Code One : Text

Simple Golf Rules

Code One

August 27, 2012

David Hayes - John Morrissett

Excerpts from The Rules of Golf are reprinted from The Rules of Golf 2012-2015 (c) 2011 United States Golf Association, with permission. All rights in The Rules of Golf are reserved by the USGA.
This publication summarizes some of The Rules of Golf as interpreted by the authors. The United States Golf Association does not warrant the accuracy or endorse the authors' interpretations.

Section

I Etiquette
II Definitions
III The Rules of Play

Rule 1 The Game
    1-1 General
    1-2 Agreement To Waive Rules
Rule 2 Match Play
    2-1 General
    2-2 Concession of Match, Hole or Next Stroke
    2-3 Doubt as to Procedure; Disputes and Claims
    2-4 Information as to Strokes Taken and Wrong Information
        a. Information as to Strokes Taken
        b. Wrong Information
    2-5 General Penalty
Rule 3 Stroke Play
    3-1 General; Winner
    3-2 Failure to Hole Out
    3-3 Doubt as to Procedure
        a. Procedure
        b. Determination of Score for Hole
    3-4 General Penalty
Rule 4 Clubs
    4-1 Form and Make of Clubs
    4-2 Playing Characteristics Changed and Foreign Material
        a. Playing Characteristics Changed
        b. Foreign Material
    4-3 Damaged Clubs: Repair and Replacement
        a. Damage in Normal Course of Play
        b. Damage Other Than in Normal Course of Play
    4-4 Maximum of Fourteen Clubs
Rule 5 Balls
    5-1 General
    5-2 Foreign Material
    5-3 Cleaning Ball
Rule 6 The Player
    6-1 Rules
    6-2 Handicap
        a. Match Play
        b. Stroke Play
    6-3 Time of Starting and Groups
        a. Time of Starting
        b. Groups
    6-4 Caddie
    6-5 Ball
    6-6 Scoring in Stroke Play
        a. Signing and Returning Score Card
        b. Alteration of Score Card
        c. Wrong Score for Hole
    6-7 Undue Delay
    6-8 Discontinuance of Play; Resumption of Play
        a. When Permitted
        b. Procedure When Play Suspended by Committee
        c. Lifting Ball When Play Discontinued
        d. Procedure When Play Resumed
Rule 7 Practice
    7-1 Before or Between Rounds
    7-2 During Round
Rule 8 Advice; Indicating Line of Play
    8-1 Advice
    8-2 Suggesting or Indicating Line of Play
        a. Other Than on Putting Green
        b. On the Putting Green
Rule 9 Order of Play
    9-1 Match Play
        a. When Starting Play of Hole
        b. During Play of Hole
        c. Playing Out of Turn
    9-2 Stroke Play
        a. When Starting Play of Hole
        b. During Play of Hole
        c. Playing Out of Turn
        9-3. Provisional Ball or Another Ball from Teeing Ground
Rule 10 Teeing Ground
    10-1 Teeing
    10-2 Tee-Markers
    10-3 Ball Falling off Tee
    10-4 Playing from Outside Teeing Ground (Including a Wrong Teeing Ground)
        a. Match Play
        b. Stroke Play
Rule 11 Striking the Ball
    11-1 Ball to be Fairly Struck
    11-2 Assistance
        a. Physical Assistance and Protection from Elements
        b. Positioning of Caddie or Partner Behind Ball
    11-3 Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment
    11-4 Striking the Ball More Than Once
    11-5 Playing Ball Moving in Water in a Water Hazard
    11-6 Playing Moving Ball
Rule 12 Searching for and Identifying Ball
    12-1 Seeing Ball; Searching for Ball
        a. Searching for or Identifying Ball Covered by Sand
        b. Searching for Ball in Water in Water Hazard
        c. Searching for Ball Within Obstruction or Abnormal Ground Condition
    12-2 Lifting Ball for Identification
Rule 13 Ball Played as It Lies
    13-1 General
    13-2 Removal of Loose Impediments
    13-3 Improving Environment of the Ball
    13-4 Exerting Influence on Movement of Ball or Altering Physical Conditions
    13-5 Building Stance
    13-6 Testing Condition of Hazard
Rule 14 Substituted Ball; Wrong Ball
    14-1 General
    14-2 Substituted Ball
    14-3 Wrong Ball
        a. Match Play
        b. Stroke Play
Rule 15 The Putting Green
    15-1 General
        a. Lifting and Cleaning Ball
        b. Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other Damage
        c. Testing Surface
        d. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt
        e. Making Stroke While Another Ball in Motion
    15-2 Ball Overhanging Hole
Rule 16 The Flagstick
    16-1 Flagstick Attended, Removed or Held Up
    16-2 Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant
    16-3 Ball Resting Against Flagstick
Rule 17 Ball at Rest Moved
    17-1 By Outside Agency
    17-2 By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment
        a. General
        b. Ball Moving After Address
        c. Ball Moved in Measuring
    17-3 By Opponent, Caddie or Equipment in Match Play
    17-4 By Fellow-Competitor, Caddie or Equipment in Stroke Play
    17-5 By Another Ball
Rule 18 Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped
    18-1 By Outside Agency
    18-2 By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment
    18-3 By Opponent, Caddie or Equipment in Match Play
    18-4 By Fellow-Competitor, Caddie or Equipment in Stroke Play
    18-5 By Another Ball
        a. At Rest
        b. In Motion
Rule 19 Lifting and Placing; Playing from Wrong Place
    19-1 Marking and Lifting
    19-2 Placing and Replacing
        a. By Whom and Where
        b. Ball Fails to Come to Rest on Spot
    19-3 Making Next Stroke from Where Previous Stroke Made
    19-4 Lifting Ball Incorrectly Substituted or Placed
    19-5 Playing from Wrong Place
        a. General
        b. Match Play
        c. Stroke Play
Rule 20 Ball Assisting or Interfering with Play
    20-1 Agreement Not to Lift Ball Assisting Play
    20-2 Ball Interfering with Play
Rule 21 Obstructions and Abnormal Ground Conditions
    21-1 Movable Obstructions
    21-2 Immovable Obstructions and Abnormal Ground Conditions
        a. Interference
        b. Relief
    21-3 Ball in Obstruction or Abnormal Ground Condition Not Found
        a. Ball in Movable Obstruction Not Found
        b. Ball in Immovable Obstruction or Abnormal Ground Condition Not Found
Rule 22 Embedded Ball; Aeration Holes; Seams of Cut Turf; Wrong Putting Green
    22-1 Embedded Ball
    22-2 Aeration Holes
    22-3 Seams of Cut Turf
    22-4 Wrong Putting Green
Rule 23 Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball
    23-1 Stroke and Distance; Ball Out of Bounds; Ball Lost Because Not Found Within Five Minutes
        a. Proceeding Under Stroke and Distance
        b. Ball Out of Bounds
        c. Ball Lost Because Not Found Within Five Minutes
    23-2 Provisional Ball
        a. Procedure
        b. When Provisional Ball Becomes Ball in Play
        c. When Provisional Ball to be Abandoned
Rule 24 Water Hazards
    24-1 Relief for Ball in Water Hazard
    24-2 Ball Played Within Water Hazard
        a. Ball Comes to Rest in Same or Another Water Hazard
        b. Ball Lost or Unplayable Outside Hazard or Out of Bounds
Rule 25 Ball Unplayable
Rule 26 Threesomes and Foursomes
    26-1 General
    26-2 Match Play
    26-3 Stroke Play
Rule 27 Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play
    27-1 Representation of Side
    27-2 Order of Play
    27-3 Wrong Ball
    27-4 Penalty to Side
    27-5 Disqualification of Side
    27-6 Effect of Other Penalties
Rule 28 Four-Ball Stroke Play
    28-1 Representation of Side
    28-2 Scoring
    28-3 Order of Play
    28-4 Wrong Ball
    28-5 Penalty to Side
    28-6 Disqualification Penalties
        a. Breach by One Partner
        b. Breach by Both Partners
        c. For the Hole Only
    28-7 Effect of Other Penalties
Rule 29 Par and Stableford Competitions
    29-1 Conditions
        a. Par Competitions
        b. Stableford Competitions
    29-2 Disqualification Penalties
        a. From the Competition
        b. For a Hole
Rule 30 The Committee
    30-1 Conditions; Waiving Rule
    30-2 The Course
        a. Defining Bounds and Margins
        b. New Holes
        c. Course Unplayable
    30-3 Times of Starting and Groups
    30-4 Handicap Stroke Table
    30-5 Score Card
    30-6 Decision of Ties
    30-7 Local Rules
        a. Policy
        b. Waiving or Modifying a Rule
Rule 31 Disputes and Decisions
    31-1 Claims and Penalties
        a. Match Play
        b. Stroke Play
    31-2 Committee's Decision
    31-3 Equity
    31-4 Disqualification Penalty; Committee Discretion
Appendix I Local Rules; Conditions of the Competition
    Part A - Local Rules
    Part B - Conditions of the Competition
Appendix II Design of Clubs (minor addendum)
Appendix IV Devices and Other Equipment
    1 Tees (Rule 10)
    2 Gloves (Rule 11-3)
    3 Shoes (Rule 11-3)
    4 Clothing (Rule 11-3)
    5 Gauging or Measuring Conditions That Might Affect Play (Rule 11-3)

Section I - Etiquette; Behavior on the Course

Introduction

This section provides guidelines on the manner in which the game of golf should be played. If they are followed, all players will gain maximum enjoyment from the game. The overriding principle is that consideration should be shown to others on the course at all times.

The Spirit Of The Game

Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be.

Safety

Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.

Players should not play until the players in front are out of range.

Players should always alert the maintenance staff if a stroke they are about to make might endanger them.

If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, he should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such situations is "fore."

Consideration For Other Players

No Disturbance Or Distraction

Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise.

Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players.

On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play.

Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

On The Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.

Scoring

In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player concerned and record it.

Pace Of Play

Play At Good Pace And Keep Up

Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow.

It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group. Where a group has not lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can play faster, it should invite the faster moving group to play through.

Be Ready To Play

Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.

Lost Ball

If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional ball.

Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found. They should not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.

Priority On The Course

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the course is determined by a group's pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round. The term "group" includes a single player.

Care Of The Course

Bunkers

Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.

Repair Of Divots, Ball Marks And Damage By Shoes

Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.

Preventing Unnecessary Damage

Players should not damage the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.

Players should not damage the putting green when putting down bags or the flagstick.

In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole.

Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.

The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green.

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

Conclusion; Penalties For Breach

If players follow the guidelines in this section, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.

If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the Committee consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player. Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interests of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.

In the case of a serious breach of etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule 31-4.

Section II - Definitions

Abnormal Ground Conditions

An "abnormal ground condition" is any casual water, ground under repair, or rut or hole (including any removed material piled in the creation of that hole) on the course made by an animal.

Addressing the Ball

A player has "addressed the ball" when he has grounded his club immediately in front of or immediately behind the ball.

Advice

"Advice" is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in choosing his line of play, club, type of stroke or method of making a stroke.

Information on the Rules, distance or matters of public information, such as the position of hazards, the putting green, or the hole, is not advice.

Ball Holed

See "Holed."

Ball in Play

A ball is "in play" as soon as the player has made a stroke on the teeing ground. It remains in play until it is holed, except when it is lost, out of bounds or lifted, or another ball has been substituted, whether or not the substitution is permitted; a ball so substituted becomes the ball in play.

In stroke play, if a ball is played from outside the teeing ground when the player is starting play of a hole, or when attempting to correct this mistake, the ball is not in play and Rule 10-4b applies. When the player elects or is required to make his next stroke from the teeing ground (except when correcting a breach of Rule 10-4), ball in play includes a ball played from outside the teeing ground.

