HOW TO USE THE RULES BOOK The following suggestions are offered for learning how to apply the Rules of Golf to specific cases : I. Become familiar with key words and special terms in the language of the Rules; thus, FLAGSTICK, not pin; BUNKER, not trap; STROKE PLAY, not medal play; LATERAL WATER HAZARD, not parallel water hazard. 2. Refer to the Index, pages 77-94. Every item in the Rules is listed; many items are cross-indexed. 3. Study the Definitions, pages 2-8. They are basic. Note, for instance, such differences as "loose impedi- ments" for certain natural objects (Definition 17) and "obstruction" for artificial objects (Definition 20) . The Rules do not mention "fairway" or "rough;" both are covered by "through the green" (Definition 34) . 4. What form of play is involved? Is it march play or stroke play? Single or four-ball ? A four.ball match is not a foursome (Definition 28). Example: When a ball on the putting green interferes with the player who is away, in a single match only the player away may re. quire the ball to be lifted (Rule 35-2a) ; but in a four- ball match any player may have the ball removed (Rule 4O-1b). 5. Where did the incident occur? -on the teeing ground, "through the green," in a hazard, or on the putting green ? Find the right place in the Index, as the Rules may be different for the same occurrences on different parts of the course. 6. Two Rules may cover different aspects of the same case. In a hazard, when an immovable obstruction interferes, Rule 31-2 allows the ball to be lifted and dropped away; but it must be dropped in the same hazard, under Rule 22.2a. 7. Every word means what it says. Example: To de- termine whether or not a ball is at rest on the putting green, a "momentary delay" is allowed by Rule 35-1h. This means a very short period, such as a few seconds, not minutes. 8. Carry a Rules book in your golf bag and use it whenever an incident arises. 9. Committees will find helpful information in the USGA Appendix starting on page 55.

The RULES of GOLF as approved by THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION and THE ROYAL AND ANCIENT GOLF CLUB OF ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND Effective January 1, 1961 1961 EDITION

1. No one should move, talk or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole when a player ig addregging the ball or making a glroke. 2. The player who has the honor should be allowed 10 play before hig opponent or fellow-compelitor tees. his ball. 3. No player should play until the players in front are out of range. 4. In the interest of all, players should play without delay. 5. Players searching for a ball should allow other players coming up to pass them; they should signal to the players following them to pass, and should not continue their play until those players have passed and are out of range. 6. Before leaving a bunker, a player should care- fully fill up all holes made by him therein. 7. Through the green, a player should ensure that any turf cut or displaced by him is replaced at once and pressed down, and that, after the players have holed out, any damage to the pulling green made by the baIlor the player is carefully repaired. 8. Players should ensure that, when dropping ball or the flagstick, no damage is done to the pulling green, and that neither they nor their caddies damage the hole by standing close to the hole or in handling the flagstick. The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green. 9. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
2 ETIQUETTE; DEFINITIONS Priority on the Course In the absence of special rules, singles, threesomes or foursomes should have precedence of and be entitled to pass any other kind of match. A single player has no standing, and should give way to a match of any kind. Any match playing a wbole round is entitled to pass a match playing a shorter round. If a match fail to keep its place on the course and lose more than one clear hole on the players in front, it should allow the match following to pass.
Section II DEFINITIONS

1. Addressing the Ball

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

2. Advice

'Advice" is any counselor suggestion which could influence s player in detennining his play, the choice 0£ a club, or the method of making a stroke. Inrormation on the Rules or Local Rules is not "advice." 3. Ball Deemed to Move A ball is deemed to have "moved" if it leave its position snd come to rest in any other place. 4. Ball Holed A ball is "holed" when it lies within the circum. £erence of the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole. 5. Ball in Play A ball is .'in play" as soon ss the player has mad~ a stroke on the teeing ground. It remains in play 88 his ball until holed oUt, except when it i8 out ef bounds, lost, or lifted or another ball is substituted in accordance with the Rule8 or Local Rules. 5. Ball Lost A ball i. "lost" if:- a. It be not found within five minutes after the player's side or his or their caddie8 haye begun to search for it; b. It be declared lost by the player without search. ing five minutes. c. After a search of five minutes the player is unable to identify a ball &8 his ball. Time spent in playing a wrong ball i8 not counted in the five-minute period allowed for search. Play of a wrong ball does not constitute abandonment of the ball in play. ,. Caddie. Forecaddie and Equipment A "caddie" is one who carries or handles a player's clubs during play and otherwise assists him in ac. cordance with the Rules. A .'forecaddie" is one employed by the Committee to indicate to player8 the po8ition of balls on the course, and is an outside agency (Definition 22) . .'Equipment" i8 anything used, worn or carried by or for the player except his ball in play. 8. Casual Water "Casual water" is any temporary accumulation of water which is visible before or after the player take. his stance and which is IOt a hazard of itself or is not in a water hazard. Snow and ice are .'casual water" unless otherwise detennined by Local Rule. 9. Committee The "Committee" is the committee in charge of the competition. 10. Competitor A .'competitor" is 8 player in a stroke competition. A "fellow-competitor" i8 any player with whom th. competitor plays. Neither is partner of the other. In stroke play foursome and four.ball competitioDs 4 DEFINITIONS where the context so admits, the word "competitor" or "fello,.'-competitor" shall be held to include his partner. II. Course The "course'. i8 the whoJe area within which pJay is permitted. It is th~ duty of the authorities in charge of the course to define its bound8ries accurateJy. 12. FlagBtick The .'Jlsgstick" is a movsble straight indicator pro- vided by the Committee. with or without bunting or other material attached, centered in the hole to 8ho1f its position. It shall be circular in cross-section. 13. Ground Under Repair .'Ground under repair'. is any portion of the oourse 80 marked by order of the committee concerned or 80 declared by its authorized representative. It incJude. material piled for removaJ and a hole made by a greenkeeper, ~v~n if not 80 marked. Stakes and lines defining "ground under repair" are not in such ground. 14. Haaards A '.hazard" i8 any bunker or water hazard. Bare patches. scrapes, roads, tracks and paths are not "hazards." a. A "bunker" is an area of bare ground, often 8 depression, which is usually covered with sand. Gra8S" covercd ground bordering or within a "bunker" is 1101 part of the "hazard.'. b. A "water hazard" is any se8, Jake, pond, river, ditch. 8urfac~ drainage ditch or other open water course (regardle88 of whether or not it contains water) . and nnything of a similar nature. All ground or water within tpe margin of a water hazard, whether or not it be cfYiered with any growiDl substance. is part of the water hazard. c. A "lateral water hazard" is a water hazard or that pnrt of a water hazard running approximately parallel to the line of play and 80 situated that it ie not possible or is deemed by the Committee to be im. practicable to drop a ball behind the water hazard and keep the 8pot at which the ball laat crossed the hazard margin bt'lwl'en the player and the boJe. ~ d. It is the duty 0£ the Committee in charge 0£ a course to define accurately the extent 0£ the hazard. and water hazards when there is any doubt. That parI 0£ a hszard to be played as a lateral water hazard .hould be distinctively marked. Stakes and lines de- fining the margins 0£ hazards are not in the hazards. 15. Hole The "hole" shall be 41f4 inches in diameter and at least 4 inches deep. If a lining be used, it shall be du!lk at least 1 inch below the pulling green sur£ace unless the nature 0£ the soil makes it impractical to do so; its ouler diameter shall not exceed 41f4 inches. 16. HoDor The side which i8 entitled to play firsl £rom tbe leeing ground is said to have the '.honor." 17. Loose ImpedimeDIB The term '.loose impediments" denotes nalural objects not fixed or growing and not adhering to the ball, and includes slones not solidly embedded, leaves, twigs, brsnches and the like, dung, worms and insects and casts or heaps made by them. 18. Marker A "marker" is a scorer in slroke play who is ap. pointed by the Cornmiltee to record a compelitor't score. He. may be a £ellow-compeliIOr. He is not 8 referee. A marker should nol lift the ball or mark its posi. lion and, unless he is a fellow.compelitor, should no1 &tlend the flagstick or stand at the hole or mark it. posilion. 19. Observer An "observer" is appointed by the Commitlee to assist a referee to decide queslions of £act and to report to him any breach 0£ a Rule or Local Rule. An observer should not attend the flagstick, sland at or mark the posilion 0£ the hole, or Ii£t the ball or mark its posilion. 20. ObstruclioD8 An "obstruction" ia anything artificial, whether erected, placed or left on the course except : 88888888888888888888888888888888888888888 a. Objects defining out of bounds. ~'lcb as wall.. fences, stakes, and railings ; b. Artificially constructed roads and paths anywhere : °c. Any construction which is an integral part of tho course. such as retaining walls of hazard!\ and masonry on banks or beds of open water courses. (Bridges and bridge supports which are not part of water hazards are obstructions.) 21. Out of Bounds "Out of bounds'. is ground on which pJsy is pro- hibited. When Ollt of bounds is fixed by stakes or a fenct.. the out of bound6 line is determined by the neareet inside points of the slakes or fence posts at ground level; the line extend6 upwards. When out of bounds is fixed hyaline on the ground, the line itseH is out of bounds. A ball is out of bounds wben aJl f)f it lies out of bounds. 22. Outside Agency An "outside agency" is any agency not part of the match or. in stroke play, not part of a competitor's 6ide, and includes a referee. a marker. an observer. or I forecaddie employed by the CommiuE'e. 23. Partner A "partner" is a player associated with another player on the same 6ide. In a threesome, follrsome or a four.ball where the context so admits, the word "player'. 6haJl be held to include bis partner. 24. Penalty Stroke A "penalty stroke" is one added to the score of a side under certain Rules. It does not aJJect the ordezo of play. 25. Putting GreeD 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. 26. Referee A "referee'. is a person who hu been appoioted by the Committee to accompany players to decide questions of fact and of golf law. He shall act on any breach of Rule or Local Rule which he may observe or which may be reported to him by an observer (Definhion 19). In stroke play the Commhtee may limit a referee's duties. A referee should not attend the flagstick, stand at or mark the position of the hole, or lift the ball or mark its position. 27. Rub of the Green A "rub on the green" occurs when a ball in motion is stopped or deflected by any outside agency. 28. Sides and Matches SIDE: A player, or two or more players who are partners. SINGLE: A match in which one plays against another. THREESO~IE: A match in which one plays against two, and each side plays one ball. FOURSOME: A match in which two play against two, and each side plays one ball. THREE.BALL: A match in which three play against one another, each playing his own ball. BEST-BALL: A match in which one plays against the better ball of two or the best ball of three players. FOUR-BALL: A match in which two play their better ball against the better ball of two other players. Note: In a hest-ball or four-ball match, if a partner be absent for reasons satisfaetorr to the Committee, the remaining member(s) of his side mar represeRt the side. 29. Stipulated Round The "stipulated round" consists of playing eighteen holes of the course in their correct sequence, unless otherwise authorized by the Committee. 3D. Stroke A "stroke" is the forward movement of the club made whh the intention of fairly striking at and mov- ing the ball. 31. Teeing In "teeing," the ball may be placed on the ground or on sand or other substance in order to raise it off the ground. 32. Teeing Ground The "teeing ground" is the starting place for the hole to be played. It is a rectangular area two club- lengths in depth, the front and the sides of which are defined by the outside limits of two markers. A ball is outside the teeing ground when all of it lies outside the stipulated area. 33. Terms Used in Reckoning 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. 34. Through the Green "Through the green" is the whole area of the course except: - a. Teeing ground. and putting green of the hole being played; b. All hazards on the course. Section III THE RULES OF PLA y Rule J The Game The Game of Golf consists in playing a ball from the teeing ground into the hole by successive strokes in accordance with the Rules. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE: Match play -LoSS 01 hole; StToke play-Disquali- ficatioll. ~ -' Rule 2 The Club and the Ball The United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland, re- serve the right to change the Rules and the interpreta- tions regulaling clubs and balls at any time. I. Legal Clubs and Balls Players shall use clubs and balls wbich con£orm with Clauses 2 and 3 0£ this Rule. 2. Form and Make of Clubs a. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS The golf club shall be composed of a shalt and a head, and all of the various parts shall be fixed 80 that the club is one unit. The club shall not be substantially different from the traditional and customary £orm and make. b. MOVABLE PARTS PROHIBITED No part 0£ the club may be movable or separable or capable 0£ adjustment during a round of play. The player or other agency shall not change the play- ing characteristics of a club during a round. c. SHAPE OF HEAD The length 0£ a clubhead from the back of the heel to the toe shall be greater than the breadth from the face to the back of the head at the broadest point. d. FACE OF HEAD Club faces shall not embody any degree of con- cavity on the hitting surface and shall not bear any lines, dots or other markings with sharp or rough edges, or any type 0£ finish, made for the purpose of putting additionaJ spin on the ball. The club shall have only one face designed for striking the ball. However, a putter may have two faces if the loft of both faces is practically the same. Iron Clubs. The face 0£ an iron club shall not con- tain an inset or attachment. Markings on the face 0£ an iron club shall con- form with USGA specifications (see Note to this Rule} . 