes.

(4) Three-Ball, Best-Ball and Four-Ball Matches. Any player may have any ball in the match lifted or played, at the option of its owner, if he consider that it might interfere with his play. An opponent may have any ball in the match (except the ball about to be played) lifted or played at the option of the player, if he consider that it might be of assistance to the player. In both cases the ball must be lifted or played before the player has played his stroke.

For lifting a ball from a putting green other than that being played to, see Rule 18(10)

Rule 12.   Ball Moved or Striking

Definitions.
A ball is deemed to have moved if it leave its position and come to rest in any other place.
A ‘rub of the green’ occurs when a ball in motion is stopped or deflected by any outside agency.

(1) Accidentally. When a ball is in play, if a player or his partner or either of their caddies accidentally moves it, or by touching anything cause it to move, the penalty is one stroke. If the ball lay on the putting green, it shall be replaced.
(a) In a Best-Ball or Four-Ball Match if a player or his caddie or forecaddie move his partner’s ball, the partner incurs a penalty of one stroke. If the ball lay on the putting green, it shall be replaced.
(b) After Ball is Addressed. If a ball in play move after the player has addressed it, he shall be deemed to have caused it to move, and the penalty shall be one stroke. If the ball lay on the putting green, it shall be replaced. If the player has lifted a loose impediment (see Rules 7(2) and 18(2)) and the ball has not moved until the player has addressed it, he shall be deemed only to have caused the ball to move under Section (1b) of this Rule, and the penalty shall be one stroke. If the ball lay on the putting green, it shall be replaced.

(2) Striking Ball Twice. If a player when making a stroke hit the ball twice, he shall count the stroke and a penalty stroke in addition.

(3) Playing a Moving Ball. A player shall not play while his ball is moving, except in the case of a teed ball (Rule 5(3)) or a ball struck twice or a ball in water (Rule 17(3)). When the ball begins to move while the player is making his backward or forward swing, he shall incur no penalty under this Rule, but he is not exempted from the provisions of Rule 7(2) or Rule 18(2).

Ball Moved by Another Ball.
(4) Opponent’s by Player’s. In match play if the player’s ball move the opponent’s ball, the opponent, if he choose, may drop, or in a hazard or on the putting green may place, the ball as near as possible to the spot from which the original ball was moved, without penalty, but this must be done before another stroke is played by either side.
(a) If the player’s ball stop on the spot formerly occupied by the opponent’s ball and the opponent declare his intention to replace his ball, the player shall first play another stroke, after which the opponent shall replace his ball.
(b) Knocked into Hole. If the player’s ball knock the opponent’s ball into the hole, the opponent shall be deemed to have holed out at his last stroke.
(c) In Stroke play, Ball Striking Fellow Competitor’s Ball. When both balls are on the putting green, if a competitor’s ball strike a fellow competitor’s ball, the competitor incurs a penalty of two strokes, and the ball which was struck shall be at once replaced.
(d) If a competitor’s ball which is at rest be moved by another competitor or his caddie or forecaddie or his clubs or his ball, the ball shall be replaced.
Penalty - Disqualification.
(e) Three-Ball, Best-Ball and Four-Ball Matches. If a player’s ball move any other ball in the match, the moved ball must be replaced as near as possible to the spot where it lay, without penalty.

Ball Striking or Moved by Opponent, etc.
(5) If a player’s ball strike or be moved by an opponent or his caddie or forecaddie or his clubs, the opponent’s side shall lose the hole, except as provided for in Rules 2(1), 11(2), 12(4) and (5a), and 18(7) and (9).
(a) By Opponent in Search. If a player or his caddie when searching for an opponent’s or fellow competitor’s ball accidentally touch or move it, no penalty shall be incurred, and the ball, if moved, shall be replaced.
(b) In stroke play if a competitor’s ball strike another competitor or his clubs or his caddie or forecaddie, it is a rub of the green, except as provided for in Rule 7(8), and the ball shall be played from where it lies.
(c) In a three-ball match if a player’s ball strike or be moved by an opponent or an opponent’s caddie or forecaddie or clubs, that opponent shall lose the hole to the player. As to the other opponent, Rule 15(1) or (3) covers, as the case may be.
(d) In a best-ball or four-ball match if a player’s ball strike or be moved by an opponent or an opponent’s caddie or forecaddie or clubs, the opponent’s side shall lose the hole except as provided in Rules 2(1), 11(2) and 12(5a).