Ball Lost

See "Lost Ball."

Best-Ball

See "Forms of Match Play."

Bunker

A "bunker" is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like.

Grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker, including a stacked turf face (whether grass-covered or earthen), is not part of the bunker. A wall or lip of the bunker not covered with grass is part of the bunker. The margin of a bunker extends vertically downwards, but not upwards.

A ball is in a bunker when it lies in or any part of it touches the bunker.

Note 1: The Committee may clarify the status of areas on the course that meet or are similar to this Definition i.e., by deeming (and/or marking) them as bunkers or as areas through the green.

Note 2: If it is necessary to define an entire bunker to be ground under repair, the area so defined loses its status as a hazard i.e., it becomes an area through the green.

Caddie

A "caddie" is one who assists the player in accordance with the Rules, which may include carrying or handling the player's clubs during play.

When one caddie is employed by more than one player, he is always deemed to be the caddie of the player sharing the caddie whose ball (or whose partner's ball) is involved, and equipment carried and clothing worn by him is deemed to be that player's equipment, except when the caddie acts upon specific directions of another player (or the partner of another player) sharing the caddie, in which case he is considered to be that other player's caddie.

Casual Water

"Casual water" is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player. Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Dew and frost are not casual water.

A ball is in casual water when it lies in or any part of it touches the casual water.

Claim

A claim has been made when a player notifies his opponent or the Committee that he wishes the Committee to make a ruling on a dispute or doubtful point of an opponent's play. A claim made according to the time constraints below is considered to be a proper claim. The Committee may consider only proper claims.

A claim regarding the most recently played hole must be made before any player in the match plays from the teeing ground of the next hole or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before the official announcement of the result of the match.

A claim regarding a prior hole in the match may be made only if the facts on which the claim is based were previously unknown to the player making the claim and he was given wrong information (Rule 2-4b). Such a claim must be made as soon as practicable upon discovery of the previously unknown facts.

A claim may be made at any time after the official announcement of the result of a match if (i) the claim is based on facts that were not known to the player when the result was announced, (ii) an opponent gave wrong information, and (iii) the opponent knew that he was giving wrong information (Rule 2-4b).

Committee

The "Committee" is the committee in charge of the competition or, if the matter does not arise in a competition, the committee in charge of the course.

Competitor

A "competitor" is a player in a stroke-play competition. A "fellow-competitor" is any person with whom the competitor plays. Neither is partner of the other.

In stroke play foursome and four-ball competitions, where the context so admits, the word "competitor" or "fellow-competitor" includes his partner.

Course

The "course" is the whole area within any boundaries established by the Committee (see Rule 30-2).

Environment of the Ball

The "environment of the ball" is the lie of the ball, area of intended stance and swing, line of play and a reasonable extension of that line beyond the hole, and the spot on which a ball is to be placed.

Equipment

"Equipment" is anything used, worn or carried by the player or his caddie or anything carried for the player by his partner or either of their caddies, except any ball he has played at the hole being played and any small object, such as a coin or a tee, when used to mark the position of a ball or the extent of an area in which a ball is to be dropped. A ball played at the hole being played is equipment when it has been lifted and not put back into play.

Equipment includes a golf cart, whether or not motorized. When a golf cart is shared by two or more players, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be the equipment of one of the players sharing the cart. If the cart is being moved by one of the players (or the partner of one of the players) sharing it, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be that player's equipment. Otherwise, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be the equipment of the player sharing the cart whose ball (or whose partner's ball) is involved.

Fellow-Competitor

See "Competitor."

Flagstick

The "flagstick" is a movable straight indicator, with or without a flag or other material attached, centered in the hole to show its position. The flagstick and any rigid attachment to it must be circular in cross-section. Padding or shock absorbent material that might unduly influence the movement of the ball is prohibited.

Forecaddie

A "forecaddie" is one who is employed by the Committee to indicate to players the position of balls during play. He is an outside agency.

Forms of Match Play

Single: A match in which one player plays against another player.

Threesome: A match in which one player plays against two other players, and each side plays one ball.

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

Three-Ball: Three players play a match against one another, each playing his own ball. Each player is playing two distinct matches.

Best-Ball: A match in which one player plays against the better ball of two other players or the best ball of three other players.

Four-Ball: A match in which two players play their better ball against the better ball of two other players.

Forms of Stroke Play

Individual: A competition in which each competitor plays as an individual.

Foursome: A competition in which two competitors play as partners and play one ball.

Four-Ball: A competition in which two competitors play as partners, each playing his own ball. The lower score of the partners is the score for the hole. If one partner fails to complete the play of a hole, there is no penalty.

Note: For par and Stableford competitions, see Rule 29.

Four-Ball

See "Forms of Match Play" and "Forms of Stroke Play."

Foursome

See "Forms of Match Play" and "Forms of Stroke Play."

Ground Under Repair

"Ground under repair" is any part of the course so marked by order of the Committee or so declared by its authorized representative. All ground and any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing within the ground under repair are part of the ground under repair. Ground under repair includes material piled for removal and a hole made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked. Grass cuttings and other material left on the course that have been abandoned and are not intended to be removed are not ground under repair unless so marked.

When the margin of ground under repair is defined by stakes, the stakes are inside the ground under repair, and the margin of the ground under repair is defined by the nearest outside points of the stakes at ground level. When both stakes and lines are used to indicate ground under repair, the stakes identify the ground under repair and the lines define the margin of the ground under repair. When the margin of ground under repair is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is in the ground under repair. The margin of ground under repair extends vertically downwards but not upwards.

A ball is in ground under repair when it lies in or any part of it touches the ground under repair.

Stakes used to define the margin of or identify ground under repair are obstructions.

Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting play from ground under repair or an environmentally-sensitive area defined as ground under repair.

Hazards

A "hazard" is any bunker or water hazard.

Hole

The "hole" must be 4 1/4 inches (108 mm) in diameter and at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) deep. If a lining is used, it must be sunk at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) below the putting green surface, unless the nature of the soil makes it impracticable to do so; its outer diameter must not exceed 4 1/4 inches (108 mm).

Holed

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

Line of Play

The "line of play" is the direction that the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke, plus a reasonable distance on either side of the intended direction. The line of play extends vertically upwards from the ground, but does not extend beyond the hole.

Line of Putt

The "line of putt" is the line that the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke on the putting green. Except with respect to Rule 15-1d, the line of putt includes a reasonable distance on either side of the intended line. The line of putt does not extend beyond the hole.

Loose Impediments

Inanimate natural objects and worms, insects and the like are "loose impediments" provided they are not (i) fixed, (ii) solidly embedded, or (iii) adhering to the ball.

Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green, but not elsewhere.

Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player.

Dew and frost are not loose impediments.

Lost Ball

A ball is deemed "lost" if:

It is not found or identified as his by the player within five minutes after the player's side or his or their caddies have begun to search for it; or
The player has made a stroke at a provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place (see Rule 23-2b); or
The player has put another ball into play under penalty of stroke and distance under Rule 23-1; or
The player has put another ball into play because it is known or virtually certain that the ball, which has not been found, has been moved by an outside agency (see Rule 17-1), is in an obstruction or an abnormal ground condition (see Rule 21-3) or is in a water hazard (see Rule 24-1a or b); or
The player has made a stroke at a substituted ball.

Time spent in playing a wrong ball is not counted in the five-minute period allowed for search.

Marker

A "marker" is one who is appointed by the Committee to record a competitor's score in stroke play. He may be a fellow-competitor. He is not a referee.

Move or Moved

A ball has "moved" if it leaves its original location and comes to rest in any other location. A ball that oscillates without coming to rest in another location, is not considered to have moved.

Nearest Point of Relief

The "nearest point of relief" is the reference point for taking relief without penalty from interference by an immovable obstruction or an abnormal ground condition (Rule 21-2) or a wrong putting green (Rule 22-4).

It is the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies:

that is not nearer the hole, and
where, if the ball were so positioned, no interference by the condition from which relief is sought would exist for the stroke the player would have made from the original position if the condition were not there.

Note: In order to determine the nearest point of relief accurately, the player should use the club with which he would have made his next stroke if the condition were not there to simulate the address position, direction of play and swing for such a stroke.

Obstructions

An "obstruction" is anything artificial, including the artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths and manufactured ice, except:

Objects defining out of bounds, such as walls, fences, stakes and railings;
Any part of an immovable artificial object that is out of bounds; and
Any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course.

An obstruction is a movable obstruction if it may be moved without unreasonable effort, without unduly delaying play and without causing damage. Otherwise, it is an immovable obstruction.

The tee-markers of the player's teeing ground are deemed to be immovable obstructions during play of that hole.

Opponent

An "opponent" is a member of a side against whom the player's side is competing in match play.

Out of Bounds

"Out of bounds" is beyond any boundaries of the course or any part of the course so marked by the Committee.

When out of bounds is defined by reference to stakes or a fence or as being beyond stakes or a fence, the out of bounds line is determined by the nearest inside points at ground level of the stakes or fence posts (excluding angled supports). When both stakes and lines are used to indicate out of bounds, the stakes identify out of bounds and the lines define out of bounds. When out of bounds is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds. The out of bounds line extends vertically upwards and downwards.

A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds. A player may stand out of bounds to play a ball lying within bounds.

Objects defining out of bounds such as walls, fences, stakes and railings are not obstructions and are deemed to be fixed. Stakes identifying out of bounds are not obstructions and are deemed to be fixed.

Note 1: Stakes or lines used to define out of bounds should be white.

Note 2: A Committee may make a Local Rule declaring stakes identifying but not defining out of bounds to be obstructions.

Outside Agency

In match play, an "outside agency" is any agency other than either the player's or opponent's side, any caddie of either side, any ball played by either side at the hole being played or any equipment of either side.

In stroke play, an outside agency is any agency other than the competitor's side, any caddie of the side, any ball played by the side at the hole being played or any equipment of the side.

An outside agency includes a referee, a marker and a forecaddie. Neither wind nor water is an outside agency.

Partner

A "partner" is a player associated with another player on the same side.

In threesome, foursome, best-ball or four-ball play, where the context so admits, the word "player" includes his partner or partners.

Penalty Stroke

A "penalty stroke" is one added to the score of a player or side under certain Rules. In a threesome or foursome, penalty strokes do not affect the order of play.

Provisional Ball

A "provisional ball" is a ball played under Rule 23-2 for a ball that may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds.

Putting Green

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

Referee

A "referee" is one who is appointed by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules. He must act on any breach of a Rule that he observes or is reported to him.

A referee should not attend the flagstick, stand at or mark the position of the hole, or lift the ball or mark its position.

Exception in match play: Unless a referee is assigned to accompany the players throughout a match, he has no authority to intervene in a match other than in relation to Rule 1-2, 6-7 or 31-4.

Round

A "round" consists of playing the holes of the course in their correct sequence, unless otherwise authorized by the Committee. The number of holes in a round is 18 unless a smaller number is authorized by the Committee. As to extension of a round in match play, see Rule 2-1.

Rule or Rules

The term "Rule" includes:

The Rules of Golf and their interpretations as contained in "Decisions on the Rules of Golf"
Any Conditions of Competition established by the Committee under Rule 30-1 and Appendix I;
Any Local Rules established by the Committee under Rule 30-7a and Appendix I; and
The specifications on:

clubs and the ball in Appendices II and III and their interpretations as contained in "A Guide to the Rules on Clubs and Balls" and
devices and other equipment in Appendix IV.