88888888888888888888888888888888888888 e. SHAFT The shalt shall be fixed to the clubhead at the back 0£ the heel, either directly or by attachment to a neck or socket. The shalt and the neck or socket shall remain in line with the back 0£ the heel, or with a point to right or le£t 0£ the back 0£ the heel, when the club is soled at address. Exception for Putters:-The shalt 0£ a putter may be fixed at any point in the head. (A putter is a club designed primarily for use on the putting green -see Definition 25.) f. GRIP The grip shall be a continuation of the shaft to which material may be added for the purpose of oh. taining a firm hold. The grip shall be substantially straight and plain in form. may have flat sides, but shall not have a channel or a furrow or be molded for any part 0£ the hands. (See diagrams on page 66.) A device designed to give the player artificial aid in gripping or swinging the club shall be deemed to violate this Rule even though it be not a part of the club. {Other artificial devices -Rule 37.9.) Note: Players in doubt as to the legality of clubs are advised to consult the USGA. Specifications for markings on iron clubs hal)e been issued to mariu. facturers and appear on pages 62.65 herein. If a manufacturer is in doubt as to the legality of a club which he proposes to manufacture. he should sub. mit a sample to the USGA for a ruling, such sample to become the property of the USGA for reference purposes. 3. Weight. Size and Velocity of Ball The weight 0£ the ball shall be lWt greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois. and the size not less than 1.680 inches in diameter. The velocity 0£ the ball shall be not greater than 250 feet per second when measured on the USGA's RULE 2 RULES 2, 3, 4 II a. EXCEPTION In international team competition tIle size of the ball shall be not less than 1.620 inches in diameter, and the velocity specification above shall not apply. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE: Disqualification. Note: The Rules of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland, provide that the weight of the ball shall be not greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois. and the size not less than 1.620 inches in diameter. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs Before starting a stipulated round a player shall select his clubs, which must not exceed fourteen in number. He is limited to the clubs so selected for that round except that, without unduly delaying play, he may:- a. If he started with fewer than fourteen, add as many as will bring his total to that number; b. Replace a club which becomes unfit for play in the normal course of play. The addition or replacement of a club or clubs must not be made by borrowing from any other person playing on the course. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE: * Match play- Loss of each hole in which a violation of the Rule occurred; Stroke play- Two strokes for each hole ilr wkich a violation of the Rule occurred. *The penalty applies during the round or, in the dis- cretion of the Committee, after the r=d even though a claim has not been madf witl.in the time limit stipu- lated in Rule 11-1. Rule 3 Rule 4 Agreement to Waive Rules Prohibited any Rule or Local Rule or to waive any penalty iD- curred. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE: Match play-Disqualification of both sides; Stroke play- Disqualification of competitors concerned. Rule 5 General Penalty Except when otherwise provided for, the penalty for a breach of a Rule or Local Rule is: Match play- Loss of hole; Stroke play- Two strokes. Rule 6 Match Play I. Winner of Hole 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 ban in the fewer strokes. In a handicap match the lower net score wins the hole. 2. Halved Hole A hole is halved if each side holes out in the same number of strokes. When a player has holed out and his opponent has been left with a stroke for the half, nothing that the player who has holed out can do shall deprive him of the half which he has already gained; but if the player thereafter incur any penalty, he shall concede the half of the hole to his opponent. 3. Winner of Match A match ( which consists of a stipulated round, unless otherwise decreed by the Committee) is won by the side which is leading by a number of holes greater than the number of holes remaining to be played. RULES 7. 8 13 Rule 7 Stroke Play I. 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. Winner The competitor who holes the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner. Rule 8 Practice I. During Play of Hole During the play of a hole, a player shall not play any practice stroke. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 8-1: Match play-Loss of hole; Stroke play-Two strokes. 2. Between Holes Between the play of two boles, a player shall not play any practice stroke from any hazard. or on or to the putting green of any hole he has not yet played in the round. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 8-2: .Match play-Loss of hole; Stroke play-Two strokes. .The penalty applies to the next hole. 3. Stroke Play: Before Round On any day of a stroke competition or play.off, a competitor shall not practice on the course before a round or a play-off except in the area defined by the Committee as practice ground or as the Committee may otherwise permit. PENALTY FOR BREACJI OF RU1.E 8-3: Disqualification. (Duty of Committee to define practice ground-Rule 36.46.) Note I: A practice swing is not a practice stroke and 8888888888888888888888888888888 14 RULES 8, 9, 10 may be taken at any place on tl,e course provided tl,e player does not violate the Rule.,. Note 2: Unless otherwise decided by the Committee, there is no penalty for practice on the course on any day of a match play competition. Rule 9 Advice (Def. 2) I. Giving or Asking for Advice A player or a competitor shall not give or ask for advice or take any action which may result in his receiving advice except from his caddie, his part1ler. or his partner's caddie. 2. Indicating Line of Play Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play indicated to him by anyone, but no mark shall be placed on the line. nor shall anyone stand on or close to the line while the stroke is being played. Uadicating line of play on putting green-Rule 35.1e.) PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE: .Hatch play-Loss of hole; Stroke play-Two strokes. Rule 10 Information as to Strokes Taken 1. General A player who has incllrred a penalty shall state the fact to his opponent or marker as soon as possible. The number of 8trokes a player has taken shall include any penalty strokes incurred. 2. Match Play A player is entitled at any time during the play of a hole to ascenain from his opponent the number of strokes tBe latter has taken. If the opponent give Wrong information as to the number of strokes he has taken and correct his mistake before the player has played his next stroke, he shall incur no penalty; if he fail to do so, he shall lose the hole. RULE 11 IS Rule' , Disputes, Decisions and Doubt as to Rights I, Claims and Penallies a. MATCH PLAY In match play, if a dispute or doubt arise between the players on any point, in order that a claim may be considered it 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 round, before all player& in the match 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. (Maximum of fourteen clubs -Rule 3.) b. STROKE PLAY In stroke play no penalty shall be imposed after the competition is closed unless wrong information had been given by the competitor, A competition is deemed to have closed:- In stroke play only -When the result of the com- petition is officially announced; In stroke play qualifying followed by match play -When the player has teed 9!1 in his first match. 2. Referee'. Deciaion If a referee has been appointed by the Commitee, his decision shall be final, 3. Committee's Decision In the absence of a referee, the players shall refer any dispute to the Committee, whose decision shall be final If the Committee cannot come to a decision, it shall refer the dispute to the USGA Rules of Golf Committee, whose decision shall be final, If the point in dispute or donbt 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 Oub to the Rules of Golf Com- mittee for an opinion as to the correctnesa of the decision given. The reply will be sent to the Secretary of the Club or Clubs concerned. If play be conducted other than in accordance with the Rules of Coli, the Rules of Coli Committee will not give a decision on any question. 4. Decision by Equity If any point in dispute be not covered by the Rules or Local Rules, the decision shall be made in ac- cordance with equity. S. Stroke Play: Doubt as to Procedure In stroke play only, when a competitor is doubtful of his rights or procedure, he may play out the hole with the ball in play and, at the same time, complete the play of the hole with a second ball. Before playing a stroke with either ball, the competitor must announce to his marker his intention to proceed under this Rule and must announce which ball he wants to score with if the Rules permit. On completing the round the competitor must report the facts immediately to the Committee. If it be found that the Rules allow the procedure selected in advance by the competitor, the score with the ball so selected shall be his score for the hole. Should the competitor fail to announce in advance his procedure or selection, the score with the second ball shall be his score for the hole if played in accordance with the Rules. Note I: The sole purpose of this Rule is to enable a competitor to avoid disqualification when' doubtful of his rights or procedure; a competitor is not per- mitted to play in two ways and then choose his score. Note 2: The privilege of playing a second ball does not exist in match play. A second ball played under Rule 11.5 is not a provisional ball under Rule 30. Rule J 2 The Honor (Def. 16) I. The Honor a. MATCH PLAY A match begins by each side playing a ball from the first teeing ground in the order of the draw. ID the absence of a draw, the option of taking the honor shall 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. b. STROKE PLAY The honor shall be taken as in match play. 2. Second Ball from Tee If a player has to playa second ball from the tee, he shall do so after the opponent or the fellow-com- petitor has played his first stroke. 3. Playing out of Tum a. MATCH PLAY If, on the teeing ground, a player play when his opponent should have played, the opponent may im- mediately require the player to abandon the ball so played and to playa ball in correct order, without penalty. b. STROKE PLAY If, on the teeing ground, a competitor by mistake play out of turn, no penalty shall be in<:urred and the ball shall be in play. rule 13 playing outside teeing ground (def. 32) 1. match play if a player, when starting a hole, playa ball from outside the teeing ground, the opponent may immedi. ately require the player to replay the stroke, in which case the player shall tee a ball and play the stroke from within the teeing ground, without penalty. 2. stroke play if a competitor, when starting a hole, play his first stroke from outside the teeing ground, he shall count that stroke ai1d any subsequent stroke so played and then play from within the teeing ground with the privi. lege of teeing his ball. penalty for breach of rule 13-2: disqualification. 88888888888888888888888888 note: stance. a player may take his stance ou". side the teeing ground to playa ~all within it. rule j 4 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, but if a stroke be made at the ball in these circumstances, whetber tbe ball be moving or not, the stroke shall be counted but no penalty shall be incurred. rule '5 order of play in threesome or foursome 1. general in a threesome or a foursome, the partners shall strike off alternately from the teeing grounds, and there- after shall strike alternately during the plsy of each hole. penalty strokes (definition 24) do not affect the order of play. 2. match play if a player play when his partner should have played, 1iis side shall lose the hole. 3. stroke play if the partners playa 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 playas nearly as possible at the spot from which the side first played in incorrect order. this must be done belore a stroke has been played from the next teeing ground, or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before the side has left the putting green. if they fail to do so, they shall be dis- qudlijied. if the first ball was played from the teeing ground, a bail may be teed anywhere within the teeing ground; if from through the green or a hazard, it shail be dropped; if on the putting green, it shall be placed. rule 16 ball played as it lies and not touched the ball shall be played as it lies and shall not be purposely moved or purposely touched except that the player may, without penalty, touch his ball with his club in the sct of addressing it and except as other- wise provided in the rules or local rules. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss of ',ole; stroke play-two strokes. (ball moved accidentally by player- rule 27.1c.) (ball moved accidentally after address-rule 27-1d.) rule 17 improving lie or stance prohibited i. improving surface prohibited irregularities of surface which could in any way affect a player's lie shall not be removed or pressed down by the player, his partner, or either of their caddies except when teeing a ball or in repairing damage to the putting green under rule 35.1c. note: irregularities of surface include sand, loose soil and cut turf placed in position. 2. long grass and bushes if a ball lie in long grass, rushes, bushes, whins. heather or the like, only so much thereof shall be touched as will enable the player to find and identify his ball; nothing shall be done which may in any way improve its lie. the player is not of necessity entitled to see the ball when playing a stroke. 3. improving line of play or lie prohibited a player shall not improve, or allow to be improved, his line of play or the position or lie of bib ball by moving, bending or breaking anything fixed or grow- ing, except:- a. as may occur in the course of fairly takjng his stance; or 20 rules 17. 