Ball striking the Player, etc.
(6) If a player’s ball strike himself or his partner or either of their caddies or forecaddies or their clubs, his side shall lose the hole.
In stroke play the penalty is two strokes.

(a) Best-Ball and Four-Ball Matches. If a player’s ball strike himself, his partner, either of their caddies or forecaddies or their clubs, only that player shall be disqualified for that hole.

Rule 13.   Playing Wrong Ball

It is recommended that each player place an identification mark upon his ball

(1) If a player play the opponent’s ball his side shall lose the hole, unless:
(a) the opponent then inadvertently play the player’s ball, in which case the penalty is cancelled, and the hole shall be played out with the balls thus exchanged, or
(b) the mistake occur through wrong information given by an opponent or his caddie or forecaddie, in which case there shall be no penalty; in such case, if the mistake be discovered before the opponent has played his next stroke, it shall be rectified by dropping, or on the putting green placing, a ball as near as possible to the place where the opponent’s ball lay.

(2) Playing Ball Outside the Match. If a player play a stroke with the ball of anyone not engaged in the match, and the mistake be discovered and stated to his opponent before his opponent has played his next stroke, there shall be no penalty; if the mistake be not discovered and so stated until after the opponent has played his next stroke, the player’s side shall lose the hole.

(3) Playing with Wrong Ball in Stroke Play. If a competitor play a stroke with a ball other than his own properly in play, he shall incur no penalty provided he then play his own ball; but if he play two or more consecutive strokes with a wrong ball, he shall incur a penalty of two strokes and shall then play his own ball.
(a) Exceptions in Hazards. In a hazard, if a competitor play a stroke or strokes with a ball other than his own, he shall incur no penalty. He shall then play his own ball.

Penalty - Disqualification

(4) Best-Ball and Four-Ball Matches. If a player play a stroke with a ball of anyone not engaged in the match, Rule 13(2) governs, except that if the mistake be not discovered and so stated until after an opponent has played his next stroke the player’s side shall lose the hole.
(a) If a player play an opponent’s ball, except as set forth under Rule 13 (1a and b), the player only shall be disqualified for that hole, and the opponent whose ball has been played shall drop, or on the putting green place, a ball as provided under Rule 10(5).
(b) If a player play a stroke with his partner’s ball, and the mistake be discovered and stated to the other side before an opponent has played another stroke, the player shall be disqualified for that hole, and his partner shall drop a ball as near as possible to the spot from which his ball was played, without penalty. If the mistake be not discovered until after an opponent has played a stroke, the player’s side shall lose the hole.

(5) Practice Stroke. After playing from the first teeing ground a player shall not play a practice stroke with a ball from any teeing ground or during the play of a hole.

Penalty in stroke play - Disqualification.
For practice swings, see Rule 7(3).
For delay in play, see Rule 2(3)

Rule 14.   Ball Unfit for Play

(1) If a ball be so damaged as to be unfit for play, the player may replace it with another ball under the following conditions:
(a) In match play. The referee shall decide whether the ball is unfit for play; if there be no referee, the player shall inform his opponent of his intention to replace it.
(b) In stroke play. The player shall inform his fellow competitor or marker of his intention.

(2) Mud adhering to a ball does not make it unfit for play.

(3) Cleaning a ball in play is penalized as provided in Rule 2(1), except under special rulings by the committee.
See Definition 7

Rule 15.   Rub of the Green and Outside Agency

(1) A ‘rub of the green’ occurs when a ball in motion is stopped or deflected by any outside agency. In such an event the ball shall be played from where it lies.

(2) If a ball lodge in anything moving, a ball shall be dropped, or if on the putting green placed, as near as possible to the spot where the object was when the ball lodged in it, without penalty.

(3) Ball Displaced by Outside Agency. If the lie of a ball at rest be altered by any outside agency except wind, the player shall drop, or on the putting green place, a ball as near as possible to the place where it lay, without penalty.

This Rule applies to a ball that has been stepped on or otherwise driven into the ground by an outside agency.

Rule 16.   Casual Water

Definition. ‘Casual water’ is any temporary accumulation of water which is not one of the ordinary and recognised hazards of the course. Snow and ice are casual water unless otherwise determined by local rule.

(1) Through the Green. If a ball lie or be lost in casual water through the green the player may drop a ball, without penalty, on firm ground as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer to the hole. If a ball when dropped roll into the water, it may be redropped without penalty.