Side

A "side" is a player, or two or more players who are partners. In match play, each member of the opposing side is an opponent. In stroke play, members of all sides are competitors and members of different sides playing together are fellow-competitors.

Single

See "Forms of Match Play" and "Forms of Stroke Play."

Stance

Taking the "stance" consists in a player placing his feet in position for and preparatory to making a stroke.

Stroke

A "stroke" is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball. If, however, a player's intent to strike the ball ceases and he is (i) able to stop his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches the ball or (ii) otherwise avoids striking the ball, he has not made a stroke.

Substituted Ball

A "substituted ball" is a ball put into play for the original ball that was either in play, lost, out of bounds or lifted.

Teeing Ground

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

Three-Ball

See "Forms of Match Play."

Threesome

See "Forms of Match Play."

Through the Green

"Through the green" is the whole area of the course except:
a. The teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played; and
b. All hazards on the course.

Water Hazard

A "water hazard" is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature on the course. All ground and water within the margin of a water hazard are part of the water hazard.

When the margin of a water hazard is defined by stakes, the stakes are inside the water hazard, and the margin of the hazard is defined by the nearest outside points of the stakes at ground level. When both stakes and lines are used to indicate a water hazard, the stakes identify the hazard and the lines define the hazard margin. When the margin of a water hazard is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is in the water hazard. The margin of a water hazard extends vertically upwards and downwards.

A ball is in a water hazard when it lies in or any part of it touches the water hazard.

Stakes used to define the margin of or identify a water hazard are obstructions.

Note 1: The Committee may not define an area that is not an open water course to be a water hazard.

Note 2: Stakes or lines used to define the margin of or identify a water hazard must be yellow.

Note 3: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting play from an environmentally-sensitive area defined as a water hazard.

Wrong Ball

A "wrong ball" is any ball other than the player's:

ball in play;
provisional ball; or
second ball played under Rule 3-3;

and includes:

another player's ball;
an abandoned ball; and
the player's original ball when it is no longer in play.

Note: Ball in play includes a ball substituted for the ball in play, whether or not the substitution is permitted.

Wrong Putting Green

A "wrong putting green" is any putting green other than that of the hole being played. Unless otherwise prescribed by the Committee, this term includes a practice putting green or pitching green on the course.

Section III - The Rules of Play

RULE 1 - The Game

1-1. General

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

1-2. Agreement To Waive Rules

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

In both match play and stroke play, there is no time limit on applying the disqualification penalty for a breach of this Rule.

Exception: Players may agree to play out of turn, except in stroke play for the purpose of giving one of them an advantage (Rule 9-2c).

Penalty For Breach of Rule 1-2:
Match Play — Disqualification of both sides.
Stroke Play — Disqualification of competitors concerned.

RULE 2 - Match Play

2-1. General

In match play the game is played by holes. A match consists of one side playing against another over a round or rounds.

Except when a loss of hole penalty has been incurred, a hole is won by the side that has the lower score for that hole. A hole is halved if each side holes out in the same number of strokes. In a handicap match, the outcome of the hole is based on the net scores.

A match is won when one side leads by a number of holes greater than the number remaining to be played. If there is a tie, the Committee may extend the round by as many holes as are required for the match to be won.

The state of the match is expressed by the terms: so many "holes up" or "all square," and so many "to play."

A side is "dormie" when it is as many holes up as there are holes remaining to be played.

2-2. Concession of Match, Hole or Next Stroke

A player may concede a match at any time prior to the official announcement of the result of the match.

A player may concede a hole at any time prior to the conclusion of that hole.

A player may concede his opponent's next stroke at any time. If the concession of a stroke is made while the ball is in motion, the concession is for the next stroke if the ball is not holed.

A concession may not be declined or withdrawn. However, a concession is negated if a claim is upheld by the Committee.

2-3. Doubt as to Procedure; Disputes and Claims

If a doubt or dispute arises between the players it may be referred to a referee if one is available within a reasonable time. Otherwise, the match must continue without delay, and a player may make a claim regarding the doubt or dispute. As players in a match have the right to know the state of that match, only proper claims may be considered by the Committee.

If a proper claim is not made or if the Committee does not uphold the claim, the result of the hole stands.

Note 1: A player may disregard a breach of the Rules by his opponent provided there is no agreement by the sides to waive a Rule (Rule 1-2).

Note 2: In match play, if a player is doubtful of his rights or the correct procedure, he may not complete the play of the hole with two balls.

2-4. Information as to Strokes Taken and Wrong Information

a. Information as to Strokes Taken

An opponent is entitled to ascertain from the player, during the play of a hole, the number of strokes he has taken and, after play of a hole, the number of strokes taken on the hole just completed. The number of strokes taken includes any penalty strokes incurred.

b. Wrong Information

A player must not give wrong information to his opponent. If a player gives wrong information to his opponent, he loses the hole.

A player is deemed to have given wrong information if he:

fails to inform his opponent as soon as practicable that he has incurred a penalty, unless (a) he was obviously taking relief under a Rule involving a penalty and this was observed by his opponent, or (b) he corrects the mistake before his opponent makes his next stroke; or
gives incorrect information during play of a hole regarding the number of strokes taken and does not correct the mistake before his opponent makes his next stroke; or
gives incorrect information regarding the number of strokes taken to complete a hole and this affects the opponent's understanding of the result of the hole, unless he corrects the mistake before any player makes a stroke from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players leave the putting green.

A player has given wrong information even if it is due to the failure to include a penalty that he did not know he had incurred. It is the player's responsibility to know the Rules.

2-5. General Penalty

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

RULE 3 - Stroke Play

3-1. General; Winner

A stroke-play competition consists of competitors completing each hole of a round or rounds and, for each round, returning a score card on which there is a gross score for each hole. Each competitor is playing against every other competitor in the competition.

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

In a handicap competition, the competitor with the lowest net score for the round or rounds is the winner.

3-2. Failure to Hole Out

If a competitor fails to hole out at any hole and does not correct his mistake before he makes a stroke on the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before he leaves the putting green, he is disqualified.

3-3. Doubt as to Procedure

a. Procedure

In stroke play, if a competitor is doubtful of his rights or the correct procedure during the play of a hole, he may complete the hole with two balls.

After the doubtful situation has arisen and before taking further action, the competitor must announce to his marker or fellow-competitor that he intends to play two balls and which ball he wishes to count if the Rules permit.

The competitor must report the facts of the situation to the Committee before returning his score card. If he fails to do so, he is disqualified.

Note: If the competitor takes further action before dealing with the doubtful situation, Rule 3-3 does not apply. The score with the first ball played counts, even if the Rules do not allow the procedure adopted for that ball. However, the competitor incurs no penalty for having played a second ball, and any penalty strokes incurred solely by playing that ball do not count in his score.

b. Determination of Score for Hole

If the competitor announced in advance which ball he wished to count, that ball is the selected ball; otherwise, the first ball played is considered to be the selected ball.

If the Rules allow the procedure for the selected ball, the score made with that ball counts. If the Rules do not allow the procedure for the selected ball and the Rules do allow the procedure for the unselected ball, the score with the unselected ball counts.

If neither ball was played in accordance with the Rules and a serious breach of playing from a wrong place (Rule 19-5c) was not committed with the selected ball, the score made with that ball (including the two-stroke penalty under Rule 19-5c) is the competitor's score for the hole. If a serious breach was committed with the selected ball but not with the unselected ball then the score made with the unselected ball (including the two-stroke penalty under Rule 19-5c) is the competitor's score for the hole. If a serious breach of Rule 19-5c was committed with both balls, the competitor is disqualified.

Note 1: If a competitor plays a second ball under Rule 3-3, the strokes made after this Rule has been invoked with the ball ruled not to count and penalty strokes incurred solely by playing that ball are disregarded.

Note 2: A second ball played under Rule 3-3 is not a provisional ball under Rule 23-2.

Note 3: Before holing out with it, the competitor may discontinue play with either of the balls played under this Rule. However, he must still report to the Committee, and if the ball that is not holed would be ruled to count then the player is disqualified for failure to hole out (Rule 3-2).

3-4. General Penalty

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

RULE 4 - Clubs

A player in doubt as to the conformity of a club should consult the USGA. A manufacturer should submit to the USGA a sample of a club to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether the club conforms with the Rules. The sample becomes the property of the USGA for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample or, having submitted a sample, fails to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or marketing the club, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that the club does not conform with the Rules.

4-1. Form and Make of Clubs

The player's strokes must be made with clubs that conform with this Rule and the provisions, specifications and interpretations set forth in Appendix II.

Any driver with which the player makes a stroke must have a clubhead, identified by model and loft, that is named on the current List of Conforming Driver Heads issued by the USGA.

4-2. Playing Characteristics Changed and Foreign Material

a. Playing Characteristics Changed

The player must not make a stroke with a club whose playing characteristics have been purposely changed during the round by adjustment or by any other means.

If a player repairs a club during a round, he is deemed to have changed the playing characteristics of that club.

b. Foreign Material

During the round, the player must not make a stroke with a club to which foreign material has been applied to the club face for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball.

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

4-3. Damaged Clubs: Repair and Replacement

a. Damage in Normal Course of Play

If, during a round, a player's club is damaged in the normal course of play, he may use the club in its damaged state for the remainder of the round.

b. Damage Other Than in Normal Course of Play

If, during a round, a player's club is damaged other than in the normal course of play rendering it non-conforming or changing its playing characteristics, the club must not subsequently be used during the remainder of that round. If the player makes a subsequent stroke in that round with that club, he is disqualified.

4-4. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs

The player is permitted to select up to 14 clubs for use during his round. When the player makes the first stroke of his round he is considered to have selected all of the clubs in his possession unless he has first declared to his opponent in match play or his marker or fellow-competitor in stroke play that one or more of those clubs is out of play.

If the player uses a club that has been declared out of play, he is disqualified.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4, REGARDLESS OF NUMBER OF EXCESS CLUBS CARRIED:
Match play — Loss of hole; maximum penalty per round — Two holes.
Stroke play — Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round — Four strokes (two strokes at each of the first two holes at which any breach occurred).
Match play or stroke play — If a breach is discovered between the play of two holes, it is deemed to have been discovered during play of the next hole, and the penalty is applied accordingly.

*Any club or clubs carried or used in breach of Rule 4-4 must be declared out of play by the player to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred. If the player fails to do so, he is disqualified.

RULE 5 - Balls

A player in doubt as to the conformity of a ball should consult the USGA. A manufacturer should submit to the USGA samples of a ball to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether the ball conforms with the Rules. The samples become the property of the USGA for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit samples or, having submitted samples, fails to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or marketing the ball, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that the ball does not conform with the Rules.

5-1. General

The ball the player plays must be named on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by the USGA.

5-2. Foreign Material

The ball the player plays must not have foreign material applied to it for the purpose of changing its playing characteristics or have its playing characteristics purposely changed by any other means.

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

5-3. Cleaning Ball

A ball may be cleaned when it has been lifted. If during play of a hole a player cleans his ball other than when it has been lifted, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

RULE 6 - The Player

6-1. Rules

The player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the Rules. During a round, for any breach of a Rule by his caddie, the player incurs the applicable penalty.

6-2. Handicap

a. Match Play

Before starting a match in a handicap competition, the players should determine from one another their respective handicaps. If a player begins a match having declared a handicap higher than that to which he is entitled, he is disqualified. If a player begins a match having declared a handicap lower than that to which he is entitled, he must play off the declared handicap.

b. Stroke Play

In any round of a handicap competition, the competitor must ensure that his handicap is recorded on his score card before it is returned to the Committee. If no handicap is recorded on his score card before it is returned (Rule 6-6b), or if the recorded handicap is higher than that to which he is entitled, he is disqualified from the handicap competition; otherwise, the recorded handicap stands.