18, 19 b. in making the stroke or the backward move- ment of his club for the stroke. the club may be grounded only lightly and must dot be pressed on the ground. (removal of obstructions -rule 31.1.) note: thinss fixed include objects defining out of bounds. 4. building of stance prohibited a player is always entitled to place his feet firmly on the ground wben taking his stance, but he is not allowed to build a stance. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. rule 18 loose impediments (def. 17) i. removal of impediments any loose impediment may be removed without pen- aity except when both the impediment and the ball lie in or touch s hazard. when a ball is in motion. a loose impediment shall not be removed. penalty for breach of rule 18.1: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. (finding ball in hazard -rule 33.le.) 2. ball moved through the green. if the ball move after any loose impediment lying within a club-length of it has been touched by the player, his partner or either of their caddies, the player shall be deemed to have caused the bail to move. the penalty shall be one stroke. and the ball shall be played as it lies. (loose impediments 011 puttillg greell-rule 35.lb.) rule 19 - striking at ball i. ball to be fairly struck at the ball shall be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or spooned. penalty for breach of rule 19-1 : match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. 2. striking ball twice if the player strike the ball twice when making a stroke, he shall count the stroke and add a penalty stroke, making two strokes in all. (playing a moving ball-rule 25.) rule 20 ball farther from the hole played first i. general when the balls are in play, the ball farther from the hole shall be played first. if the balls are equi. distant from the hole, the option of playing first shall be decided by lot. a player or a competitor incurs no penalty if a ball is moved in measuring to determine which ball is farther from the hole. a ball so moved shall be replaced. 2. match play through the green or in a hazard, if a player play when his opponent should have done so, the opponent may immediately require the player to replay the stroke. in such a case, the player shall drop a ball as near as possible to the spot from which his pre- vious stroke was played, and play in correct order without penalty. penalty for breach of rule 20.2: loss of hole. (playing out of turn on putting green-rule 35.2b.) 3. stroke play if a competitor play out of turn, no penalty shall be incurred. the ball shall be played as it lies. rule 21 playing a wrong ball the responsibility for playing his own ball rests with the player. each player should put an identification mark on his ball. 8888888888888888888888888888888 rule 21 i. general: holing out original ball a player must hole out with the ball driven from the tee unless it be lost, unplayable, out of bounds, in a water hazard, unfit for play, or when under the rules a ball may be substituted. in any such case the player may substitute another ball as provided for in the rules. 2. match play if a player playa stroke with a ball other than his own except in a hazard, he shall lose the hale. there is no penalty for a player playing a stroke or strokes with a wrong ball in a hazard provided he then play his own ball; the strokes so played with a wrong ball do not count in the player's score. if the player has played the opponent's ball in a hazard, the opponent shall place a ball as near as possible to the spot from which his ball was played and in a lie similar to that which it occupied. note: when the player and the opponent exchange balls, the fir.~t to play the wrong ball shall lose the hole; when this cannot be determined, the hole shall be played out with the balls exchanged. 3. stroke play if a competitor playa stroke or strokes with a ball other than his own except in a hazard, he shall add two penalty strokes to his score for the hole and shall then play his own ball. str()kes played with a wrong ball are not included in the score for tbe hole. there is no penalty for a competitor playing a stroke or strokes with a wrong ball in a hazard provided he then play his own ball. if a competitor discover that he has holed out with a wrong ball, he may rectify his mistake by finding and holing out with his own ball, subject to the above penalty, provided he has not made a stroke on the next teeing ground, or, in the case of the last hole of the round, left the putting green. the competitor is disqualified if he does not rectify his mistake by finding his °'\tn ball, or, if it be lost, by putting a ball in play (definition 5) as provided in rule 29-1. if the ball wrongly played be a ball in the com- petition, its owner shall place a ball on the spot from which the ball was wrongly played, without penalty, as provided in rule 27.1a. rule 22 dropping and placing 1. how to drop a ball a ball shall be dropped by the player himself. he shall face the hole, stand erect, and drop the ball behind him over his shoulder. if a ball be dropped in any other manner and remains the ball in play (defini- tion 5) , the player shall incur a penalty stroke. if the ball touch the player, or if it come to rest against the player and move when he then moves, there is do penalty, and the ball shall be played as it lies. 2. dropping: when cmd where a. through the green or in hazard through the green or in a hazard, when a ball is lifted under a rule or local rule or when another ball is to be played, it shall be dropped as dear as pos- sible to the spot where the ball lay, except when a rule permits it to be dropped elsewhere or placed. in a hazard, the ball must be dropped and come to rest in that hazard; if it rolls out of the hazard, it must be re-dropped, without penalty. h. ball in play when dropped a ball dropped under a rule governing the particular case is in play (definition 5) and shall not be lifted or re-dropped except as otherwise provided in the rules. (ball abandoned and not played-rule 22-4.) c. rolling into hazard, out of bounds or two club-lengths if a dropped ball roll out of bounds, into a hazard or more than two club-lengths from the point of drop- ping, it may be re-dropped, without penalty. if the configuration of the ground makes it impossible to prevent the ball from 80 rolling, it may be placed at the point of dropping. d. rolling nearer hole if a dropped ball come to rest nearer the hole than the point of dropping, it must be re-dropped, without penalty. if the configuration of the ground makes it impossible to prevent the ball from coming to rest nearer the hole, it must be placed, without penalty. penalty for breach of rule 22-2: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. 3. placing: when and where a. putting green on the putting green of the hole being played, when a ball is lifted under a rule or local rule or when another ball is to be played, it shall be placed on the spot wbere the ball lay, except when a rule permits it to be placed elsewhere. b. ball in play when placed a ball placed under a rule governing the particular case is in play (definition 5) and shall not be lifted or replaced except as otherwise provided in the rules. (ball abandoned and not played-rule 22.4.) c. ball moving if a ball fail to come to rest on the spot on which it was being placed, it must be replaced, without penalty. penalty for breach of rule 22.3: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. 4. ball abandoned and not played a ball which has been dropped or placed but not played may be lifted without penalty if:- a. it was dropped or placed under a rule govern- ing the particular case but not in the right place or otherwise not in accordance with that rule (except a ball improperly dropped under rule 22-1) .the player sball then drop or place the ball in accordance with the governing rule. b. it was dropped or placed under a rule which does not govern the particular case. in match play, if the player fail to inform his opponent that the ball has been lifted before the opponent plays his next stroke, the player shall lose the hole. a ball dropped or placed in accordance with a goy- erning rule shall not be abandoned, under penalty of loss of hole in match play or disqualification in stroke play. note: in stroke play a serious breach of rule 22 should be dealt with by the committee under rule i. rule 23 lifting or cleaning ball a ball to be lilted under the rules or local rules should be lilted by the owner or his partner or either of their caddies. for ball lilted by opponent or fellow. competitor, see rule 27-2a or 27-3. for lifting ball dropped or placed, see rule 22. i. for identification except in a hazard, the player may, without penalty, lift his ball in play for the purpose of identification, provided he lifts and replaces it on the spot from which it was lifted in the presence of his opponent in match play or marker in stroke play. (touching grass, etc., for identificatiol1--rule 17.2.) 2. cleaning ball a ball may be cleaned when lifted on the putting green under rule 35-1d or when lifted from a water hazard, an unplayable lie, casual water, ground under repair or under rule 32; otherwise, during the play of a hole a player may not clean a ball, except to the extent necessary for identification or if permitted by local rule. penalty for breach of rule 23.1 or 2: match. play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. 3. stroke play: lifted before holed out if a competitor or his caddie lift his ball before it is holed out, except as provided for in the rules or local rules, he may replace it under a penalty 01 two strokes, provided he does so before he has played a stroke from the next teeing ground, or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before he has left the 8888888888888888888888888888888888 putting green. if he fail so to replace it, he shall be disqualified. (procedure in disc.pntinuing play-rule 37.6b.) rule 24 ball interfering with play i. match play a. balls within two club.lengths when neither ball lies on the putting green, if the player's ball lie within two club.lengths of the oppo- nent's ball, the player may require the opponent to lift his ball, without penalty. the opponent shall re- place his ball after the player has played his stroke. {putting green-rule 35.2a.) b. ball ou'l'side match if the ball of anyone not engaged in the match interfere with play, it may be lifted and shall be re- placed after the player has played his stroke. 2. stroke play a competitor may have any other player's ball lifted if it interfere with his play. a ball so lifted shall be replaced after the competitor has played his stroke. if the owner of the ball refuse to comply with this rule when requested 10 do so, the competitor making the request may lift the ball, and the owner of the ball shall be disqualified. {putting green-rule 35.3a.) 3. ball accidentally moved if a ball be accidentally moved in complying with clause lor 2 of this rule, no penalty shall be incurred and the ball so moved shall be replaced. 4. lie of lifted ball altered if the lie of a ball lifted under clause lor 2 of this rule be altered in p1aying the other ball, the lifted ball shall. be placed as near as possible to the spot from which it was lifted and in a lie similar to that whicb it originally occupied. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two stroke.l. rule 25 a moving ball i. playing moving ball prohibited a ~layer. shall not play while his ball is moving. exceptjons :- ball falling off tee-rule 14. striking ball twice-rule 19.2. as hereunder-rule 25.2. when the ball only begins to move after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of his club for the stroke, he shall incur no penalty under this rult:, but he is not exempted from the provisions for:- ball moving after removal of loose impediment- rules 18.2 and 27.1e. ball moved accidentally by player-rule 27.1c. ball moving after it has been addressed-rule 27.1d. 2. ball moving in water when a ball is in water, the player may, without penalty, make a stroke at it while it is moving, but he must not delay to make his stroke in order to allow the wind or current to better the position of the ball. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two stroke$. rule 26 ball in motion stopped or deflected i. general a. by outside agency if a ball in motion be stopped or deflected by any outside agency, it is a rub of the green and the ban shall be played as it lies, without penalty. b. lodging in outside agency if a ball lodge in anything moving, the player shall, through the green or in a hazard, drop a ball, or on 28 ~m.a~ the putting green place a ball, as near as possible to the spot where the object was when the ball lodged in it, without penalty. 2. match play a. by player if a player's ball be stopped or deflected by himself, his partner or either of their caddies or equipment, he shall lose the hole. b. by opponent if a player's ball be stopped or deflected by an op. ponent, his caddie or equipment, the opponent's side shall lose the hole. (ball striking opponent's ball-rule 27-2b.) e;tception:-ball striking person attending flag- stick-rule 34-4a. 3. stroke play a. by competitor if a ("'mpetitor's ball be stopped or deflected by himself, his partner or either of their caddies or equip- ment, the competitor shall incur a penalty of two strokes. the ball shall be played as it lies, except when it lodges in 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 lodged in it. b. by fellow-competitor if a competitor's ball be stopped or deflected by a fellow-competitor, his caddie, ball or equipment, it is a rub of the green and the ball shall be played as it lies. eueptions:- ball lodging in fellow.competitor's clothes, etc.- clause lb of this rule. ball striking fellow-competitor's ball on the putting green or within 20 yards of hole-rule 35-3c. ball striking person attending flagstick-rule 34-4a. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes- rule 21 29 rule 27 ball at rest moved (def. 3) i. general a. by agency other than player's side if a ball at rest be moved or the lie altered by an opponent, a fellow-competitor or the caddie of either or any outside agency except wind, the player shall place the ball on the spot from which it was moved, without penalty. (opponent's ball moved by player's ball-rule 27-2b.) if it be impossible to determine the exact spot or to place the ball on the exact spot, through the green or in a hazard the ball shall be dropped, or on the putting green it shall be placed, as near as possible to the place from which it was moved, and not nearer the hole. note: if the ball moved is not immediately recover. able, another ball may be substituted. b. during search during search for a ball, if it be moved by an opponent, a feljow-competitor or the caddie of either, no penalty shall be incurred. the player shall place the ball as provided in clause la of this rule. c. by player, accidentally when a ball is in play, if a player, his partner, or either of their caddies accidentally move it, or by touch. ing anything cause it to move (except as otherwise pro. vided for in the rules} , the player shall incur a penally stroke and tbe ball shall be played as it lies. (ball purposely moved or purposely touched-rule 16.