(2) On the Putting Green. If a ball on the putting green lie in casual water, or if casual water intervene between a ball lying on the putting green and the hole, the ball may be played where it lies, or may be lifted without penalty and placed in the nearest position to where it lay which is not nearer the hole and which affords a stroke to the hole without casual water intervening.

Note - This Rule takes precedence over the provision for stymies in Rule 18(7).

(3) Interfering with Stance. A ball lying so near to casual water that the water interferes with the player’s stance may be treated as if it lay in the casual water.

(4) Exceptional Cases. If it be impossible for a player to drop a ball in conformity with section (1) or to place it in conformity with section (2), he shall drop or place as nearly as possible within the limits laid down but not nearer to the hole.

For casual water in hazards, see Rule 17(2).

Rule 17.   Hazards

Definition. A ‘hazard’ is any bunker, water (except casual water not in a hazard), ditch, sand or road. Sand blown on to the grass or sprinkled on the course for its preservation, bare patches, scrapes, tracks and paths are not hazards.

A ‘bunker’ is that part of a depression in the ground where the soil is exposed, and sometimes covered with sand. Grass in a bunker is not part of the hazard, unless so defined by local rule.
It is the duty of the authorities in charge of a course accurately to define the extent of the hazards. When the boundaries of hazards are fixed by stakes or white lines, the stakes and lines are not in the hazards.

‘Tracks’ means marks left by the occasional passage of vehicles or of greenkeepers’ equipment as distinguished from a roadway constructed or established by usage and customarily used for passage from and to definite points.

(1) When a ball lies in or touches a hazard the club shall not touch the ground, nor shall anything be touched or moved, before the player strikes at the ball, subject to the following exceptions:
(a) The player may place his feet firmly on the ground for the purpose of taking his stance.
(b) In addressing the ball, or in the backward or forward swing, any grass, bent, bush, tree or other growing substance, or the side of a bunker, wall, paling, or other immovable obstacle may be touched.
(c) Any loose impediment not in or touching the hazard may be lifted.
(d) The play is entitled to find his ball as provided for by Rule 7(3).
(e) If a ball be completely covered by sand, only so much thereof may be removed as will enable the player to see the top of the ball; if the ball be touched in removing the sand, no penalty shall be incurred.

For artificial obstructions, see Rule 7(4).
For ground under repair, see Rule 7(5).
For hole or runway made by burrowing animal, see Rule 7(6).
For another ball within a club-length, see Rule 11(2).

There is no penalty for the player smoothing irregularities in the hazard made by his footprints or the soil displaced by his stroke, provided nothing is done that improves the lie of the ball or assists the player in his subsequent play of the hole.

(2) If a ball lie or be lost in a recognised water hazard (whether the ball lie in water or not) or in casual water in a hazard, the player may drop a ball, under penalty of one stroke, either
(a) behind the hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball crossed the margin of the hazard between himself and the hole, or
(b) in the hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball entered the water between himself and the hole; or
(c) if the ball was played from the teeing ground, a ball may be teed, under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible from which the original ball was played.

If it be impossible for a player to drop a ball in conformity with this Rule, he shall drop as nearly as possible within the limits laid down, but not nearer the hole. If to drop a ball in conformity with Rule 17(2) may result in the ball becoming unplayable or unfairly difficult to play, then a local rule should state where the ball may be dropped, not nearer the hole, so that it may be fairly playable.

If a ball cross the margin of a water hazard more than once, the last point of crossing determines the line on which the ball shall be dropped.

It is a question of fact whether a ball lost after having been struck toward a water hazard is lost in the hazard or outside the hazard. In order for the player to treat the ball as having been lost in the water hazard and to proceed in accordance with Rule 17(2), there must be reasonable evidence that the ball lodged in the water hazard. In the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated as a lost ball, and Rule 8 applies.

The Rules do not permit the playing of a provisional ball for a ball which may be in water hazard or in casual water in a hazard. See Rule 19(e).

There is no limitation as to how far behind a hazard a ball may be dropped.
Grass within the boundaries of a water hazard is part of the hazard, and when a ball lies thereon the club shall not touch the ground, etc. It is the duty of local committees to indicate the boundaries of water hazards by white stakes or otherwise.

(3) When a ball is in water a player may, without penalty, strike at it while it is moving, but he must not delay playing in order to allow the current to better the position of the ball.