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

6-3. Time of Starting and Groups

a. Time of Starting

The player must start at the time established by the Committee.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-3a:
If the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time or if the player begins his round within five minutes before his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Otherwise, the penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification.

Exception: Where the Committee determines that exceptional circumstances have prevented a player from starting on time, there is no penalty.

b. Groups

In stroke play, the competitor must remain throughout the round in the group arranged by the Committee, unless the Committee authorizes or ratifies a change.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-3b:
Disqualification.

(Best-ball and four-ball play — see Rules 27-1a and 28-1.)

6-4. Caddie

The player may be assisted by a caddie, but he is limited to only one caddie at any one time.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-4:
Match play — Loss of hole; maximum penalty per round — Two holes.
Stroke play — Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round — Four strokes (two strokes at each of the first two holes at which any breach occurred).
Match play or stroke play — If a breach is discovered between the play of two holes, it is deemed to have been discovered during play of the next hole, and the penalty must be applied accordingly.

*A player having more than one caddie in breach of this Rule must immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred ensure that he has no more than one caddie at any one time during the remainder of the round. If he fails to do so, the player is disqualified.

Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 30-1), prohibit the use of caddies or restrict a player in his choice of caddie.

6-5. Ball

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

6-6. Scoring in Stroke Play

a. Signing and Returning Score Card

After completion of the round, the competitor should check his score for each hole and settle any doubtful points with the Committee. He must ensure that the marker (or markers if more than one marker has recorded scores during the round) has signed the score card, sign the score card himself and return it to the Committee as soon as possible.

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

b. Alteration of Score Card

After being submitted to the Committee by the competitor, the score card may not be altered. Unless the Committee has specified otherwise, the score card is considered to have been submitted when the player has left the scoring area.

c. Wrong Score for Hole

The competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole on his score card. If he returns a score for any hole lower than actually taken, he is disqualified. If he returns a score for any hole higher than actually taken, the score as returned stands.

Note 1: The Committee is responsible for the addition of scores and application of the handicap recorded on the score card — see Rule 30-5.

Note 2: In four-ball stroke play, see also Rules 28-2 and 28-6.

6-7. Undue Delay

The player must not unduly delay play during the round.

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

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

6-8. Discontinuance of Play; Resumption of Play

a. When Permitted

The player must not discontinue play unless:

the Committee has suspended play;
he believes there is danger from lightning;
he is seeking a decision from the Committee on a doubtful or disputed point (see Rules 2-4 and 31-2); or
there is some other good reason such as sudden illness.

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

Note: Leaving the course does not of itself constitute discontinuance of play.

b. Procedure When Play Suspended by Committee

Suspension for dangerous situation: Play must be discontinued immediately.
Suspension for non-dangerous situation: If the players in a match or group are between the play of two holes, they must discontinue play immediately. If they have started play of a hole, they may discontinue play immediately or continue play of the hole, provided they do so without delay. If the players choose to continue play of the hole, they are permitted to discontinue play before completing it. In any case, play must be discontinued after the hole is completed.

The players must resume play when the Committee has ordered a resumption of play.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8b:
Disqualification.

c. Lifting Ball When Play Discontinued

When a player discontinues play of a hole under Rule 6-8a, he may lift his ball, without penalty, only if the Committee has suspended play or he has reason to believe that the ball might be moved. Before lifting the ball the player must mark its position. If the player discontinues play and lifts his ball without specific permission from the Committee, he must, when reporting to the Committee (Rule 6-8a), report the lifting of the ball.

If the player lifts the ball except when the Committee has suspended play or he has reason to believe that the ball might be moved, fails to mark the position of the ball before lifting it or fails to report the lifting of the ball, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

d. Procedure When Play Resumed

Play must be resumed from where it was discontinued, even if resumption occurs on a subsequent day. The player must, either before or when play is resumed, proceed as follows:

if the player has lifted the ball, he must, provided he was entitled to lift it under Rule 6-8c, place the original ball or a substituted ball on the spot from which the original ball was lifted. Otherwise, the original ball must be replaced;
if the player has not lifted his ball, he may, provided he was entitled to lift it under Rule 6-8c, lift, clean and replace the ball, or substitute a ball, on the spot from which the original ball was lifted. Before lifting the ball he must mark its position; or
if the player's ball or ball-marker is moved (including by wind or water) while play is discontinued, a ball or ball-marker must be placed on the spot from which the original ball or ball-marker was moved.

Note: If the spot where the ball is to be placed is impossible to determine, it must be estimated and the ball placed on the estimated spot.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8d:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.
*If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule 6-8d, there is no additional penalty under Rule 6-8c.

RULE 7 - Practice

7-1. Before or Between Rounds

Before a round or play-off a player must not:

make strokes on the competition course, or
test the surface of any putting green on the course by rolling a ball or roughening or scraping the surface.

When two or more rounds are scheduled on consecutive days such practicing and testing are prohibited between rounds on any course remaining to be played by the player.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-1:
Disqualification.

Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 30-1), permit practice on the competition course or part of the course on any day of a round or between rounds of a competition.

7-2. During Round

A player must not make a practice stroke during his round.

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

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-2:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.
In the event of a breach between the play of two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

Note 1: A practice swing is not a practice stroke and may be taken at any place, provided the player does not breach the Rules.

Note 2: The competition course includes only areas of the course on which it would be reasonable for a ball to come to rest during play and any other areas as stated by the Committee.

Note 3: In match play and par and Stableford competitions, strokes made in continuing the play of a hole whose result has been decided are not practice strokes and are therefore permitted.

RULE 8 - Advice; Indicating Line of Play

8-1. Advice

During his round, a player must not:

give advice to anyone in the competition other than his partner, or
ask for advice from anyone other than his partner or either of their caddies.

8-2. Suggesting or Indicating Line of Play

a. Other Than on Putting Green

A player may have his line of play suggested to him by only his partner or either of their caddies. Except when his ball is on the putting green, a player may have the line of play indicated (but not suggested) to him by other people as well, but no one may be positioned by the player on or close to the line or an extension of the line beyond the hole while the stroke is being made. Any mark placed by the player or with his knowledge for the purpose of indicating the line of play must be removed before the stroke is made.

Exception: Flagstick attended or held up — see Rule 16-1.

b. On the Putting Green

When the player's ball is on the putting green, only the player, his partner or either of their caddies may, before but not during the stroke, suggest and/or indicate an aiming point, but the line of putt must not be improved. Any mark placed to indicate an aiming point must be removed before the stroke is made.

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

Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a team competition (Rule 30-1), permit each team to appoint one person who may give advice (including suggesting a line of play or indicating an aiming point for a stroke from the putting green) to members of that team. The Committee may establish conditions relating to the appointment and permitted conduct of that person, who must be identified to the Committee before giving advice.

RULE 9 - Order of Play

9-1. Match Play

a. When Starting Play of Hole

The order of play at the first teeing ground is determined by the order of the tee sheet. In the absence of a tee sheet, the order of play should be decided by lot. The side that wins a hole plays first at the next teeing ground. If a hole has been halved, the sides play in the same order as at the previous teeing ground.

b. During Play of Hole

After both players have started play of the hole, the ball farther from the hole is played first. If the balls are equidistant from the hole or their positions relative to the hole are not determinable, the ball to be played first should be decided by lot.

Exception 1: When it becomes known that the original ball is not to be played as it lies and the player is required to play a ball as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 19-3), the order of play is determined by the spot from which the previous stroke was made. When a ball may be played from a spot other than where the previous stroke was made, the order of play is determined by the position where the original ball came to rest.

Exception 2: Rule 27-2 (best-ball and four-ball match play).

c. Playing Out of Turn

If a player plays when his opponent should have played, there is no penalty, but the opponent may immediately require the player to cancel the stroke so made and, in correct order, play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 19-3).

9-2. Stroke Play

a. When Starting Play of Hole

The order of play at the first teeing ground is determined by the order of the tee sheet. In the absence of a tee sheet, the order of play should be decided by lot. The competitor with the lowest score at a hole plays first at the next teeing ground. The competitor with the second lowest score plays next and so on. If two or more competitors have the same score at a hole, they play from the next teeing ground in the same order as at the previous teeing ground.

b. During Play of Hole

After the competitors have started play of the hole, the ball farthest from the hole is played first. If two or more balls are equidistant from the hole or their positions relative to the hole are not determinable, the ball to be played first should be decided by lot.

Exception 1: When it becomes known that the original ball is not to be played as it lies and the competitor is required to play a ball as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 19-3), the order of play is determined by the spot from which the previous stroke was made. When a ball may be played from a spot other than where the previous stroke was made, the order of play is determined by the position where the original ball came to rest.

Exception 2: Rule 20-2 (ball interfering with play).

Exception 3: Rule 28-3 (four-ball stroke play).

c. Playing Out of Turn

If a competitor plays out of turn, there is no penalty and the ball is played as it lies. If, however, the Committee determines that competitors have agreed to play out of turn for the purpose of giving one of them an advantage, they are disqualified.

(Making stroke while another ball in motion after stroke from putting green — see Rule 15-1e.)

(Incorrect order of play in foursome stroke play — see Rule 26-3.)

9-3. Provisional Ball or Another Ball from Teeing Ground

If a player plays a provisional ball or another ball from the teeing ground, he must do so after his opponent or fellow-competitor has made his first stroke. If more than one player elects to play a provisional ball or is required to play another ball from the teeing ground, the original order of play must be retained. If a player plays a provisional ball or another ball out of turn, Rule 9-1c or 9-2c applies.

RULE 10 - Teeing Ground

10-1. Teeing

When a player is putting a ball into play from the teeing ground, it must be played from within the teeing ground and from the surface of the ground or from a conforming tee (see Appendix IV) in or on the surface of the ground.

For the purposes of this Rule, the surface of the ground includes an irregularity of surface (whether or not created by the player) and sand or other natural substance (whether or not placed by the player).

If a player makes a stroke at a ball on a non-conforming tee, or at a ball teed in a manner not permitted by this Rule, he is disqualified.

A player may stand outside the teeing ground to play a ball within it.

10-2. Tee-Markers

The tee-markers of the player's teeing ground are deemed to be immovable obstructions during play of that hole. If a player moves or allows to be moved a tee-marker for his teeing ground for the purpose of avoiding interference with his stance, the area of intended swing or his line of play, he loses the hole in match play or incurs two penalty strokes in stroke play. The tee-markers for another teeing ground are movable obstructions for the player.

10-3. Ball Falling off Tee

When playing from the teeing ground, if a ball that is not in play is moved (e.g., falls off a tee or is knocked off a tee) by the player there is no penalty (as Rule 17-2a does not apply to a ball that is not in play). If a stroke is made at the ball in these circumstances, whether the ball is moving or not, the stroke counts; there is no penalty under Rule 11-6 even if the ball was moving during the stroke; and the ball must be played as it lies. If a stroke is not made, the player must proceed under Rule 10-1.

10-4. Playing from Outside Teeing Ground (Including a Wrong Teeing Ground)

a. Match Play

If a player, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside the teeing ground (including from a wrong teeing ground), he loses the hole.

b. Stroke Play

If a competitor, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside the teeing ground (including from a wrong teeing ground), he incurs a penalty of two strokes and must then play a ball from within the teeing ground.

If the competitor makes a stroke from the next teeing ground without first correcting his mistake or, in the case of the last hole of the round, leaves the putting green without first declaring his intention to correct his mistake, he is disqualified.

The stroke from outside the teeing ground and any subsequent strokes by the competitor on the hole prior to his correction of the mistake do not count in his score.