} d. ball moving accidentally after address if a ball in play move after the player bas addressed it (definition i} , he shall be deemed to have caused it to move and shall incur a penalty stroke, and the ball shall be played as it lies. (ball purposely moved or purposely touched-rule 16.} 8888888888888888888888888888888888888 rule 27 e. touching loose impediment 1£ a player has touched a loose impediment (rules 18 and 3s.lb) and the ball move, but not until the player has addressed it (definition 1) , he shall be deemed to have caused it to move under para~raph d above, and shall incur a penalty stroke. the ball shall be played as it lies, 2. match play a. by opponent if a player's ball be touched or moved by an oppo- nent, his caddie or his equipment (except as otherwise provided in the rules), the opponent shall incur a penalty stroke. the player shall place the ball as pro- vided in clause la 0£ this rule. b. opponent's ball moved by player's ball if a player's ball move an opponent's ball, no penalty shall be incurred. the opponent may either play his ball as it lies or, be£ore another stroke is played by either bide, he may place the ball as provided in clause la 0£ this rule. 1£ the player's ball stop on the spot £ormerly occu- pied by the opponent's ball and the opponent declllre his intention to replllce his ball, the player shall first play another stroke, a£ter which the 'opponent shall place his ball. (putting ~reen-rule 35-2c.) (three-8all, 8est.8all and four.8all match. play- rule ~.lc.) 3. ~troke play ball moved by a fellow-competitor 1£ a competitor's ball be moved by a £ellow-competi. tor, his caddie, his ball or equipment, no penalty shall be incurred. the competitor shllll place his ball as provided in clause la 0£ this rule. exception to penalty:-ball striking £ellow.competi. tor's ball on putting green or within 20 yards 0£ hole -rule 35-3c, penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. rule 28 ball unfit for play if, during the play of a hole, the ball become 80 damaged as to be unfit for play, the player may replace it with another ball under the following conditions: if there be a referee, he shall decide whether the ball is unfit for play. if there be no referee, th~ player shall inform his opponent or feilow-competitor of hia intention to replace it. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. (ball unplayable-rule 29-2.) note i: mud or loose impediments adhering to the ball do not make it unfit for play. note 2: where the existence of mud could become an encumbrance to play, the committee should frame a local rule providing for the removal of mud. rule 29 ball lost (def. 6), out of bounds (def. 21), or unplayable for trial in 1961. usga i. lost or out of bounds a. procedure if a ball be lost or out of bounds, the player shall play his next stroke as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was played or moved by him, adding a penalty stroke to his score for the hole. if the original stroke was played from the teeing ground, a ball may be teed anywhere within the teeing ground ; if from through the green or a hazard, it shall be dropped; if on the putting green, it shall be placed. exception for out of bounds: when conditions justi- fy, the committee may adopt the local rule recom- mended for out of bounds as set forth in the appendix attached to these rules (page 56) .otherwise, the pro- cedure and the penalty provided for in rule 29.1. may not be modified. b. ascertaining location a player has the right at any time of ascertaining whether his opponent's ball is out of bounds. a person outside the match may point out the loc.- tion of a ball for which search is being made. c. standing out of bounds a player may stand out of bounds to playa ball lyinj within bounds. 2. unplayable a. player sole judge the player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable. it may be declared unplayable at any place on the course. b. procedure if the player deem his ball to be unplayable, he shall either:- (i) play his next stroke as provided in clause 1. of this rule (stroke-and-distance penalty ) , or (ii) drop a ball, under penalty of one stroke, either (a) within two club-lengtbs of the point where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole. or (b) behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point between himself and the hole, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped. if the ball lay in . bunker' a ball must be dropped in the bunker. exceptions: ball in casual water, etc.-rule 32. ball in water hazard-rule 33-2, 3. 3. provisional ball a provisional ball for a ball lost or out of bound. may be played as provided for in rule 30. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss 01 hole; .stroke play-two strokes. *note i: a serious breach of this rule should be dealt with by the committee under rule i. note 2: the penalty stroke provided for in rule 29-1 and 29-2 may not be remitted by local rule. (ball unfit lor play-rule 28) . rule 30 provisional ball for trial in 1961. usga 1. procedure if a ball may be lost or out of bounds, to save time the player may at once play another ball provisionally 88 nearly as possible from the spot at which the original ball was played. if the original ball was played from the teeing ground, a ball may be teed anywhere within the teeing ground; if from through the green or a hazard, it shall be dropped; if on the putting green, it shall be placed. a. before playing a provisional ball, the player must announce his intention to his opponent or his marker. the player is not obliged to state the rerson for which he plays a provisional ball. he may not restrict the purpose for which it is played. b. a provisional ball may be played only before the player or his partner goes forward to search for the original ball. c. play of a provisional ball from the teeing ground does not affect the order in which the sides play (rule 12-2) . d. a provisional ball is never an outside agency. 2. play of proviaional ban the player may playa provisional ball until he reaches the place where the original ball is likely to be. if the original ball be lost (definition 6) or out of bounds, he shall continue play with the provisional ball under penalty provided for in rule 29-1. 8888888888888888888888888888888888888 34 rules 30, 31 if the original ball be not lost or out of bounds, or if it be unplayablc or in a water hazard or a lateral water hazard, the provisional ball shall be abandoned. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. rule 3' obstructions (def. 20) i. movable obstruction may be removed any movable obstruction may be removed. if the ball be moved in so doing. it shall be replaced on the exact spot from which it was moved, without penalty. if it be impossible to determine the spot or to replace the ball on the exact spot from which it was moved, 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 from which it was moved but not nearer the hole, without penalty. when a ball is in motion, an obstruction other than an attended fiagstick and equipment of the players shall not be removed. 2. interference by immovable obstruction when the ball lies on or touches an immovable ob- struction, or when an immovable obstruction within two club-lengths of the ball interferes with the play. er's stance, stroke or backward movement of his club for the stroke in the direction in which he wishes to play, the ball may be lifted without penalty. through the gre"n or in a hazard, the ball may be dropped, or on the putting green placed, within two club-lengths of that point on the outside of the obstruction nearest which the ball originally lay; it must come to rest not nearer the hole than its original position. the player may not measure through the obstruc- tion. interference with the line of play is not of itself interference under this rule. (ball in hazard-rule 22-2a.) penalty for breach of rule: ."latch play-loss of hole; stroke play-two slrokes. rule 32 35 rule 32 casual water (def. 8), ground under repair (def. 13), hole made by burrowing animal i. ban lying in or touching if a player's ball lie in or touch casual water, ground under repair, or a hole, cast or runway made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird, the player may obtain relief as follows: a. through the green through the green, the player may lift and drop the ball without penalty as near as possible to the spot where it lay, but not nearer the hole, on ground which avoids these conditions. b. in a hazard in a hazard, the player may lift and drop the ball either:- without penalty, in the hazard as near as possiblo to the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, on ground which affords maximwn relief from theso conditions, or under penalty of one stroke, behind the hazard as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, keeping the hazard between tho player and the hole. c. on the putting green on the putting green, or if such conditions interveno between a ball lying on the putting green and the hole, the player may lift the ball and place it without penalty in the nearest position to where it lay which affords maximum relief from these conditions, but not nearer the hole. 2. interference if any of the conditions covered by this rule inter- fere with the player's stance, stroke, or the backward movement of his club for the stroke, the ball may bo treated as in clause i. 36 rules 32, 33 3. ball lo8t if a ball be lost under a condition covered by this rule, a ball may be dropped without penalty as near 88 possible to the place where the ball last crossed the margin of the area, on ground which avoids these con. ditions, but not nearer the hole. in order that a ball may be treated as lost, there must be reasonable evidence to that efiect. 4. re-dropping if a ball, when dropped, roll into a position covered by this rule, it may be re-dropped without penalty. if it be impossible to drop a ball so that it will not ron into such condition, it shall be placed. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss 01 hole; stroke play-two strokes. rule 33 hazards and water hazards (def. 14) 1. touching hazard prohibited when a ball lies in or touches a hazard or a water hazard, nothing shall be done which may in any way improve its lie. before making a stroke, the player shall not touch the ground in the hazard or water with a club or otherwise, nor touch or move a loose impedi- ment lying in or touching the hazard, nor test the condition of the hazard or of any similar hazard; sub. ject to the following considerations :- a. stance the player may place his feet firmly in taking his stance. b. touching fixed or growing object in addressing the ball or in tbe stroke or in tht backward movement for the stroke, the club may touch any wooden or stone wall, paling or similar fixed object or any grass, bush, tree, or other growing substance (but the club may not be soled in the hazard) . rule 33 37 c. obstructions the player is entitled to relief from obstructions under the provisions of rule 31. d. loose impediment outside hazard any loose impediment not in or touching the hazard may be removed. e. finding ball if the ball be covered by sand, fallen leaves or the like, the player may remove as much thereof as will enable him to see the top of the ball; if the ball be moved in such removal, no penalty shall be incurred, and the ball shall be replaced. the ball may not be lifted for identification, f. placing clubs in hazard the player may, without penalty, place his clubs in the hazard prior to making a stroke, provided nothing is done which may improve the lie of the ball or con- stitute testing the soil. g. smoothing irregularmes after playing a stroke, there is no penalty should the player smooth irregularities in the hazard made by footprints or the soil displaced by a stroke, provided nothing is done that improves the lie of the bailor assists the player in his subsequent play of the hole. h. casual water, ground under repair the player is entitled to relief from casual water, ~ound under repair, and otherwise as provided for in rule 32. i. interference by a ball the player is entitled to relief from interference by another ball under tbe provisions of rule 24. 2. ball in water hazard if a ball lie or be lost in a water hazard (whether the ball lie in water or not) , the plsyer may drop a ball, under penalty of one stroke, either:- a. behind the water hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard between himself and the hole, and with do limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped, or b. as dear as possible to the spot from which 3b rules 33, 34 the original ball was played; if the stroke was played from the teeing ground, the ball may be teed any- where within the teeing ground. note: if a ball has been played from within a water hazard and has not crossed any margin of the hazard. the player may drop a ball behind the hazard under rule 33-20. 3. ball in lateral water hazard (del. l4c) if a ball lie or be lost in a lateral water hazard, the player may, under penalty of one stroke, either:- a. play his next stroke in accordance with clause 2a or 2b of this rule, or b. drop a ball within two club-lengths of the margin of either side 0£ the lateral water hazard, op- posite the point where the ball last crossed the hazard margin. the ball must come to rest not nearer the the hole than that point. note: if a ball has been played from within ii lat- eral water hazard and has not crossed any margin of the hazard, the player may drop a ball outside the hazard under rule 33-3b. penalty for breach of rule: match play-loss of hole; .stroke play-two strokes. .note 1: a serious breach of this rule should be dealt with by the committee under rule i. note 2: it is a question of fact whether a ball lost after having been struck toward a water hazard is lost inside or outside the hazard. in order to treat the ball as lost in the hazard, there must be reasonable evidence that the ball lodged therein. in the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated as a lost ball and rule 29-1 applies. rule 34 the flagstick (def. 12) 1. flaq8tick attended. removed or held up 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 0£ the player be£ore he plays his stroke. if the liagstick be attended or reo moved by an opponent, a fellow-competitor or the caddie of either with the knowledge 0£ the player and no objection is made, the player shall be deemed to have authorized it. the player may not require an opponent or a £ellow- competitor or his caddie to attend or remove the hag- atick. if a player or a caddie attend or remove the liagstick or stand near the hole while a stroke is being played, he shall be deemed to attend the hagstick until the ball comes to rest. if the liagstick be not attended be£ore the stroke is played, it shall not be attended or removed while the ball is in motion. 