Rule 18.   Putting Green

Definitions. The ‘putting green’ is all ground, except hazards, within twenty yards of the hole being played.
The hole shall be 4¼ inches in diameter and at least 4 inches deep. If a metal lining be used, it shall be sunk below the lip of the hole, and its outer diameter shall not exceed 4¼ inches.
Lining (cups) shall be sunk approximately one inch below the putting green surface unless the nature of the soil makes it impracticable to so do. Linings must be of metal, but may be of any color, Cardboard, composition or linings other than metal may not be used.

For flagstick, see Rule 7(7) and (8)

(1) New holes should be made on the day on which stroke competitions begin.

(2) Removal of Loose Impediments. If the player’s ball, when on the putting green, move after any loose impediment lying within six inches of it has been touched by the player, his partner, or either of their caddies, the player shall be deemed to have caused it to move. The ball must be replaced and the penalty shall be one stroke.

In moving any loose impediment with the club it must not be laid with more than its own weight upon the ground, nor may anything be pressed down either with the club or in any other way.

(3) Touching line of Putt. The line of the putt may not be touched, except by placing the club immediately in front of the ball in the act of addressing it and as above authorized.
It is not permissible to touch the ground behind the hole in order to point out the line of a putt.

(4) Direction of Putting. When the player’s ball is on the putting green, the player’s caddie, his partner or his partner’s caddie may, before the stroke is played, point out a direction for putting, but they shall not touch the ground on the proposed line of the stroke. No mark shall be placed anywhere on the putting green.

During the play of a hole a player shall not test the surface especially prepared for putting; he shall not roll a ball or roughen or scrape the surface.

(5) Shielding Ball from Wind. Any player or caddie engaged in the match may stand at the hole, but no player or caddie shall endeavor to influence the action of the wind upon the ball.

(6) Opponent’s Ball to Be at Rest. When the player’s ball lies on the putting green, he shall not play until the opponent’s ball is at rest.

(7) Stymie. When the balls are on the putting green and the nearer ball lies within six inches of the hole, or one ball lies within six inches of the other (the distance in both cases to be measured from the nearest points), the ball lying nearer to the hole may, at the option of either the player or the opponent, be lifted until the other ball is played, and the lifted ball shall then be replaced as near as possible to the place where it lay. If either ball be accidentally moved in complying with this Rule, no penalty shall be incurred and the ball so moved shall be replaced.

A player is laid a stymie if, on the putting green, the opponent’s ball lie in the line of his putt to the hole, provided the balls be not within six inches of each other and the nearer ball be not within six inches of the hole.

(8) Playing Out of Turn. On the putting green, if a player play when his opponent should have played, the stroke shall be at once recalled.

Note - For a ball which is displaced on the putting green, see Rule 15(2) and (3).
For a player playing the opponent’s ball on the putting green, see Rule 13(1).
For casual water on the putting green, see Rule 16(2).

(9) Ball on Lip of Hole. When the player has holed out and the opponent’s ball has come to rest, the player may knock away the opponent’s ball, claiming the hole or conceding the half as the case may be.
If the player does not knock away the opponent’s ball and it fall into the hole, the opponent shall be deemed to have holed out at his last stroke.
If the opponent’s ball has not been knocked away, the opponent shall play any subsequent stroke without delay.

Note - Whether a ball has come to rest is a question of fact. If there be reasonable doubt, the owner of the ball may require a momentary delay to settle the doubt. There is no specified time limit for determining the fact.

(10) Ball on Wrong Putting Green. A ball lying on any surface especially prepared for putting other than the one being played to must be lifted and dropped off the prepared surface at the nearest available point not nearer the hole and not in a hazard, without penalty.

For ball striking fellow competitor’s ball on the putting green, see Rule 12(4c).
For lifting ball on putting green in stroke play, except as permitted, see Rule 11(3c).
For order of play on putting green in stroke play, in three-ball, best-ball and four-ball matches, and in threesome or foursome, see Rule 6(2), (3), (4) and (5).