RULE 11 - Striking the Ball

11-1. Ball to be Fairly Struck

The ball must be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed or spooned. A ball that has been fairly struck is only in contact with the club head momentarily.

11-2. Assistance

a. Physical Assistance and Protection from Elements

A player must not make a stroke while accepting physical assistance or protection from the elements.

b. Positioning of Caddie or Partner Behind Ball

A player must not make a stroke with his caddie, his partner or his partner's caddie positioned on or close to an extension of the line of play or line of putt behind the ball.

Exception: There is no penalty if the player's caddie, his partner or his partner's caddie is inadvertently located on or close to an extension of the line of play or line of putt behind the ball.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 11-1 or 11-2:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.

11-3. Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment

The USGA reserves the right, at any time, to change the Rules relating to artificial devices, unusual equipment and the unusual use of equipment, and to make or change the interpretations relating to these Rules.

A player in doubt as to whether use of an item would constitute a breach of Rule 11-3 should consult the USGA.

A manufacturer should submit to the USGA a sample of an item to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether its use during a round would cause a player to be in breach of Rule 11-3. The sample becomes the property of the USGA for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample or, having submitted a sample, fails to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or marketing the item, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that use of the item would be contrary to the Rules.

Except as provided in the Rules, during a round the player must not use any artificial device, unusual equipment (see Appendix IV for detailed specifications and interpretations) or non-conforming club, or use any equipment in an unusual manner:

That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or
For the purpose of gauging or measuring conditions (other than distance) that might affect his play; or
That might assist him in gripping the club, except that:

gloves may be worn provided that they are plain gloves;
resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used; and
a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.

Exceptions:

A player is not in breach of this Rule if (a) the equipment or device is designed for or has the effect of alleviating a medical condition, (b) the player has a legitimate medical reason to use the equipment or device, and (c) the Committee is satisfied that its use does not give the player any undue advantage over other players.
A player is not in breach of this Rule if he uses equipment in a traditionally accepted manner.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 11-3:
Disqualification.

11-4. Striking the Ball More Than Once

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

11-5. Playing Ball Moving in Water in a Water Hazard

When a ball is moving in water in a water hazard, the player may, without penalty, make a stroke, but he must not delay making his stroke in order to allow the wind or current to improve the position of the ball. A ball moving in water in a water hazard may be lifted if the player elects to proceed under Rule 24.

11-6. Playing Moving Ball

A player must not make a stroke at his ball while it is moving.

Exceptions:

Ball falling off tee — Rule 10-3
Striking the ball more than once — Rule 11-4
Ball moving in water in a water hazard — Rule 11-5

When the ball begins to move only after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of his club for the stroke, he incurs no penalty under this Rule for playing a moving ball, but he is not exempt from any penalty under the following Rules:

Ball at rest moved by player — Rule 17-2a
Ball at rest moving after address — Rule 17-2b

(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by player, partner or caddie — see Rule 13-4.)

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 11-5 or 11-6:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.

RULE 12 - Searching for and Identifying Ball

12-1. Seeing Ball; Searching for Ball

A player is not necessarily entitled to see his ball when making a stroke.

If it is necessary to lift the ball in order to identify it, the player may proceed under Rule 12-2.

a. Searching for or Identifying Ball Covered by Sand

If the player's ball lying anywhere on the course is believed to be covered by sand to the extent that he cannot find or identify it, he may, without penalty, touch or move the sand in order to find or identify the ball. If the ball is found and identified as his, the player must re-create the lie as nearly as possible by replacing the sand. If the ball is moved during the touching or moving of sand while searching for or identifying the ball, there is no penalty; the lie must be recreated and the ball replaced.

In re-creating a lie under this Rule, the player is permitted to leave a small part of the ball visible.

b. Searching for Ball in Water in Water Hazard

If a ball is believed to be lying in water in a water hazard, the player may, without penalty, probe for it with a club or otherwise. If the ball in water is moved while probing, there is no penalty; the ball must be replaced, unless the player elects to proceed under Rule 24-1. If the moved ball was not lying in water or the ball was moved by the player other than while probing, Rule 17-2a applies.

c. Searching for Ball Within Obstruction or Abnormal Ground Condition

If a ball lying in or on an obstruction or in an abnormal ground condition is accidentally moved during search, there is no penalty; the ball must be replaced unless the player elects to proceed under Rule 21-1 or 21-2 as applicable. If the player replaces the ball, he may still proceed under one of those Rules, if applicable.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 12-1:
Match Play — Loss of Hole; Stroke Play — Two Strokes.

(Improving lie, area of intended stance or swing, or line of play — see Rule 13-3.)

12-2. Lifting Ball for Identification

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

If a player believes that a ball at rest might be his, but he cannot identify it as it lies, the player may lift the ball for identification without penalty. The right to lift a ball for identification is in addition to the actions permitted under Rule 12-1.

Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his intention to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play and mark the position of the ball. He may then lift the ball and identify it, provided that he gives his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to observe the lifting and replacement. The ball must not be cleaned beyond the extent necessary for identification when lifted under Rule 12-2.

If the ball is the player's ball and he fails to comply with all or any part of this procedure, or he lifts his ball in order to identify it without having good reason to do so, he incurs a penalty of one stroke. If the lifted ball is the player's ball, he must replace it. If he fails to do so, he loses the hole in match play or incurs a penalty of two strokes in stroke play, but there is no additional penalty under this Rule.

Note: If the original lie of a ball to be replaced has been altered, see Exception 1 to Rule 19-2a(ii).

RULE 13 - Ball Played as It Lies

13-1. General

The ball must be played as it lies, except as otherwise provided in the Rules.

13-2. Removal of Loose Impediments

A loose impediment may be moved without penalty. If the removal of a loose impediment causes the ball to move, Rule 17 applies.

Exception: When a ball is in motion, a loose impediment may not be moved for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball — see Rule 13-4.

13-3. Improving Environment of the Ball

A player must not improve or allow to be improved the environment of his ball by any of the following actions:

pressing a club on the ground,
moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed (including immovable obstructions and objects defining out of bounds),
creating or eliminating irregularities of surface (including replaced divots or other cut turf placed in position),
removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, or
removing dew, frost or water.

Exception: The player incurs no penalty if the action occurs:

in fairly lifting the ball for identification (Rule 12-2),
in grounding the club lightly when addressing the ball,
in fairly taking his stance,
in making a stroke or the backward movement of his club for a stroke and the stroke is made,
in creating or eliminating irregularities of surface within the teeing ground or in removing dew, frost or water from the teeing ground, or
on the putting green in removing sand and loose soil or in repairing damage (Rule 15-1b).

13-4. Exerting Influence on Movement of Ball or Altering Physical Conditions

A player must not (i) take an action with the intent to influence the movement of a ball in play or (ii) alter physical conditions with the intent of affecting the playing of a hole.

Exceptions:

An action expressly permitted or expressly prohibited by another Rule is subject to that other Rule, not Rule 13-4.
An action taken for the sole purpose of caring for the course is not a breach of Rule 13-4.
Equipment and a flagstick (except when unattended and in the hole) may be moved while a ball is in motion (Rule 21-1).

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 13-4:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.
*In the case of a serious breach of Rule 13-4, the Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification.

Note 1: A player is deemed to have committed a serious breach of Rule 13-4 if the Committee considers that the action taken in breach of this Rule has allowed him or another player to gain a significant advantage or has placed another player, other than his partner, at a significant disadvantage.

Note 2: In stroke play, except where a serious breach resulting in disqualification is involved, a player in breach of Rule 13-4 in relation to the movement of his own ball must play the ball from where it was stopped, or, if the ball was deflected, from where it came to rest. If the movement of a player's ball has been intentionally influenced by a fellow-competitor or other outside agency, Rule 31-3 applies to the player (see Note to Rule 18-1).

13-5. Building Stance

A player is entitled to place his feet firmly in taking his stance, but he must not build a stance. A certain amount of digging in with the feet in the sand or soil is permitted when taking the stance for a stroke.

13-6. Testing Condition of Hazard

Before making a stroke at a ball that is in a hazard (whether a bunker or a water hazard) or that, having been lifted from a hazard, may be placed in the hazard, the player must not test the condition of the hazard (or another hazard of the same type) by probing the ground in the hazard or by touching the ground in the hazard with practice swings.

Exception: If the player makes a stroke from a hazard and the ball comes to rest in another hazard, Rule 13-6 does not apply to any subsequent actions taken in the hazard from which the stroke was made.

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

RULE 14 - Substituted Ball; Wrong Ball

14-1. General

A player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground, unless the ball is lost or out of bounds or the player substitutes another ball, whether or not substitution is permitted (see Rule 14-2). If a player plays a wrong ball, see Rule 14-3.

14-2. Substituted Ball

A player may substitute a ball when proceeding under a Rule that permits the player to play or place another ball in completing the play of a hole. The substituted ball becomes the ball in play.

If a player substitutes a ball when not permitted to do so under the Rules, that substituted ball is not a wrong ball; it becomes the ball in play. If the player makes a stroke at an incorrectly substituted ball, he loses the hole in match play or incurs a penalty of two strokes in stroke play under the applicable Rule and, in stroke play, must play out the hole with the substituted ball.

Exception: If a player incurs a penalty for making a stroke from a wrong place, there is no additional penalty for substituting a ball when not permitted.

(Lifting ball incorrectly substituted — see Rule 19-4.)

(Playing from wrong place — see Rule 19-5.)

14-3. Wrong Ball

a. Match Play

If a player makes a stroke at a wrong ball, he loses the hole.

If the wrong ball belongs to another player, its owner must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.

If the player and opponent exchange balls during the play of a hole, the first to make a stroke at a wrong ball loses the hole.

Exception: There is no penalty if a player makes a stroke at a wrong ball that is moving in water in a water hazard. Any strokes made at a wrong ball moving in water in a water hazard do not count in the player's score. The player must correct his mistake by playing the correct ball or by proceeding under the Rules.

(Placing and replacing — see Rule 19-2.)

b. Stroke Play

If a competitor makes a stroke or strokes at a wrong ball, he incurs a penalty of two strokes.

The competitor must correct his mistake by playing the correct ball or by proceeding under the Rules. If he fails to correct his mistake before making a stroke on the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, fails to declare his intention to correct his mistake before leaving the putting green, he is disqualified.

Strokes made by a competitor with a wrong ball do not count in his score. If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.

Exception: There is no penalty if a competitor makes a stroke at a wrong ball that is moving in water in a water hazard. Any strokes made at a wrong ball moving in water in a water hazard do not count in the competitor's score.

(Placing and replacing — see Rule 19-2.)

RULE 15 - The Putting Green

15-1. General

a. Lifting and Cleaning Ball

A ball on the putting green may be lifted and, if desired, cleaned. The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted and the ball must be replaced (see Rule 19-1). When another ball is in motion, a ball must not be lifted for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball in motion (Rule 13-4).

b. Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other Damage

The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player's ball lies on the putting green. Any other damage to the putting green must not be repaired if it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.

c. Testing Surface

During his round, a player must not roll a ball or roughen or scrape the surface for the purpose of testing the condition of any putting green.

Exception: Between the play of two holes, a player may test the surface of any practice putting green.

d. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt

The player must not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot touching, the line of putt or an extension of that line behind the ball.

Exception: There is no penalty if the stance is inadvertently taken on or astride the line of putt (or an extension of that line behind the ball) or is taken to avoid standing on another player's line of putt or prospective line of putt.

e. Making Stroke While Another Ball in Motion

The player must not make a stroke when he knows that another ball is in motion after a stroke from the putting green by his opponent, fellow-competitor or partner.