2. unauthorized attendance a. match play in match play, an opponent or his caddie shall not attend the liagstick without the knowledge or authority of the player. b. stroke play in stroke play, i£ a £ellow-competitor or his caddie attend the liagstick without the knowledge or authority 0£ the competitor, and i£ the ball strike the hagstick or the person attending it, it is a rub 0£ the green, there is no penalty, and the ball shall be played as it lies. 3. adjualment of f1agatick be£ore the player plays his stroke, he. or his caddie may adjust the liagstick by placing it in its normal position in the center 0£ the hole and as nearly upright as possible. penalty for breach or rule 34-1, 2 and 3: match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. 4. ball striking f1agatick a. flagstick attended if a player's ball strike the flagstick when it is at- tended or bas been removed or i£ it strike the pers08 attending the hngstick or equipment carried by him, 40 rules 34, 35 the player shall incur a penalty of: match plar-loss 0/ hole; stroke plar-two strokes, and the ball shall be played as it lies. b. flacstick unattended the player incurs no penalty if his ball strike the bagstick when it is not attended and is in the hole. 5. ball resting against f1agstick if the ball rest against the flagstick when it is in the hole, the plsyer shall be entitled to have the oagstick removed, and if the ball fall into the hole the player shall be deemed to have holed out at his last stroke. note: a referee, observer, marker, steward or other outside agency should not attend the flagstick. rule 35 the putting green (def. 25) i. general a. touching line of putt the line 0£ the putt must not be touched except 88 provided in clauses ib, lc and id of this ~ule, but the player may place the club in front 0£ the ball in addressing it without pressing anything down. b. loose impediments the player may move any loose impediment on the putting green by picking it up or brushing it aside with his hand or a club without pressing anything down. if the ball be moved, it shall be replaced, without penalty. c. repair of ball marks the player may repair damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, but he may not step on the damaged area. the ball may be lifted to permit repair and shall be replaced on the spot from which it was lifted. if a ball be moved during such repair, it shall be replaced, without penalty. d. cleaning ball a ball lying on the putting green may be lifted and cleaned, without penalty. and replaced on the spot £rom rule 35 41 which it w88 lifted; in match play the ball must be replaced immediately if the opponent so requests. e. direction for 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 line for putting, but the line of the putt shall not be touched in front of, to the side of, or behind the hole. no mark shall be placed anywhere on the putting green to indicate a line for putting. f. testing surface during the play of a hole, a player shall not test the surface of the putting green by rolling a ball or rough- ening or scraping the surface. g. other ball to be at rest the player shall not play until his opponent's or fellow-competitor's ball is at rest. h. when ball at rest whether a ball has come to rest is a question of fact. if there be reasonable doubt, the owner of the ball is not allowed more than a momentary delay to settle the doubt. i. lifting other ball prohibited while the player's ball is in motion, an opponent's or fellow-competitor's ball shall not be lifted or touched. j. exerting influence on ball no player or caddie shall take any action to inbuence the position or the movement of a ball. k. ball on a wrong putting green a ball lying on a putting green other than that of the hole being played must be lifted and dropped off the putting green as near as possible to where the ball lay but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard, without penalty. i. ball played as it lies and not touched for ball purposely moved or purposely touched, see rule 16. penalty for breach of rule 35-1 : match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. note: when a ball on the putting green is to be lifted, its position should be marked. a recommended 88888888888888888888888888888888888888 42 rule 35 method of marking i-s to place a small coin or similar object immediately behind the ball; if it interfere with another player, it should be moved one or more putterhead-length.s to one side. 2. match play a. ball interfering with play when the ball nearer the hole lies on the putting green, if the player consider that the opponent's ball might interfere with his play, the player may require the opponent to lift his ball, without penalty. the op- ponent shall replace his ball after the player has played his stroke. if the player's ball atop on the spot formerly occupied by the lifted ball, the player shall first play another stroke before the lifted ball is replaced. if the player's ball be accidentally touched or moved in complying with this rule, no penalty shall be in- curred and the ball if moved shall be replaced. b. playing out of turn if a player play when his opponent should have dono so, the opponent may immediately require the player to replay the stroke, in which case the player shall replace his ball and play in correct order, without penalty. c. opponent's ball displaced 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. if the player's ball move the opponent's ball, tho opponent may replace it, but this must be done before another stroke is played by either side. if the player'a ball stop on the spot formerly occupied by the op- ponent's ball, and the opponent declare="declare" his intention to replace his ball, the player shall first play anotller stroke, after which the opponent shall replace his ball (three-ball, best-ball and four.ball match pl4.r- rule 40-1 c.) d. conceding opponent's next stroke when the opponent's ball has come to rest (rule 35-1h), the player may concede the opponent to have holed out with his next stroke and may remove tho opponent's ball with a club or otherwise. if the player rules 35, 36 43 does not concede the opponent's next stroke and the opponent's ball fall into the hole, the opponent shall be deemed to have holed out with his last stroke. if the opponent's next stroke has not been conceded, the opponent shall play without delay in correct order. penalty for breach of rule 35-2: loss of hole. 3. stroke play &0 ball interfering with play when the ball nearer the hole lies on the putting green, if the competitor consider that the fellow-compet. itor's ball might interfere with his play, the competitor may require the fellow-competitor to lift or play his ball, at the option of its owner, without penalty. if the owner of the ball refuse to comply with this rule when required to do so, the competitor making the request may lift the ball, and the owner of the ball shall be disqualified. note: it is recommended that the ball nearer the hole be played, rather than lifted, unless the subsequent play of a fellow-competitor is likely to be affected. b. ball assisting play if the fellow-competitor consider that his ball lying on the putting green might be of assistance to the competitor, the fellow-competitor may plsy first. c. ball striking fellow-competitor's ball when both balls lie on the putting green or within twenty yards of the hole and neither ball is in a hazard, if the competitor's ball strike the ball of a fellow-com- petitor, the competitor shall incur a penalty of two strokes and shall play his ball as it lies. the fellow- competitor's ball shall be at once replaced. d. ball lifted before holed out for ball lifted before holed out, see rule 23-3. rule 36 the committee (def. 9) 1. codditionb the committee shall lay down the conditiodb under which a competition is to be played. 44 rule 36 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. 2. order and times of starting a. general the committee shall arrange the order and timcs of starting, which, wben possible, shall be decided by lot. b. match play when a 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 hour on the last day of the period unless the players agree to a prior date. c. stroke play competitors shall play in couples unless the com. mittee authorizes play by threes or fours. if there be a single competitor, the committee shall provide him with a player who shall mark for him, or provide a marker and allow him to compete alone, or allow him to corn. pete with another group. 3. decision of ties the committee shall announce the manner, day and time for the deeision 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. 4. the course a. 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 com- petitors in a single round play with each hole cut in the same position. b. practice ground where there is no practice ground available outside the area 0£ a competition course, the committee shall lay down the area on which players may practice on any day 0£ a competition. on any day 0£ a stroke competition, such area shall not include any hazard or putting green on a competition course. c. course unplayable if the committee or its authorized representative consider that the course is not in a playable condition, or that insufficient light renders the proper playing 0£ the game impossible, it shall have the power in match and stroke play to order a temporary suspension 0£ play, or in stroke play to declare="declare" play null and void and to cancel all scores £or the round in question. when a round is cancelled, all penalties incurred in that round are cancelled. when play has been temporarily suspended, it shall be resumed £rom where it was discontinued, even though resumption occur on a subsequent day. . ( procedure in discontinuing plar-rule 37 -6b.j 5. modification of penalty the committee has no power to waive a rule of gol£. a penalty 0£ disqualification, however, may, in exceptional individual cases, be waived or be modified or be imposed under ru1e 1 i£ the committee consider auch action warranted. 6. defining bounds and margina the committee shall define accurately:- a. the course and out of bounds. b. the margins 0£ hazards, water hazards, and lat- eral water hazards, where there is any doubt. c. ground under repair. d. obstructions. 7. local rulea a. policy the committee shall make and publish local rulea for abnormal conditions, having regard to the policy of the governing authority 0£ the country concerned aa 5et !'orth in the appendix rttachcd to "",~~ rul"s. 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888 46 rules 36, 31 b. w alving penal tv prohibi1'ed a penalty imposed by a rule of golf shall not be waived by a local rule. rule 37 the player 1. conditiod8 the player shall be responsible for acquainting him. aelf with the conditions under which the competition is to be played. 2. caddie and forecaddie for any breach of a rule or local, rule by his caddie, the player incurs the relative penalty. the player may have only one caddie, under penalty 01 disqualification. the player may send his own caddie forward to mark the position of any ball. if a forecaddie be employed by the committee, he is an outside agency (definition 22). 3. infringement aasiating partner if a player infringe a rule or local rule so as to assist his partner's play, the partner incurs the relative penalty in addition to any penalty incurred by the player. 4. handicap before starting in a handicap competition, the player ahall check his handicap from the official list, and in the case of match play or bogey competitions shall inform himself of the holes at which strokes are given or taken. 5. time and order of starting plarers shall start at the times and in the order arranged by the committee. penalty for breach of rule 37-5: disqualification. 6. discontinuance 01 play a. when permitted players shal~ not discontinue play on account of bad weather or for any other reason, unless:- rule 37 they consider that there be danger from lightnin" or there be some other reason, such as sudden illness, which the committee considers satisfactory. if a player discontinue play without specific per- mission from the committee, he shall report to the committee as soon as possible. general exception:-players discontinuing match play by agreement are not subject to disqualification unless by so doing the competition is delayed. b. procedure when play is discontinued in accordance with the rules, it should, if feasible, be discontinued after the completion of the play of a hole. if this is not feasible, the player shaji lift his ball after marking the spot on :which it lay. he shall replace the ball on that spot when play is resumed. penalty for breach of rule 37-6: disqualification. 7. undue delay players shall at all times play without undue delay. between the completion of a hole and driving off the next tee, a player may not delay play in any way. penalty for breach of rule 37-7: .match play-loss of hole; stroke play-two strokes. for repeated ofjense-disqualification. .1 f the player delay play between holes, he is delayinb the play of the next hole, and the penalty applies' to that hole. 8. refusal to comply with rule if a competitor in stroke play refuse to comply with a rule affecting the rights of another competitor, he shall be disqualified. 9. artificial devices the player shall not use any srtificial device for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play, under penalty of disquali. fication. 48 rules 38, 39 ~u rule 38 scoring in stroke play i. recording scoreb 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 competi- tor; should more than one marker record the scores. each shall sign the part for which he is responsible. 2. checking scoreb the competitor shall check his score for each hole. settle any doubtful points with the committee, ensure that the marker has signed the card, countersign the card himself, and return it to the committee as soon as possible. penalty for breach of rule 38-2: disqualification. the competitor is solely responsible for the correct- ness 0£ the score recorded for each hole. the committee is responsible £or the addition of scores and application of the correct handicap. 3. no 1\lteration 0£ scoreb no alteration may be made on a card after the competitor has returned it to the committee. if the 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. rule 39 bogey or par competitions i. conditions 8. a bogey or a par competition is a fond of stroke competition in which play is against a fixed score at each hole of the stipulated round or rounds. b. the reckoning is made as in match play. c. tbe winner is the competitor who is most success- ful in the aggregate of holes. 