Rule 19.   Provisional Ball

If a ball has been played to a part of the course where it may be lost, unplayable or out of bounds, the player may in order to save time, at once play another ball provisionally (see (d) below); but if the first ball be not lost, unplayable or out of bounds, it shall continue in play without penalty.
(a) The player may continue to play with a provisional ball until he reaches the place where the previous ball is likely to be.
(b) A provisional ball may be played only before the player or his partner goes forward to search for the ball which has been played with the previous stroke. If the stroke was played from the teeing ground, a ball may be teed; if from through the green or a hazard, it shall be dropped; if on a putting green, it shall be placed.
(c) A player is under no obligation to state that he is playing a provisional ball for one of the reasons set forth in this Rule. A provisional ball covers all possibilities.
(d) The playing of a provisional ball from the teeing ground does not in any way affect the order in which the sides shall play. See Rule 5(2).
(e) A provisional ball may not be played for a ball which may be in a water hazard or in casual water in a hazard. If a provisional ball has been played because the first ball may be lost, unplayable or out of bounds and the first ball is found to be in a water hazard or casual water in a hazard, then if the second ball has been played in accordance with Rule 17(2)(a), (b) or (c), the player must proceed with the second ball, abandoning the first ball. If, however, the second ball has not been played in accordance with Rule 17(2)(a), (b) or (c), then the player must abandon the second ball and proceed with the first ball. (For a possible modification to this Rule, see Recommendations for Local Rules, Water Hazards, 3).
(f) A provisional ball is never an outside agency.

Rule 20.   Starting on Time, Discontinuing Play, Protection Against Lightning

(1) Starting on Time; Not to Discontinue Play. Players shall start at the times and in the order arranged by the committee. They shall not discontinue play or start early or late on account of bad weather or for any reason except such as the committee may consider satisfactory or unless directed by the committee.

Penalty - disqualification

(a) Exception for Protection Against Lightning. If a player thinks he is endangered by lightning, he may discontinue play or delay to start, without penalty. If he does so without specific permission from the committee, he should report it to the committee as soon as possible. (Players are urged to seek proper shelter and committees are urged to do everything possible to help protect players in the event of lightning).
(b) General Exception in Match Play. Players discontinuing match play by agreement are not subject to disqualification unless they unfairly delay play (see Rule 2(3)).

(2) Discontinuing Play. In discontinuing play under the Rules, a player may either first complete the play of the hole on which he is engaged or lift his ball without penalty. In the latter case, if the ball does not lie in a hazard, the player may place a tee or similar marker firmly in the ground as near as possible to the place where the ball lay; if the ball lie in a hazard, he should note carefully its lie and position.

(3) Resuming Play. Play shall be resumed from the point at which it was discontinued, even though resumption may occur on a subsequent day. If the ball had been lifted during play of a hole as authorized in (2) above, it shall be replaced on the spot from which it was lifted.
(a) Exception in Stroke Play: Course Unplayable. In stroke play, the committee may at any time declare play null and void and may cancel all scores for the round in question if it consider the course unplayable or that insufficient light renders proper play impossible or if it would be inequitable to order resumption of play as provided in (3) above.
Note - Match Play shall be resumed from the point where it was discontinued.

Rule 21.   Rules for Stroke Competitions

See Authorities (Rule 1), General Penalties (Rule 2) and Conditions of Play (Rule 3)

(1) General Rule. The Rules for match play, so far as they are not at variance with specific Rules for stroke play, shall apply to stroke competitions. The converse is not true.

(2) Order of Play. Unless otherwise sanctioned by the committee, competitors shall play in couples; if there be a single competitor, the committee shall provide him with a player who shall mark for him, or select a marker for him and allow him to compete alone, or allow him to compete with another couple. The order and times of starting should, when possible, be determined by lot.

(3) Practice on Day of Competition. On a day of competition a competitor shall not practice before starting by playing on or on to any of the putting greens, nor shall he play at any putting green of the stipulated round which is within his reach.

Penalty - Disqualification

(4) The Scores:
Definition. ‘A marker’ is a scorer, but is not a referee. A fellow competitor may be a marker; as such, he is exempt from the penalties stated below in (b) and (c). A caddie cannot be a marker except by special ruling of the committee.
(a) How Scores Are Kept. The committee shall issue to each competitor’s marker a score card containing the date and the competitor’s name. After each hole the marker shall check the score with the competitor. On completion of the round the marker shall sign the card and hand it to the competitor; should more than one marker record the scores, each shall sign the part for which he is responsible.
(b) The competitor shall check his score for each hole, settle any doubtful points with the committee, sign it, and return it to the committee as soon as possible.

Penalty - Disqualification.

The competitor is solely responsible for the correctness of the score reported for each hole. The committee is responsible for addition of hole-by-hole scores.