(Lifting ball assisting or interfering with play while another ball in motion — see Rule 20.)

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 15-1:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.

(Wrong putting green — see Rule 22-4.)

15-2. Ball Overhanging Hole

When any part of the ball overhangs the lip of the hole, the player is allowed enough time to reach the hole without unreasonable delay and an additional ten seconds to determine whether the ball is at rest. If by then the ball has not fallen into the hole, it is deemed to be at rest. If the ball subsequently falls into the hole, the player is deemed to have holed out with his last stroke, and must add a penalty stroke to his score for the hole; otherwise, there is no penalty under this Rule.

RULE 16 - The Flagstick

16-1. Flagstick Attended, Removed or Held Up

Before making a stroke from anywhere on the course, the player may have the flagstick attended, removed or held up to indicate the position of the hole.

If the flagstick is not attended, removed or held up before the player makes a stroke, it must not be attended, removed or held up by anyone during the stroke or while the player's ball is in motion for the purpose influencing the movement of the ball.

Note 1: If the flagstick is in the hole and anyone stands near it while a stroke is being made, he is deemed to be attending the flagstick.

Note 2: If, prior to the stroke, the flagstick is attended, removed or held up by anyone with the player's knowledge and he makes no objection, the player is deemed to have authorized it.

(Moving attended, removed or held-up flagstick while ball in motion — see Rule 21-1.)

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

16-2. Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant

The player's ball must not strike:

The flagstick when it is attended, removed or held up; or
The person attending or holding up the flagstick or anything carried by him.

Exception: When the flagstick is attended, removed or held up without the player's authority — see Rule 16-1.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 16-2:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes and the ball must be played as it lies.

16-3. Ball Resting Against Flagstick

When a player's ball rests against the flagstick in the hole and the ball is not holed, the player or another person authorized by him may move or remove the flagstick, and if the ball falls into the hole, the player is deemed to have holed out with his last stroke; otherwise, the ball, if moved, must be placed on the lip of the hole, without penalty.

RULE 17 - Ball at Rest Moved

17-1. By Outside Agency

If a ball at rest is moved by an outside agency, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced.

Note: It is a question of fact whether a ball has been moved by an outside agency. In order to apply this Rule, it must be known or virtually certain that an outside agency has moved the ball. In the absence of such knowledge or certainty, the player must play the ball as it lies or, if the ball is not found, proceed under Rule 23-1.

(Player's ball at rest moved by another ball — see Rule 17-5.)

17-2. By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment

a. General

Except as permitted by the Rules, when a player's ball is in play, if

the player, his partner or either of their caddies:

lifts or moves the ball,
touches it purposely, or
causes the ball to move, or

the equipment of the player or his partner causes the ball to move,

the player incurs a penalty of one stroke.

If the ball is moved, it must be replaced, unless the movement of the ball occurs after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of the club for the stroke and the stroke is made.

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

In searching for a ball covered by sand, in probing for a ball lying in water in a water hazard or in searching for a ball in an obstruction or an abnormal ground condition — Rule 12-1
In measuring — Rule 17-2c
In lifting a ball under a Rule — Rule 19-1
In placing or replacing a ball under a Rule — Rule 19-2
In removing movable obstructions — Rule 21-1

b. Ball Moving After Address

If a player's ball in play moves after he has addressed it (other than as the result of a stroke), the player is deemed to have moved the ball and incurs a penalty of one stroke.

The ball must be replaced, unless the movement of the ball occurs after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of the club for the stroke and the stroke is made.

Exception: If it is known or virtually certain that some other agency (including wind and water) caused ball to move, Rule 17-2b does not apply.

c. Ball Moved in Measuring

If a ball or ball-marker is moved in measuring while proceeding under or in determining the application of a Rule, there is no penalty. The ball or ball-marker must be replaced.

17-3. By Opponent, Caddie or Equipment in Match Play

If an opponent, his caddie or his equipment moves the player's ball, touches it or causes it to move, there is no penalty. If the ball is moved, it must be replaced.

(Playing a wrong ball — see Rule 14-3a.)

(Ball moved in measuring — see Rule 17-2c.)

17-4. By Fellow-Competitor, Caddie or Equipment in Stroke Play

See Rule 17-1 regarding ball moved by outside agency.

(Playing a wrong ball — see Rule 14-3b.)

17-5. By Another Ball

If a ball in play and at rest is moved by another ball in motion after a stroke, the moved ball must be replaced.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.
*If a player who is required to replace a ball fails to do so, or if he makes a stroke at a ball substituted under Rule 17 when such substitution is not permitted, he incurs the general penalty for breach of Rule 17, but there is no additional penalty under this Rule.

Note 1: If a ball to be replaced under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

Note 2: If the original lie of a ball to be placed or replaced has been altered, see Exception 1 to Rule 19-2a(ii).

Note 3: If it is impossible to determine the spot on which a ball is to be placed or replaced, see Exception 2 to Rule 19-2a(ii).

RULE 18 - Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped

18-1. By Outside Agency

If a player's ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by an outside agency there is no penalty. The ball must be played as it lies except when it comes to rest in or on a moving or animate outside agency, in which case it must be placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball came to rest in or on the outside agency but not nearer the hole.

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

Exception: Ball striking person attending or holding up flagstick or anything carried by him — see Rule 16-2b.

Note: If a player's ball in motion has been deliberately deflected or stopped by an outside agency, the spot where the ball would have come to rest must be estimated. If that spot is on the course, the ball must be placed on that spot or the player may proceed under any Rule that would apply for a ball lying on that spot. If the estimated spot is out of bounds, the player must proceed under Rule 23-1.

(Player's ball deflected or stopped by another ball in motion — see Rule 18-5.)

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

If a player's ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by himself, his partner or either of their caddies or equipment, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke. The ball must be played as it lies, except when it comes to rest in or on the equipment of the player or his partner, in which case the ball must be placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball came to rest in or on the article, but not nearer the hole.

Exception: Ball striking person attending or holding up flagstick or anything carried by him — see Rule 16-2b.

(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by player, partner or caddie — see Rule 13-4.)

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

If a player's ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by an opponent, his caddie or his equipment, there is no penalty. The ball must be played as it lies, except when it comes to rest in or on the equipment of the opponent in which case the ball must be placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball came to rest in or on the article, but not nearer the hole.

Exception: Ball striking person attending or holding up flagstick or anything carried by him — see Rule 16-2b.

(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by opponent or caddie — see Rule 13-4.)

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

See Rule 18-1 regarding ball deflected by outside agency.

Exception: Ball striking person attending or holding up flagstick or anything carried by him — see Rule 16-2b.

18-5. By Another Ball

a. At Rest

If a player's ball in motion after a stroke is deflected or stopped by a ball in play and at rest:

If one or both balls lay off the putting green prior to the stroke, there is no penalty and the ball in motion after a stroke is played as it lies.
If both balls lay on the putting green prior to the stroke, the player incurs the loss of hole penalty in match play or a two-stroke penalty in stroke play. In stroke play, the ball in motion after the stroke is played as it lies.

In either case, the ball that was at rest must be replaced as required by Rule 17-5.

b. In Motion

If a player's ball in motion after a stroke other than on the putting green is deflected or stopped by another ball in motion after a stroke, the player must play his ball as it lies, without penalty.

If a player's ball in motion after a stroke from the putting green is deflected or stopped by another ball in motion after a stroke, the stroke is canceled. The ball must be replaced and replayed, without penalty.

Note: Nothing in this Rule overrides the provisions of Rule 9-1 (Order of Play in Match Play) or Rule 15-1e (Making Stroke While Another Ball in Motion).

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

RULE 19 - Lifting and Placing; Playing from Wrong Place

19-1. Marking and Lifting

A ball to be lifted under the Rules may be lifted by the player, his partner, either of their caddies or another person authorized by the player. In any such case, the player is responsible for any breach of the Rules.

The location of the ball must be marked before it is lifted under a Rule that requires it to be replaced. If it is not marked, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke and the ball must be replaced. If it is not replaced, the player incurs the penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play for breach of this Rule but there is no additional penalty under this Rule.

If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of lifting the ball under a Rule or marking its location, there is no penalty and the ball or ball-marker must be replaced. If the ball or ball-marker is moved other than in the process of lifting the ball under a Rule or marking its position, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke under this Rule or Rule 17-2a.

Exception: If a player incurs a penalty for failing to act in accordance with Rule 12-2, there is no additional penalty under Rule 19-1.

Note: The location of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball. There is not necessarily a penalty if the player uses another method to mark the location of the ball provided that the location of the ball is marked with sufficient accuracy. If the ball-marker interferes with the play, stance or stroke of another player, it should be placed one or more clubhead-lengths to one side.

19-2. Placing and Replacing

a. By Whom and Where

(i) A ball to be placed under the Rules must be placed by the player, his partner, either of their caddies or someone authorized by the player. If the ball is placed by any other person and the player makes a stroke at the ball, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke. In any such case, the player is responsible for any other breach of the Rules that occurs as a result of the placing of the ball. If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of placing the ball, there is no penalty and the ball or ball-marker must be replaced. If the ball or ball-marker is moved other than in the process of placing or replacing a ball or removing the ball-marker, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke under Rule 17-2a. If a ball is placed in a wrong place and played, the player incurs the penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play for a breach of the applicable Rule.

(ii) When a player is required to replace a moved or lifted ball in its original location, he, his partner, either of their caddies or someone authorized by the player must place the ball in that location. If a ball to be replaced is not correctly replaced and is played, the player incurs the penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play for a breach of the applicable Rule.

Exceptions:

If the original lie of a ball to be placed or replaced has been altered, the ball must be placed in the nearest lie most similar to the original lie that is not more than one club-length from the original lie and not nearer the hole. However if the lie was altered when searching for or identifying the ball in sand, see Rule 12-1a.
If it is impossible to determine the spot where the ball is to be placed or replaced, the spot must be estimated and the ball placed on that estimated spot.

b. Ball Fails to Come to Rest on Spot

If a ball when placed fails to come to rest on the spot on which it was placed, there is no penalty and the ball must be placed a second time on that spot. If it still fails to come to rest on that spot, it must be placed at the nearest spot where it can be placed at rest that is not nearer the hole.

If a ball when placed comes to rest on the spot on which it is placed, and it subsequently moves, there is no penalty and the ball must be played as it lies, unless the provisions of any other Rule apply.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 19-1 or 19-2:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.
*If a player makes a stroke at a ball substituted under one of these Rules when such substitution is not permitted, he incurs the general penalty for breach of that Rule, but there is no additional penalty under that Rule or the applicable Rule. If the ball has been placed or replaced by a person not permitted by the Rules and then played from a wrong place, see Note 2 to Rule 19-5c.

19-3. Making Next Stroke from Where Previous Stroke Made

When a player elects or is required to make his next stroke from where a previous stroke was made, he must, except on the teeing ground, place the ball on or immediately to the side of the spot where the previous stroke was made.

If this spot is not known, it must be estimated and the ball placed on or immediately to the side of that estimated spot. On the teeing ground, the ball must be played from the teeing ground and may be teed anywhere within the teeing ground.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 19-3:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.

19-4. Lifting Ball Incorrectly Substituted or Placed

A ball incorrectly substituted or placed in a wrong place or otherwise not in accordance with the Rules but not played may be lifted, without penalty, and the player must then proceed correctly.

19-5. Playing from Wrong Place

a. General

A player has played from a wrong place if he makes a stroke at his ball in play:

on a part of the course where the Rules do not permit a stroke to be made or a ball to be placed; or
when the Rules require a moved ball to be replaced.