2. rules for stroke play apply the rules £or stroke play shall apply with the £ollow- ing exceptions:- a. no return at any hole any hole £or which a competitor makes no relum shall be regarded as a loss. b. scoring cards the holes at which strokes are to be given or taken shall be indicated on the card issued by the committee. c. recording scores the marker shall be responsible £or mar~ing only the gross number of strokes at each hole where a competitor makes a net score equal to or less than the fixed score. 3. disqualification penalties a. from the competition a competitor shall be disqunlified £rom the compe. tition for a brcach of any of the following: rule 2-the club and the ball. rule 4-agreement t() waive rules prohibited. rule 8-3-practice before round. rule 24-2-ball interfering with play: stroke play. rule35.3a-putting green: stroke play, ball in- ter£ering with play. rule 37-2-caddie and forecaddie. rule 37-5-time and order of starting. rule 37-6-discontinuance of play. rule 37-7-undue delay (repeated offense) . rule 37-8-refnsal to comply with rule. rule 37-9-artificial devices. rule 38-2-checking scores. rule 38-3-no alteration of scores, except that the competitor shall not be disqualified when a breach of this rule does not affect the result of the hole. b. for a hole in all other cases where a breaeh 0£ a rule would entail disqualification, the competitor shall be disqual- ified only for the hole at which the breach accurred. (madification of penalty-rule 36-5.) 888888888888888888888888 rule 40 three.ball, best-ball and four-ball match play i. general a. rules of golf apply the rules of golf, so far as they are not at variance with the following special rules, shall apply to all three-ball, best.ball and four-ball matches. b. ball influencing play any player may have any ball (except the ban about to be played) lifted or played, at the option of the owner, if he consider that it might interfere with or be of assistance to a player or side, but this is only permissible before the next stroke is played by the player whose turn it is. c. ball moved by another ball if a player's ban move any other ball in the match, the owner of the moved ball shall place the ball on the spot from which it was moved, without penalty, as pro. \'ided in rule 27-1a. d. playing out of turn through the green or in a hazard, a player shan incur no penalty if he play when an opponent should have done so. the stroke shall not be replayed. on the putting green, if a player play when an opponent should have done so, the opponent may immediately require the player to replay the stroke in correct order, without penalty. 2. three-ball match play in a three-ball match, each player is playing two distinct matches. a. ball stopped or deflected by an opponent if a player's ban be stopped or deflected by an op- ponent, his caddie or equipment, that opponent shau lose the hole in his match with the player. the other opponent shall treat tbe occurrence as a rub of the green (definition 27). exception:-ball striking person attending flag. stick-rule 34-4a. rule 4() 51 b. ball at rest moved by an opponent if the player's ball be moved by an opponent, his caddie or equipment (except in searching for it- rule 27.1b), rule 27.2a applies. that opponellt shall i1icur a pellalty stroke ill his nl4tch with the player , but not in his match with the other opponent. 3. best-bal1 and four-bal1 match play a. order of play balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers best. b. ball stopped by player's side if a player's ball be stopped or deflected by tho player, his partner or either of their caddies or equip- ment, the player is disqualified lor the hole. his part- ner incurs no penalty. c. ball stopped by opponent's side if a player's ball be stopped or deflected by id opponent, his caddie or equipment, the oppollellt's side shall lose the hole. exceptioll:-ball striking person attending flagstick -rule 34-4a. d. partner's ball moved by player accidentally if a player, his partner, or either of their caddies accidentally move a ball owned by their side or by touching anything cause it to move (except as otherwise provided for in the rules) , the owlier 01 the ball shall i1icur a pe7lalty stroke, but the penalty shall not apply to his partner. the ball shall be played as it lies. e. ball moved by opponent's side if a player's ball be touched or movcd by an oppo- dent, his caddie or equipment (except as otherwise provided in the rules), that oppollellt shall illcur a pe7lalty stroke, but the penalty shall not apply to tho other opponent. the player shall place the ball on the epot from which it was moved, without penalty, a8 provided in rule 27.1a. f. playing wrong ball if a player playa stroke with a ball other than his own except in a hazard, he shall be disqualified lor that hole, but the penalty shall not apply to his parl- rule 40 ner. there is no penalty for a player playing a stroke or strokes with a wrong ball in a hazard provided he then play his own ball. if the ball wrongly played be a ban in the match, its owner shan place a ball on the spot from which the ball was wrongly played, without penalty, as pro- vided in rule 27.1a. g. maximum of fourteen clubs the side shall lose each hole in which either partner violated rule 3. h. disqualification penalties a player shall be disqualified from the match for a breach of rule 37-5 (time and order of starting), but, in the discretion of the committee, the penalty shall not necessarily apply to his partner (definition 28-note}. a side shall be disqualified for a breach of any of the following: rule 2-the club and the ball. rule 4--a~reement to waive rules prohibited. rule 37-2-caddie and forecaddie. rule 37.7-undue delay (repeated offense}. rule 37.8-refusal to comply with rule. rule 37.9-artificial devices. a player shall be disqualified for the hole in question and from the remainder of the match for a breach of rule 37.6 (discontinuance of play), but the penalty 8han not apply to his partner. (modification of penalty-rule 36.5.} i. infringement assisting partner if a player infringe a rule or local rule so as to assist his partner's play, the partner incurs the rela. tive penalty in addition to any penalty incurred by the player . j. penalty applies to player only in an other cases where, by the rules of golf, a player would incur a penalty, the penalty shan not apply to his partner. rule 41 ~ rule 4j four-ball stroke play i. conditions a. the rules of golf, so far as they are not at variance with the following special rules, shall apply to four.ball stroke play. b. in four-ball stroke play two competitors play u partners, each playing his own ball. c. the lower score of the partners is the score of the hole. if one partner fail to complete the play of a hole, there is no penalty. 2. ball influencing play a. lifting permitted any competitor may have any ball (except the ball about to be played) lifted or played, at the option of the owner, if he consider that it might interfere with or be of assistance to a competitor or side, but this is only permissible before the next stroke is played by the competitor whose turn it is. if the owner of the ball refuse to comply with this rule when required to do so, his side shall be disquali- tied. b. lifting prohibited on the putting green, while the competitor's ball is in motion, any other ball shall not be touched by anyone. 3. balls to be at rest on the putting green, the competitor shall not plat until all other balls are at rest. 4. ball struck by another ball when the balls concerned lie on the putting greed or within 20 yards of the hole and neither ball is in a hazard, if a competitor's ball strike any other ball the competitor shall incur a penalty of two strokes and ahall play his ball as it lies. the other ball shall be at once replaced. 88888888888888888888888888888888888 in all other cases, if a competitor's ball strike any other ball, the competitor shall play his ball as it lies. the owner of the moved ball shall place his ball on the spot from which it was moved, without penalty, as provided in rule 27-1a. s. order of play balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers besl 8. playinq wronq ball if a competitor playa stroke or strokes with a ban other than his own except in a hazard, he shall add two penalty strokes to his score for the hole and shall then play his own ball. rule 21-3 governs. if the ball wrongly played be a ball in the compe- tition, its owner shall place a ball on the spot from which the ball was wrongly played, without penalty, as provided in rule 27.1a. 7. disqualification penalties a. from the competition a competitor shall be disqualified from the compe- tition for s breach of sny of the following, but the penalty shall not apply to his partner: rule 8-3-practice before round. rule 37.5-time snd order of starting. rule 38-3-no alteration of scores, except that the competitor shall not be disqualified when a breach of this rule does not affect the result of the hole. a side shall be disqualified from the competition for a breach of any of the following: rule 2-the club and the ball. rule 4-agreement to waive rules prohibited. rule 37.2-caddic and forecaddie. rule 37-7-undue delay (repeated offense), rule 37-8-refusal to comply with rule. rule 37-~artificial devices. rule 38.2-checking scores. rule 41.2a-ball influencing play, refusal to lift. by both partners, at the same hole. of a rule or rules the penalty for which is disqualification either from the competition or for a hole. rule 41; local rules 55 b. from the remainder of the competition .4. competitor shall be disqualified for the hole in question and from the remainder of the competition for a breach of rule 37-6 (discontinuance of play) . but the penally shall not apply to his partner. c. for the hole only in all other cases where a breach of a rule would entail disqualification, the competitor shall be disquali- lied only for the hole at which the breach occurred. (modification of penalty-rule 36-5.) 8. infringement assisting partner if a competitor infringe a rule or local rule so as to assist his partner's play, the partner incurs the relative penalty in addition to any penalty incurred by the competitor . 9. penalty applies to competitor only in all other cases where, by the rules of golf, a competitor would incur a penalty, the penalty shall not apply to his partner. usga appendix local rules rule 36.7 provides: "the committee shall make and publish local rules for abnormal conditions. having regard to the policy of the governing authority of the country concerned as set forth in the appendix attached to these rules- " a penalty imposed by a rule of golf shall not be waived by a local rule.'. among the matters for which local rules or other regulations may be advisable are the following: 1. clarifying the status of sections of water hazards which may be lateral under definition 14c and rule 33.3. 2. a. clarifying the status of objects which may be obstructions under definition 20 and rule 31. b. providing relief from artificial curbings of roads and paths {under rule 31.2) .especially when the ball lies on natural substance. 3. specifying the means used to define out of bounds, hazards, water hazards, lateral water hazards, and ground under repair. 4. establishment of special areas on which a ball may be dropped when it is not feasible to proceed exactly in conformity with the rules for immovable obstructions (31-2) and for water hazards and lateral water hazards (33-2, 3) , and with the recommended local rule for out of bounds (rule 29.1 and appendix, pages 56-57). 5. preservation of the course, including turf nurseries and other parts of the course under cultivation on which play is prohibited. 6. temporary conditions which might interfere with proper playing of the game, including mud and extreme wetness warranting lifting an embedded ball on specific individual days (see detailed recommendations on pabe 57). 7. accumulation of leaves. 8. damage caused to the course by storm or animals (other than as covered in rule 32). 9. snow and ice when it is preferred that they not be treated as casual water under definition 8 and rule 32. 10. caddying double (see detailed recommendatiol11 on page 58). 11. how to decide ties in handicap events (see de- tailed recommendations on page 59). 12. priority on the course (see etiquette) . 13. practice areas (see rules 8 and 36-4b). 14. specifying whether automotive transportation may or may not be used by players. out of bounds if the committee consider that the penalty for a ball out of bounds provided for in rule 29-1 (stroke and distance) would be unduly severe on its course, the committee is authorized to adopt the local rule below for the entire course, provided the conditions make such a local rule practicable. such a local rule should not be ased where there is likely to be difficulty in determining whether a ball is out of bounds or the last place of crossing the boundary line. a. procedure if a ball be out of bounds, the player may drop a ball, under penalty of one stroke, within two club-lengths of the place where the ball last crossed the boundary line; however, if this would require dropping a ball in a hazard, the player may drop a ball outside the hazard within two club-lengths of the boundary line as near as possible to the place where the ball last crossed the boundary line. the ball must come to rest not nearer the hole than the place where the ball last crossed the boundary line. b. reasonable evidence necessary in order for the player to treat a ball as being out of bounds under this local rule. there must be reasonable evidence both that it is out of bounds and as to the place where it last crossed the boundary line. in the absence of reasonable evidence on both points, rule 29-1a applies (stroke-and-distance penalty) . c. provisional ball: option prohmlted if a provisional ball has been played and the original ball be out of bounds, the player must continue play with the provisional ball and may not playa ball as provided for in this local rule. lifting an embedded ball on the putting green, rule 35-1c penni18 a ball to be lifted to repair damage caused by the impact of a ball. through the green (definition 34) , when pennissioo to lift an embedded ball would be warranted on specific days, the following local rule is suggested: "through the gr~en," a ball which by force of impact remains embedded in its own pit-mark may be lifted without penalty, cleaned, and dropped as near as possible to the spot where it lay and must come to rest not nearer the hole. 