(c) No alteration may be made on a card after the competitor has returned it to the committee. If a competitor return a score for any hole lower than actually played, he shall be disqualified. A score higher than actually played must stand as returned.

(5) Must Hole Out with own Ball. A competitor shall hole out with his own ball at every hole under penalty of disqualification.

See Definition 7 and rule 11(3c).

(6) Foursome Competitions. The Rules for Stroke Competitions shall apply to stroke play foursome competitions; and where the context so admits, the word ‘competitor’ shall be held to include the ‘partner’.

Rule 22.   Rules for Par Competitions

A par competition is a form of stroke competition in which play is against a fixed score at each hole of the stipulated round or rounds.
The reckoning is made as in match play and the winner is the competitor who is most successful in the aggregate of holes. The Rules for Stroke Competitions shall apply with the following exceptions:
(1) Any hole for which a competitor makes no return shall be regarded as a loss. The marker shall be responsible only for the marking of the correct number of strokes at each hole at which a competitor makes a score either equal to or less than the fixed score, under handicap.
(2) Any breach of Rule which entails the penalty of disqualification shall disqualify the competitor only for the hole at which the breach of Rule occurred; but a competitor shall not be exempted from disqualification imposed by Rule 20(1) and Rule 21(3) and (4) provided that Rule 21(4c) shall not operate when a mistake in the marking of a card does not affect the result of the hole.
The holes at which strokes are to be given or taken should be indicated on the score card.

Rules Governing Form and Make of Golf Clubs and Balls

Clubs
The United States Golf Association will not sanction any substantial departure from the traditional and accepted form and make of golf clubs, which, in its opinion, consist of a plain shaft and a head which do not contain any movable or mechanical contrivance, such as springs; it also regards as illegal the use of such clubs as those of the mallet-headed type, or such clubs as have the neck, or shaft, so bent as to produce a similar effect.

Club faces shall not embody any degree of concavity nor more than one angle of loft, and shall not bear any lines, dots, or other markings with sharp or rough edges, made for the obvious purpose of putting a cut on the ball.  Markings on iron clubs shall conform with USGA specifications.
(Specifications have been issued to manufacturers. Players in doubt as to the legality of their iron clubs are advised to consult the USGA or manufacturers.)
Insets in the faces of iron clubs are not allowed.

The following general considerations will guide the Implements and Ball Committee in interpreting the above:-

(1) The head of the Golf Club shall be so constructed that the length of the head from the back of the heel to the toe shall be greater than the breadth from the face to the back of the head.

(2) The shaft shall be fixed to the heel or to a neck, socket, or hose in line with the heel or a point opposite the heel, either to right or left, when the club is soled in the ordinary position for play.

(3) The shaft of a putter may be fixed at any point in the head between the heel and a line terminating at the center of the sole.

(4) The grip shall be a continuation of the shaft to which material may be added for the purpose of obtaining a firmer hold. The grip shall be substantially straight and plain in form, may have flat sides, but may not have a channel* or a furrow* for the fingers or be moulded to the fingers.
(5) A club shall be one unit. All its various parts shall be permanently fixed. No part may be movable or separable or capable of adjustment by the player.

*The prohibition against a channel or furrow for the fingers will not become effective until January 1, 1949

Balls

The weight of the ball shall not be greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois, and the size not less than 1.680 inches in diameter. The velocity of the ball shall not be greater than 250 feet per second when measured on the USGA's apparatus; the temperature of the ball when so tested shall be 75 degrees Fahrenheit; a maximum tolerance of 2% will be allowed on any ball in such velocity test.

Recommendations for Local Rules

When necessary, Local Rules should be made for rabbit scrapes, hoof marks, and other damage caused to the course by animals; for ground under repair in hazards; for parts of the course under cultivation on which play is prohibited; for snow and ice when they are not casual water under Rule 16; for mud which may interfere with the proper playing of the game, and for the preservation of the course.

For water hazards

It is impossible to lay down exact rules to govern always the play of a ball which lies in a water hazard and so local rules should be made when they are required to determine the proper procedure. Examples are:
1. As indicated in Rule 17(2), 2nd paragraph, in connection with the phrase "impossible to drop"
2. As to parallel water hazards when it is impossible to drop in accordance with Rule 17 (2a or b) or when to do so would entail an excessive penalty not contemplated by the Rule.
3. As to permitting a provisional ball from the tee, to save time, on water holes on which, if the first ball be lost or unplayable in the hazard, the player has no choice but to play again from the tee.