Note: For a ball played from outside the teeing ground or from a wrong teeing ground — see Rule 10-4.

b. Match Play

If a player makes a stroke from a wrong place, he loses the hole under the applicable Rule.

c. Stroke Play

If a competitor makes a stroke from a wrong place, he incurs a penalty of two strokes under the applicable Rule. He must play out the hole with the ball played from the wrong place, without correcting his error, provided he has not committed a serious breach (see Note 1). If the Committee considers that he has committed a serious breach, he is disqualified.

Note 1: A competitor is deemed to have committed a serious breach of the applicable Rule if the Committee considers he has gained a significant advantage as a result of playing from a wrong place.

Note 2: If a player incurs a penalty for making a stroke from a wrong place, there is no additional penalty for:

substituting a ball when not permitted;
a ball being placed by a person not permitted to do so under the Rules.

RULE 20 - Ball Assisting or Interfering with Play

20-1. Agreement Not to Lift Ball Assisting Play

In stroke play, if competitors agree not to lift a ball on the putting green for the purpose of assisting any competitor, they are disqualified.

(Lifting ball while another ball is in motion for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball in motion — see Rule 13-4.)

20-2. Ball Interfering with Play

If a player considers that another ball might interfere with his play, he may have it lifted.

A ball lifted under this Rule must be replaced (see Rule 19-2).

In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first rather than lift the ball.

Note: Except on the putting green, a player may not lift his ball solely because he considers that it might interfere with the play of another player. If a player lifts his ball without having been asked to do so, he incurs a penalty of one stroke under Rule 17-2a, but there is no additional penalty under Rule 20.

(Lifting ball while another ball is in motion for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball in motion — see Rule 13-4.)

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

RULE 21 - Obstructions and Abnormal Ground Conditions

21-1. Movable Obstructions

A player may take relief, without penalty, from a movable obstruction as follows:

If the ball does not lie in or on the obstruction, the obstruction may be removed. If the ball moves, it must be replaced, and there is no penalty, provided that the movement of the ball is due to the process of removing the obstruction. If the movement of the ball is not due to the process of moving the obstruction, Rule 17-2a applies.
If the ball lies in or on the obstruction, the ball may be lifted and the obstruction removed. The ball must be placed as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball lay in or on the obstruction, but not nearer the hole.

Equipment of any player or the flagstick (except when it is unattended and in the hole) may be moved at any time and for any reason. When a ball is in motion any other obstruction may not be moved for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball — Rule 13-4.

Note: If a ball to be replaced under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

21-2. Immovable Obstructions and Abnormal Ground Conditions

a. Interference

Interference by an immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition occurs when a ball lies in or on the obstruction or abnormal ground condition, or when the obstruction or abnormal ground condition interferes with the player's stance or the area of his intended swing. Intervention on the line of play or line of putt is not, of itself, interference under this Rule.

b. Relief

A player may take relief from interference by an immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition as follows:

Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief. The ball must be placed on a spot through the green that avoids interference by the immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition from which relief is being taken.
In a Bunker: If the ball is in a bunker, the player must lift the ball and place it either:
1. Without penalty, in accordance with Clause (i) above, except that the nearest point of relief must be in the bunker and the ball must be placed in the bunker; or, if complete relief is impossible, anywhere in the bunker that is not nearer the hole than where the ball lay; or
2. Under penalty of one stroke, outside the bunker keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed, with no limit to how far behind the bunker the ball may be placed.
On the Putting Green: If the ball lies on the putting green, the player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, at the nearest point of relief that is on the putting green or through the green. The nearest point of relief may be off the putting green.

Exception: A player may not take relief under this Rule if (a) interference by anything other than the immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition from which he is seeking relief makes the stroke clearly impracticable or (b) interference by the immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition would occur only through use of a clearly unreasonable stroke or an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

Note 1: If a ball is in a water hazard, the player may not take relief from interference by an immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition. The player must play the ball as it lies or proceed under Rule 24-1.

Note 2: If a ball to be placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

21-3. Ball in Obstruction or Abnormal Ground Condition Not Found

It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward an obstruction or abnormal ground condition is in the obstruction or abnormal ground condition. In order to apply this Rule, it must be known or virtually certain that the ball is in the obstruction or abnormal ground condition. In the absence of such knowledge or certainty, the player must proceed under Rule 23-1.

a. Ball in Movable Obstruction Not Found

If it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in a movable obstruction, the player may substitute another ball and take relief, without penalty, under this Rule. If he elects to do so, he must remove the obstruction and place a ball as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the movable obstruction, but not nearer the hole.

b. Ball in Immovable Obstruction or Abnormal Ground Condition Not Found

If it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in an immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition, the player may take relief under this Rule. If he elects to do so, the spot where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition must be determined and, for the purpose of applying this Rule, the ball is deemed to lie at this spot and the player must proceed as follows:

Through the Green: If the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition at a spot through the green, the player may substitute another ball, without penalty, and take relief as prescribed in Rule 21-2b(i).
In a Bunker: If the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition at a spot in a bunker, the player may substitute another ball, without penalty, and take relief as prescribed in Rule 21-2b(ii).
In a Water Hazard: If the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition at a spot in a water hazard, the player is not entitled to relief without penalty. The player must proceed under Rule 24-1.
On the Putting Green: If the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition at a spot on the putting green, the player may substitute another ball, without penalty, and take relief as prescribed in Rule 21-2b(iii).

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

RULE 22 - Embedded Ball; Aeration Holes; Seams of Cut Turf; Wrong Putting Green

22-1. Embedded Ball

Through the green, a ball that is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground may be lifted, without penalty, cleaned and placed within one club-length at a point through the green that is not in the pitch-mark and not nearer the hole than the ball's original location.

Exceptions:

A player may not take relief under this Rule if the ball is embedded in sand in an area that is not closely mown.
A player may not take relief under this Rule if interference by anything other than the condition covered by this Rule makes the stroke clearly impracticable.

22-2. Aeration Holes

Through the green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted, without penalty, and placed within one club-length, not nearer the hole, not on the putting green or in a hazard and not in an aeration hole.

On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an aeration hole may be lifted, without penalty, and placed immediately next to the ball's original location and not nearer the hole, not in a hazard and not in an aeration hole.

22-3. Seams of Cut Turf

Through the green, a ball that comes to rest in a seam of cut turf or where a seam interferes with the area of intended swing may be lifted, without penalty, and placed within one club-length, not nearer the hole, not on the putting green or in a hazard and not in or on a seam of cut turf or where such a seam would interfere with the area of intended swing.

On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in a seam of cut turf or where a seam interferes with the area of intended swing may be lifted, without penalty, and placed immediately next to the ball's original location, not nearer the hole, not in a hazard and not on a seam or where such a seam would interfere with the area of intended swing.

All seams within the cut turf area are considered the same seam.

22-4. Wrong Putting Green

If a player's ball lies on a wrong putting green, he must not play the ball as it lies. He must take relief, without penalty, as follows:

The player must lift the ball and place it through the green within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief.

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

RULE 23 - Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball

23-1. Stroke and Distance; Ball Out of Bounds; Ball Lost Because Not Found Within Five Minutes

a. Proceeding Under Stroke and Distance

At any time, a player may, under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 19-3), i.e., proceed under penalty of stroke and distance.

Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, if a player makes a stroke at a ball from the spot at which the original ball was last played, he is deemed to have proceeded under penalty of stroke and distance.

b. Ball Out of Bounds

If a ball is out of bounds, the player must play a ball, under penalty of one stroke, as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 19-3).

c. Ball Lost Because Not Found Within Five Minutes

If a ball is lost as a result of not being found or identified as his by the player within five minutes after the player's side or a caddie of his side has begun to search for it, the player must play a ball, under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 19-3).

Exception: If it is known or virtually certain that the original ball, that has not been found, has been moved by an outside agency (Rule 17-1), is in an obstruction or abnormal ground condition (Rule 21-3), or is in a water hazard (Rule 24), the player may proceed under the applicable Rule.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 23-1:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.

23-2. Provisional Ball

a. Procedure

If a ball may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds, to save time the player may play a provisional ball in accordance with Rule 23-1. The player must indicate to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play that he intends to play a provisional ball, and he must play it before searching for the original ball.

If he fails to do so and plays another ball, that ball is not a provisional ball and becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 23-1); the original ball is lost.

(Order of play of provisional ball from teeing ground — see Rule 9-3.)

Note: If a provisional ball played under Rule 23-2a might be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, the player may play another provisional ball. If another provisional ball is played, it bears the same relationship to the previous provisional ball as the first provisional ball bears to the original ball.

b. When Provisional Ball Becomes Ball in Play

The player may continue to make strokes at a provisional ball until he reaches the place where the original ball is likely to be. If he makes a stroke with the provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place, the original ball is lost and the provisional ball becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 23-1).

If the original ball is lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play, under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 23-1).

Exception: If it is known or virtually certain that the original ball, that has not been found, has been moved by an outside agency (Rule 17-1), or is in an obstruction or abnormal ground condition (Rule 21-3), the player must proceed under the applicable Rule.

c. When Provisional Ball to be Abandoned

If the original ball is neither lost nor out of bounds, the player must abandon the provisional ball and continue playing the original ball. If it is known or virtually certain that the original ball is in a water hazard, the player must proceed under Rule 23-1 or 24-1. In either situation, if the player makes any further strokes at the provisional ball, he is playing a wrong ball and the provisions of Rule 14-3 apply.

Note: If a player plays a provisional ball under Rule 23-2a, the strokes made after this Rule has been invoked with a provisional ball subsequently abandoned under Rule 23-2c and penalties incurred solely by playing that ball are disregarded.

RULE 24 - Water Hazards

24-1. Relief for Ball in Water Hazard

It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward a water hazard is in the hazard. In the absence of knowledge or virtual certainty that a ball struck toward a water hazard, but not found, is in the hazard, the player must proceed under Rule 23-1.

If a ball is found in a water hazard or if it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in the water hazard (whether the ball lies in water or not), the player may under penalty of one stroke:

Place a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be placed; or
Place a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard.

When proceeding under this Rule, the player may lift his ball.

Note: With or without knowledge or virtual certainty that the ball is in a water hazard, the player may proceed under Rule 23-1a.

24-2. Ball Played Within Water Hazard

a. Ball Comes to Rest in Same or Another Water Hazard

If a ball played from within a water hazard comes to rest in the same or another water hazard, the player may:

Proceed under Rule 24-1a or 24-1b,
Proceed under Rule 23-1a, or
Under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as near as possible to the spot from which the last stroke from outside a water hazard was made (see Rule 19-3).

Note: If a player proceeds under Rule 23-1a and, after placing the ball in the hazard, elects not to play the placed ball, he may:

Proceed under Rule 24-1a or 24-1b, adding the additional penalty of one stroke prescribed by that Rule and using as the reference point the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard in which his ball now lies before coming to rest in that hazard, or
Add an additional penalty of one stroke and play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke from outside a water hazard was made (see Rule 19-3).

b. Ball Lost or Unplayable Outside Hazard or Out of Bounds

If a ball played from within a water hazard is lost or deemed unplayable outside the hazard or is out of bounds, the player may, after taking a penalty of one stroke under Rule 23-1:

play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot in the hazard from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 19-3); or
proceed under Rule 24-1a or 24-1b, adding the additional penalty of one stroke prescribed by that Rule and using as the reference point the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard before it came to rest in the hazard; or
add an additional penalty of one stroke and play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke from outside a water hazard was made (see Rule 19-3).