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888 (see rule 22.) a ball may not be cleaned "tbrough the green" unless so embedded. ("through the green" (definition 34) is the whole area of the course except:- a. teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played ; b. all hazards on the course.) practice at putting green of hole played in stroke play when it is desired to prohibit practice on or to a putting green of a hole already played in stroke play, the following local rule is recommended : stroke play: a player during a round shall not play any practice stroke on or to the putting green of any hole he has played in the round. penalty-two strokes. (for other practice, see rules 8 and 36.4b.) caddying double when one caddie is employed by two players, it is recommended that the following apply: i. match play sincle and three-ball the caddie is an outside agency under definition 22 except when he acts upon specific directions of a play- er, in which case he is considered to be that player's caddie. instances in which he could be considered a player's caddie could arise under the following rules, among others: rule 9-advice. rule 16-ball played as it lies and not touched. rule 17-lmproving lie or stance prohibited. rule 18-loose impediments. rule 23-lifting or cleaning ball. rule 26-ball in motion stopped or deflected. rule 27-ball at rest moved. rule 34- the flagstick. the caddie is always deemed to be employed by the player of the stroke. rule 35-1-the putting green. local rules 59 threesome, foursome, best-ball and four-ball a caddie carrying double should be assigned to the members of one side. rule 4o-3e--player's ball moved by caddie carrying double for opposing side in best-ball or four-ball match: both opponents incur a penalty stroke. 2. stroke play the caddie is always deemed to be employed by the player affected. in foursome and four-ball competition, a caddie carrying double should be assigned to the members of one side. 3. general: deciaion by equity if any point be not covered in the rules or the foregoing, the decision shall be made in accordance with equity. how to decide ties in handicap events rule 36-3 empowers the committee to determine how and when a halved match or a stroke play tie shall be decided. the decision should be published in ad- yance. the usga recommends: i. match play a handicap match which ends all even should be played off hole by hole until one side wins a hole. the play-off should start on the hole where the match began. strokes should be allowed as in the prescribed round. 2. stroke play a handicap stroke competition which ends in a tie should be played off at 18 holes, with handicaps. if that be inexpedient, there may be a shorter play-off which permits the competitors to use an equitable per- centage of their handicaps. for example, if in an in- dividual competition a's handicap is 10 and b's is 8. it would be equitable to conduct a nine.hole play-off with a receiving 5 strokes and b 4 strokes. "preferred lies" and "winter rules" the usga does not endorse .'preferred lies" and "winter rules", and recommends that the rules of golf be observed uniformly. ground under repair is provided for in definition 13 and rule 32. occasional abnonnal conditions which might interfere with fair plsy and are not widespread should be defined accurately aa ground under repair. however, adverse conditions are sometimes so general throughout a course that the local committee beli.,ves .'preferred lies" or .'winter rules" would promote fair and pleasant play or help protect the course. heavy snows, spring thaws, prolonged rains or extreme heat can make fairways unsatisfactory and sometimes prevent use of heavy mowing equipment. when a committee adopts a local rule for "preferred lies" or '.winter rules", it should be in detail and should be interpreted by the committee, as there is no estab. lished code for "winter rules." without a detailed local rule, it is meaningless for a committee to post a notice merely saying .'winter rules today." the following local rule would seem appropriate for the conditions in question, but the usga does not en. dorse it and will not interpret it: a ball lying on a '.fairway" may be lifted and cleaned, without penalty, and placed within six inches of where it originally lay, not nearer the hole, and 80 as to preserve as nearly as possible the stance required to play from the original lie. after the ball haa been so placed, it is in play, and if it move after the player has addressed it the penalty shall be one stroke-see rule 27.1d. if the adverse conditions extend onto the putting green, the above local rule may be altered by adding the words "or the putting green" after the word "fair. way." if it is desired to protect the course, the above local rule should be reworded to make it mandatory rather than permissive to move the ball from certain areas. the above rule does not require a player to move his ball if he does not want to do so. local rules pairings for match play before a committee adopts a local rule permitting .'preferred lies" or "winter rules", the following facta should be considered: i. such a local rule conflicts with the rules of golf and the fundamental principle of playing the ball as it lies. 2. "winter rules" are sometimes adopted under the guise of protecting the course when, in fact, the prac. tical effect is just the opposite-they permit moving the ball to the best turf, from which divots are then taken to injure the course further. 3. "preferred lies" or .'winter rules" tend generally to lower scores and handicaps, thus penalizing the play- era in competition with players whose scores for handi. caps are made under the rules of golf. 4. extended use or indiscriminate use of .'preferred lies" or .'winter rules" will place players at a disad. vantage when competing at a course where the ball must be played as it lies. handicapping and ..preferred lies" scores made under a local rule for "preferred lies" or "winter rules" may be accepted for handicapping if the committee considers that conditions warranl when such a local rule is adopted, the committee should insure that the course's normal scoring difficulty is maintained as nearly as possible through adjustment ')f tee markers and related methods. however, if ex- treme conditions cause extended use of "preferred lies" or "winter rules" and the course management cannot adjust scoring difficulty properly, the club should ob. tain a tem~;)rary course rating from ita district golf association. pairings for match play general numerical draw for purposes of determining places in the draw, ties in qualifying rounds other than those for the laat qualifying place shall be decided by a blind draw. 88888888888888888888888888888888888 (see rule 22.) a ball may not be cleaned "tbrough the green" unless so embedded. ("through the green" (definition 34) is the whole area of the course except:- a. teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played ; b. all hazards on the course.) practice at putting green of hole played in stroke play when it is desired to prohibit practice on or to a putting green of a hole already played in stroke play, the following local rule is recommended : stroke play: a player during a round shall not play any practice stroke on or to the putting green of any hole he has played in the round. penalty-two strokes. (for other practice, see rules 8 and 36.4b.) caddying double when one caddie is employed by two players, it is recommended that the following apply: i. match play sincle and three-ball the caddie is an outside agency under definition 22 except when he acts upon specific directions of a play- er, in which case he is considered to be that player's caddie. instances in which he could be considered a player's caddie could arise under the following rules, among others: rule 9-advice. rule 16-ball played as it lies and not touched. rule 17-lmproving lie or stance prohibited. rule 18-loose impediments. rule 23-lifting or cleaning ball. rule 26-ball in motion stopped or deflected. rule 27-ball at rest moved. rule 34- the flagstick. the caddie is always deemed to be employed by the player of the stroke. rule 35-1-the putting green. local rules 59 threesome, foursome, best-ball and four-ball a caddie carrying double should be assigned to the members of one side. rule 4o-3e--player's ball moved by caddie carrying double for opposing side in best-ball or four-ball match: both opponents incur a penalty stroke. 2. stroke play the caddie is always deemed to be employed by the player affected. in foursome and four-ball competition, a caddie carrying double should be assigned to the members of one side. 3. general: deciaion by equity if any point be not covered in the rules or the foregoing, the decision shall be made in accordance with equity. how to decide ties in handicap events rule 36-3 empowers the committee to determine how and when a halved match or a stroke play tie shall be decided. the decision should be published in ad- yance. the usga recommends: i. match play a handicap match which ends all even should be played off hole by hole until one side wins a hole. the play-off should start on the hole where the match began. strokes should be allowed as in the prescribed round. 2. stroke play a handicap stroke competition which ends in a tie should be played off at 18 holes, with handicaps. if that be inexpedient, there may be a shorter play-off which permits the competitors to use an equitable per- centage of their handicaps. for example, if in an in- dividual competition a's handicap is 10 and b's is 8. it would be equitable to conduct a nine.hole play-off with a receiving 5 strokes and b 4 strokes. "preferred lies" and "winter rules" the usga does not endorse .'preferred lies" and "winter rules", and recommends that the rules of golf be observed uniformly. ground under repair is provided for in definition 13 and rule 32. occasional abnonnal conditions which might interfere with fair plsy and are not widespread should be defined accurately aa ground under repair. however, adverse conditions are sometimes so general throughout a course that the local committee beli.,ves .'preferred lies" or .'winter rules" would promote fair and pleasant play or help protect the course. heavy snows, spring thaws, prolonged rains or extreme heat can make fairways unsatisfactory and sometimes prevent use of heavy mowing equipment. when a committee adopts a local rule for "preferred lies" or '.winter rules", it should be in detail and should be interpreted by the committee, as there is no estab. lished code for "winter rules." without a detailed local rule, it is meaningless for a committee to post a notice merely saying .'winter rules today." the following local rule would seem appropriate for the conditions in question, but the usga does not en. dorse it and will not interpret it: a ball lying on a '.fairway" may be lifted and cleaned, without penalty, and placed within six inches of where it originally lay, not nearer the hole, and 80 as to preserve as nearly as possible the stance required to play from the original lie. after the ball haa been so placed, it is in play, and if it move after the player has addressed it the penalty shall be one stroke-see rule 27.1d. if the adverse conditions extend onto the putting green, the above local rule may be altered by adding the words "or the putting green" after the word "fair. way." if it is desired to protect the course, the above local rule should be reworded to make it mandatory rather than permissive to move the ball from certain areas. the above rule does not require a player to move his ball if he does not want to do so. local rules pairings for match play before a committee adopts a local rule permitting .'preferred lies" or "winter rules", the following facta should be considered: i. such a local rule conflicts with the rules of golf and the fundamental principle of playing the ball as it lies. 2. "winter rules" are sometimes adopted under the guise of protecting the course when, in fact, the prac. tical effect is just the opposite-they permit moving the ball to the best turf, from which divots are then taken to injure the course further. 3. "preferred lies" or .'winter rules" tend generally to lower scores and handicaps, thus penalizing the play- era in competition with players whose scores for handi. caps are made under the rules of golf. 4. extended use or indiscriminate use of .'preferred lies" or .'winter rules" will place players at a disad. vantage when competing at a course where the ball must be played as it lies. handicapping and ..preferred lies" scores made under a local rule for "preferred lies" or "winter rules" may be accepted for handicapping if the committee considers that conditions warranl when such a local rule is adopted, the committee should insure that the course's normal scoring difficulty is maintained as nearly as possible through adjustment ')f tee markers and related methods. however, if ex- treme conditions cause extended use of "preferred lies" or "winter rules" and the course management cannot adjust scoring difficulty properly, the club should ob. tain a tem~;)rary course rating from ita district golf association. pairings for match play general numerical draw for purposes of determining places in the draw, ties in qualifying rounds other than those for the laat qualifying place shall be decided by a blind draw. 8888888888888888888888888888888888888888 66 nature of grip 0 have a channel or a furrow or be molded tor any pan ot the handa. " a dev;ce deslped to rive the player artificial aid id kripplng or owinginr the club ohall be deemed to v;olata thlo rule eyed thourh it be not a part of the club." followidr are examples of grlpo which have been approved add oome which have been dloapproved: flagstick dimensions par and bogey computation 6? -- flagstick dimensions the usga recommend. that the flagstick be at least eight feet in height and that its diameter be not greater than three-quarters of an inch from a point three inches above the ground to the bottom of the hole. par and bogey computation "par" is the score that an expert golfer would be ex- pected to make for a given hole. "bogey" is the score that a moderstely good golfer would be expected to make for a given hole. bogey is the same as par except when the committee declares it to be one over par because of the difficulty of a particular hole. par and bogey mean errorless play without flukes and under ordinary weather conditions. allowing two strokes on t.be putting green. yardages for guidance in computing par and bo~ey are given below. they are not arhitrory, because allowance should be made for the configuration of the ground, any difficult or unusual conditions, and the severity of the hazards. each bole sbould he measured bori"ontally from the mid. die of tbe tee area to be used to the center of the green, following the line of play planned by tbe architect in laying out. the hole. thus. in a bole with a bend. the line at tbe elbow point should be centered in tbe fairway in accordance with the architect's intention. yardages for guidance men's men's women's score par bogey par 3 up to 260 up to 190 up to 210 4 251 to 470 191 to 370 211 to 400 5 471 and over 371 to 540 401 to 675 6 641 and over 676 and over handicapping par as computed above should not he confused with course rating aa described in the usga golf handicap system. usga handicapa must. be based on course rating rather tban par. see tbe following booklets: men: "usga golf handicap system for men." women: "the conduct of women's golf." protection of persons against lightning on golf courses as there have been many deaths and injurieo from likhtnink on golf courses, all players, caddies. and oponsoro of kolf are urged to take every precaution for the protection of persons against lightning. the national bureau of standards points out: "if golf clubs could be impressed with the necessity of callink off matches before the etorm io near enough to b. hazardou8. the case. of mujtiple injury or death among play- ers and spectators could be eliminated.'. raising golf clubs or umbrellas above the head is under- stood to be dangerous during electrical storms. metal spikes on golf shoes do little to increase the hazard, according to the bureau. taking shelter the following rules are a guide for personal safety during thunderstorm. ( natlonaj bureau of standards handbook 46. "code for protection akalnst lightning.'. 1952) : (a) do not ko out of doors or remain out during thunder- storms unless it is neceasary. stay inside of a building where it la dry. preferably away from fireplaces, stove. and other metal objects. (b) if there is any choice of shelter, choose in the follow- ink order: 1. large metal or metal-frame building". 2. dwellinks or other bulldlnga which are protected against lightning. 3. large unprotected bulldinga. 4. small unprotected buildings. (e) if remainink out of doors is unavoidable. keep away from: 1. small sheds and shelter. if in an exposed location. 2. isolated trees. 3. wire fences. 4. hilltop" and wide open spaces. (d) seek shelter in: 1. a cave. 2. a depression in the ground. 3. a deep valley or canyon. 4. the foot of a steep or overhanklng clit!. 5. dense woods. 6. a grove of trees. discontinuing play during lightning attention is called to rules 36-4c, 37-5 and 37-6. the usga especially suggests that players be informed that they have the right to stop play if they think light- lightning protection 69 -- ning threatens them, even though the committee may not have specifically authorized it by signal. the usga uses the following slgnala and recommends that all local committees do similarly: discontinus play: three consecutive notes of siren, repeated. rasums play: one prolonged note of siren, repeated. lightning protection for shelters shelters on golf courses may be protected against light.. nlng as follows, according to the national bureau of stand- ards: for a small structure such as a shelter, the protection might best be taken care of by using four steel poles .et out at a distance from the corners of the building. (see li~htlng code p.52)- these mi~ht be of 2-inch pipe or 2'h-inch pipe helow ground with 2-inch pipe above ground. each pole should be connected to the other thres, preferably at the top, with a %-inch galvanized wire rope or the equivalent. the poles should be set deep enough to reach permanently moist ground ( 6 to 8 feet) .the height should be such that the shelter would be wholly within the 4 cones of protection set up by the poles ( 4., o angle from the top of the pole. or a poje-helght radius about its base). this method keep. differences of ground potential around' the building to a minimum. if lightning conductors are pjaced on shelters with a ground adjacent to one side of the building, large differences of potentlai may exiet between points on the surface of the ground which are a few feet apart. the frequent killing of livestock under a tree which is stru"k is attributed to such potantial dlfferen"es. fortunately the human animal has a shorter "wheel base" than a horse or cow and consequently deaths of per"ons from this cause are rare. a dry raised wood platform in the sheiter would decrease- the possibility of shock from this cause. (we assume they would not have a bullt..ln floor.) the poles or pipes couid be painted a "grass'. or neutral green to improve their appearance without affecting the~ effectiveness. (underground section should be bare. ) lightning protection for electric carls electrlc carts may reasonably be proteeted against jlght.. ning by either of the following two methods suggested by ths national bureau of standards: i. a whip antenna, similar to that used on most passenger cars, of a length that will reach above the head. of the riders. 2. a metal top or canopy. steel-topped automobiles are practically llghtnlng-proof. ... it is re"omrnended that several notl"es similar to this be posted at every "ourse. copier of this notice in poster form may be obtained from the usga.



70 amateur status rules of amateur status usga by-lawa. article iv definition amateur golfer an amateur golfer is one who plays the game solely as a don-remunerative or non-profit-making sport. rule 1 forfeiture of amateur status at any age the following sre among examples of acts at any age wltieh 'lioiafe file dennj[jon ot an amateur goiter and cause forfeiture of amateur status: i. professionalism receiving compensation for serving as : a. a professional golfer. b. a teaching or playing assistant to a professional golfer. 2. professional intent taking any action which clearly indicates the in- tention of becoming a professional golfer. 3. inatruclion receiving compensation for giving instruction in playing golf, either orally, in writing, by pictures or by other demonstrations, to either individuals or groups. exception: faculty members of recognized educa. tional institutions who do not primarily give direct instruction to participants in physical training or nth- letic sports, and whose golf instruction is given to students and is incidental to their academic duties. 4. playing for prize money playing in a match, tournament or exhibition with the intention or hope of accepting, either directly or indirectly, money or its equivalent as a prize, testi. monial or compensation. s. other prizes and tealimonials acceptance of a prize or testimonial of the follow. amateur status 71 -- ing character (this applies to total prizes received for anyone event or series of events in anyone tourna- ment or exhibition, including a hole-in-one contest) : a. of retail value exceeding $200. b. of a nature which is the equivalent of money or makes it readily convertible into money. exceptions: a. prizes of only symbolic value (such as metal trophies) . b. scholarships or grants-in.aid, not to exceed com- monly accepted educational expenses as defined by the national collegiate athletic association, won as prizes in recognized golf competitions before the lbth birthday even though the period of such scholarships or grants-in.aid may extend beyond the lbth birthday. note i: more than one testimonial award mar be accepted from different donors even though their total retail value exceeds $200, provided they are not pre- sented so as to evade the $200 value limit for a single award. (testimonial awards relate to notable perform- ances or contributions to golf, as distinguished from tournament prizes.) note 2: for honorary memberships or privileges, see rule 1-11. 6. lending name or likeness receiving or contracting to receive compensation or personal benefit, directly or indirectly, for allowing one's name or likeness as a golfer to be used in any way for the advertisement or sale of anything, whether or not used in or appertaining to golf. note: an advertisement mar contain a player's name or likeness when it is customary to the business of such a player and contains no reference to the game of golf. 7. personal appearance because of golf skill or reputation, accepting com- pensation, directly or indirectly, for a personal appear- ance, whether or not in connection with a golf compe- tition or exhibition. (this includes appearance on radio and television broadcasts, testimonial dinners and the like.) 72 amateur status 8. "ghost writing'. receiving or contracting to receive compensation, directly or indirectly, for allowing one's name to be advertised or published as the author of golf articles or books of which he is not actually the author. (see rule 1-3.) 9. relations with golf goods dealer because of golf skill or golf reputation, receiving compensation, directly or indirectly, from anyone deal- ing in golf merchandise. (the term "golf merchandise" does not include clothing.) id. golf equipment accepting golf balls, clubs, golf merchandise or golf clothing from anyone dealing in golf merchandise with- out payment of current market price. 11. membership and privileges because of golf skill or golf reputation, accepting membership or privileges in a club or at a golf course without full payment unless such membership or priv- ileges have been awarded as purely and deservedly hon- orary and in recognition of an outstanding performance or contribution to golf. 12. proselyting and scholarships or grants-in-aid because of golf skill or golf reputation, accepting any consideration ss an inducement to be a student in an educational institution except a scholarship or grant-in. aid awarded and administered by the institution con- cerned and not in excess of commonly accepted educa- tional expenses as defined by the national collegiate athletic association. 13. conduct detrimental to golf any conduct, including activities in connection with golf gambling, which is considered detrimental to the best interests of the game. rule 2 forfeiture of amateur status after the 18th birthday the following are among examples of acts after one's lbth birthday which violate the definition of an amateur golfer and cause forfeiture of amateur status : amateur status 73 i. expedbe8 accepting expenses, in money or otherwise, from sny source other than one on whom the player is nonnally or legally dependent but excluding an employer, to engage in: a. a golf competition or exhibitior. b. a personal appearance as a golfer, including radio and television broadcasts, testimonial din- ners and the like. exceptions: a reasonable amount of expenses may be accepted in the following specific instances only: a. as a representative of the united states golf association in an international team match when such expenses are paid by the usga or, with usga approval, by the authority governing amateur golf of the country being visited. b. as a qualified contestant in the usga amateur public links championship proper, but only within limits fixed by the usga. c. as a representative of a recognized educational institution or of a military service in (i) team events or (2) other events which are limited to representatives 0£ recognized educational in- stitutions or 0£ military services, rcspectively. in each case, expenses may be accepted from only the authority represented. d. as a representative of an industrial or business golf team in industrial or business golf' team competitions, respectively, but only within limits fixed by the usga. (a statement of such limits may be obtained on request from the usga.) rule 3 forfeiture of amateur status after the 21 st birthday the following are among examples 0£ acts alter one'a 21st birthday which violate the definition of an ama. teur goiler and cause for£eiture 0£ amateur status: 8888888888888888888888888888888888888 i. caddie. caddie-master. ciub-maker receiving compensation for serving as: a. a caddie. b. a caddie-master. c. an assistant caddie-master. d. an employee engaged in making, repairing or cleaning clubs or selling golf merchandise in a golf shop at a place where golf is played, prac- ticed or taught. rule 4 procedure for enforcement and reinstatement i. determination of violation whenever information indicating a possible violation of the definition of an amateur golfer by a player claiming to be an amateur shall come to the attention of the executive committee of the united states golf association, the committee, after such investigation as it may deem desirable, shall determine whether a viola- tion has occurred. each case shall be considered on its own merits. the determination of the committee shall be final. 2. enforcement upon a determination that a player has violated the definition of an amateur golfer, the executive commit- tee may declare the amateur status of the player for- feited or require the player to refrain or desist from specified actions as a condition of retaining his amateur status. the executive committee shall notify the player, if possible, and may notify any interested golf association of any action taken under this paragraph. 3. reinstatement the executive committee shall have sole power to reinstate a pjayer to amateur status or to deny reinstate- ment. each application for reinstatement shall be considered on its own merits. amateur status in considering an application for reinstatement, the executive committee shall nomlally be guided by the following principles: a. five- year limit a player shall not nomlally be eligible for reinstate- ment if he was in violation of the definition of an amateur golfer through a calendar period of five years or mol'e. b. one reinstatement a player shall not be reinstated more than once. c. probation the professional holds an advantage over the amateur by reason of having devoted himself to the game as his profession. he does not necessarily lose this advantage merely by deciding to cease violating the rules of amateur status. therefore, an applicant for reinstatement to amateur status shall undergo probation as prescribed by the executive committee. probation shall start from the date of the player's last violation of the definition of an amateur golfer unless the executive committee de- cides that it shall start from the date when the player's last violation became known to the executive commit- tee. (i) duration: an applicant for reinstatement who was in viojation of the definition of an amateur golfer less than five years shall normally be eligible for rein- statement after a probation of two consecutive years. the executive committee shall have power to reo duce the normal probation period, and power to increase it in the case of an applicant in violation of the defi. nition of an amateur golfer more than five years. (ii) status during probation: during probation an applicant for reinstatement shall confoml with the defi- nition of an amateur golfer. he shall not be eligible to enter competition i\s an amateur. he may, without prejudicing his application, enter open competition as an applicant for reinstate. ment but shall dot be entitled to any prize reserved for either an amateur or a professional. d. form of application each application for reinstatement shall be prepared, in duplicate, on forms provided by the usga. the application must be filed through, and endorsed by, a recognized sectional amateur golf association in whose district the applicant resides.