Note 1: When proceeding under Rule 24-2b, the player is not required to place a ball under Rule 23-1. If he does place a ball, he is not required to play it. He may alternatively proceed under Rule 24-2b(ii) or (iii).

Note 2: If a ball played from within a water hazard is deemed unplayable outside the hazard, nothing in Rule 24-2b precludes the player from proceeding under Rule 25a or b.

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

RULE 25 - Ball Unplayable

The player may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the course, except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.

If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he must, under penalty of one stroke:

Place a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be placed; or
Place a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.

If the unplayable ball is in a bunker, a ball must be placed in the bunker when proceeding under Clause a or b.

When proceeding under this Rule, the player may lift his ball.

Note: Whether or not the player finds the original ball and regardless of the part of the course on which it lies, the player may proceed under Rule 23-1a.

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

RULE 26 - Threesomes and Foursomes

26-1. General

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

26-2. Match Play

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

26-3. Stroke Play

If the partners make a stroke or strokes in incorrect order, such stroke or strokes are canceled and the side incurs a penalty of two strokes. The side must correct the error by playing a ball in correct order as near as possible at the spot from which it first played in incorrect order (see Rule 19-3). If the side makes a stroke on the next teeing ground without first correcting the error or, in the case of the last hole of the round, leaves the putting green without declaring its intention to correct the error, the side is disqualified.

RULE 27 - Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play

27-1. Representation of Side

A side may be represented by one partner for all or any part of a match; all partners need not be present. An absent partner may join a match between holes (i.e., before any player in the match has started play of that hole), but not during play of a hole.

27-2. Order of Play

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

27-3. Wrong Ball

If a player incurs the loss of hole penalty under Rule 14-3a for making a stroke at a wrong ball, he is disqualified for that hole, but his partner incurs no penalty even if the wrong ball belongs to him. If the wrong ball belongs to another player, its owner must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.

(Placing and Replacing — see Rule 19-2.)

27-4. Penalty to Side

A side is penalized for a breach of any of the following by any partner:

Rule 4 Clubs
Rule 6-4 Caddie
Any Local Rule or Condition of Competition for which the penalty is an adjustment to the state of the match.

27-5. Disqualification of Side

(i) A side is disqualified if any partner incurs a penalty of disqualification under any of the following:

Rule 1-2 Agreement to Waive Rules
Rule 4 Clubs
Rule 5-1 or 5-2 The Ball
Rule 6-2a Handicap
Rule 6-4 Caddie
Rule 6-7 Undue Delay; Slow Play
Rule 10-1 Teeing
Rule 11-3 Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment
Rule 31-4 Disqualification Penalty Imposed by Committee

(ii) A side is disqualified if all partners incur a penalty of disqualification under any of the following:

Rule 6-3 Time of Starting and Groups
Rule 6-8 Discontinuance of Play

(iii) In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would result in disqualification, the player is disqualified for that hole only.

27-6. Effect of Other Penalties

If a player's breach of a Rule assists his partner's play or adversely affects an opponent's play, the partner incurs the applicable penalty in addition to any penalty incurred by the player.

In all other cases where a player incurs a penalty for breach of a Rule, the penalty does not apply to his partner. Where the penalty is stated to be loss of hole, the effect is to disqualify the player for that hole.

RULE 28 - Four-Ball Stroke Play

28-1. Representation of Side

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

28-2. Scoring

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

(Wrong score — see Rule 28-6.)

28-3. Order of Play

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

28-4. Wrong Ball

If a competitor is in breach of Rule 14-3b for making a stroke at a wrong ball, he incurs a penalty of two strokes and must correct his mistake by playing the correct ball or by proceeding under the Rules. His partner incurs no penalty, even if the wrong ball belongs to him.

If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.

(Placing and Replacing — see Rule 19-2.)

28-5. Penalty to Side

A side is penalized for a breach of any of the following by any partner:

Rule 4 Clubs
Rule 6-4 Caddie
Any Local Rule or Condition of Competition for which there is a maximum penalty per round.

28-6. Disqualification Penalties

a. Breach by One Partner

A side is disqualified from the competition if either partner incurs a penalty of disqualification under any of the following:

Rule 1-2 Agreement to Waive Rules
Rule 3-4 Refusal to Comply with a Rule
Rule 4 Clubs
Rule 5-1 or 5-2 The Ball
Rule 6-2b Handicap
Rule 6-4 Caddie
Rule 6-6b Signing and Returning Score Card
Rule 6-6d Wrong Score for Hole
Rule 6-7 Undue Delay; Slow Play
Rule 7-1 Practice Before or Between Rounds
Rule 9-2c Sides Agree to Play Out of Turn
Rule 10-1 Teeing
Rule 11-3 Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment
Rule 20-1 Ball Assisting Play
Rule 28-2 Gross Scores to Count Not Individually Identifiable
Rule 31-4 Disqualification Penalty Imposed by Committee

b. Breach by Both Partners

A side is disqualified from the competition:

if each partner incurs a penalty of disqualification for a breach of Rule 6-3 (Time of Starting and Groups) or Rule 6-8 (Discontinuance of Play), or
if, at the same hole, each partner is in breach of a Rule the penalty for which is disqualification from the competition or for a hole.

c. For the Hole Only

In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would result in disqualification, the competitor is disqualified only for the hole at which the breach occurred.

28-7. Effect of Other Penalties

If a competitor's breach of a Rule assists his partner's play or adversely affects another competitor's play, the partner incurs the applicable penalty in addition to any penalty incurred by the competitor.

In all other cases where a competitor incurs a penalty for breach of a Rule, the penalty does not apply to his partner.

RULE 29 - Par and Stableford Competitions

29-1. Conditions

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

a. Par Competitions

The scoring for par competitions is made as in match play, with par as the player's opponent.

Any hole for which a competitor does not return a score is regarded as a loss. The winner is the competitor who is most successful in the aggregate of holes.

The marker is responsible for marking only the gross number of strokes for each hole where the competitor makes a net score equal to or less than the fixed score.

b. Stableford Competitions

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

Hole Played In	Points
More than one over fixed score or no score returned	0
One over fixed score	1
Fixed score	2
One under fixed score	3
Two under fixed score	4
Three under fixed score	5
Four under fixed score	6

The winner is the competitor who scores the highest number of points.

The marker is responsible for marking only the gross number of strokes at each hole where the competitor's net score earns one or more points.

29-2. Disqualification Penalties

a. From the Competition

A competitor is disqualified from the competition if he incurs a penalty of disqualification under any of the following:

Rule 1-2 Agreement to Waive Rules
Rule 3-4 Refusal to Comply with a Rule
Rule 4 Clubs
Rule 5-1 or 5-2 The Ball
Rule 6-2b Handicap
Rule 6-3 Time of Starting and Groups
Rule 6-4 Caddie
Rule 6-6b Signing and Returning Score Card
Rule 6-6d Wrong Score for Hole, i.e., when the recorded score is lower than actually taken, except that no penalty is incurred when a breach of this Rule does not affect the result of the hole
Rule 6-7 Undue Delay; Slow Play
Rule 6-8 Discontinuance of Play
Rule 7-1 Practice Before or Between Rounds
Rule 10-1 Teeing
Rule 11-3 Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment
Rule 20-1 Ball Assisting Play
Rule 31-4 Disqualification Penalty Imposed by Committee

b. For a Hole

In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would result in disqualification, the competitor is disqualified only for the hole at which the breach occurred.

RULE 30 - The Committee

30-1. Conditions; Waiving Rule

The Committee must establish the conditions under which a competition is to be played.

The Committee has no power to waive a Rule of Golf.

Certain specific 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. Players who comine the two forms of play are disqualified from both their match and the stroke-play competition.

In stroke play, the Committee may limit a referee's duties.

30-2. The Course

a. Defining Bounds and Margins

The Committee must define accurately:

the course and out of bounds,
the margins of water hazards,
the status and margins of bunkers if necessary,
ground under repair, and
obstructions and integral parts of the course.

b. New Holes

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

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

Note: Where a single round is to be played on more than one day, the Committee may provide, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 30-1), that the holes and teeing grounds may be differently situated on each day of the competition, provided that, on any one day, all competitors play with each hole and each teeing ground in the same position.

c. Course Unplayable

If the Committee or its authorized representative considers that for any reason the course is not in a playable condition or that there are circumstances that render the proper playing of the game impossible, it may, in match play or stroke play, order a temporary suspension of play or, in stroke play, declare play null and void and cancel all scores for the round in question. When a round is canceled, all penalties incurred in that round are canceled.

(Procedure in discontinuing and resuming play — see Rule 6-8)

30-3. Times of Starting and Groups

The Committee must establish the times of starting and, in stroke play, arrange the groups in which competitors must play.

When a match play competition is played over an extended period, the Committee establishes the limit of time within which each round must be completed. When players are allowed to arrange the date of their match within these limits, the Committee should announce that the match must be played at a stated time on the last day of the period, unless the players agree to a prior date.

30-4. Handicap Stroke Table

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

30-5. Score Card

In stroke play, the Committee must provide each competitor with a score card containing the date and the competitor's name or, in foursome or four-ball stroke play, the competitors' names.

In stroke play, the Committee is responsible for the addition of scores and application of the handicap recorded on the score card.

In four-ball stroke play, the Committee is responsible for recording the better-ball score for each hole and in the process applying the handicaps recorded on the score card, and adding the better-ball scores.

In par and Stableford competitions, the Committee is responsible for applying the handicap recorded on the score card and determining the result of each hole and the overall result or points total.

Note: The Committee may request that each competitor record the date and his name on his score card.

30-6. Decision of Ties

The Committee must announce the manner, day and time for the decision of a halved match or of a tie, whether played on level terms or under handicap.

A halved match must not be decided by stroke play. A tie in stroke play must not be decided by a match.

30-7. Local Rules

a. Policy

The Committee may establish Local Rules for local abnormal conditions if they are consistent with the policy set forth in Appendix I.

b. Waiving or Modifying a Rule

A Rule of Golf must not be waived by a Local Rule. However, if a Committee considers that local abnormal conditions interfere with the proper playing of the game to the extent that it is necessary to make a Local Rule that modifies the Rules of Golf, the Local Rule must be authorized by the USGA.

RULE 31 - Disputes and Decisions

31-1. Claims and Penalties

a. Match Play

If a claim is lodged with the Committee under Rule 2-3, a decision should be given as soon as possible so that the state of the match may, if necessary, be adjusted. If a proper claim is not made in accordance with Rule 2-3, it must not be considered by the Committee.

There is no time limit on applying the disqualification penalty for a breach of Rule 1-2.

b. Stroke Play

In stroke play, a penalty must not be rescinded or modified after the competition has closed. A penalty of disqualification may be imposed after the competition has closed. A competition is closed when the result has been officially announced or, in stroke play qualifying followed by match play, when the player has teed off in his first match.

31-2. Committee's Decision

Any dispute or doubtful point on the Rules must be referred to a referee, whose decision is final. If the Committee cannot come to a decision, it may refer the dispute or doubtful point to the Rules of Golf Committee of the USGA, whose decision is final.

If the dispute or doubtful point has not been referred to the Rules of Golf Committee, the player or players may request that an agreed statement be referred through a duly authorized representative of the Committee to the Rules of Golf Committee for an opinion as to the correctness of the decision given. The reply will be sent to this authorized representative.

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

31-3. Equity

Decisions made by the Committee should be made according to equity i.e., in a manner consistent with similar situations explicitly covered by the Rules of Golf. The use of equity is appropriate when a point in dispute is not covered by the Rules; a judgment as to facts is required to determine which Rule or Rules apply; a conflict exists between Rules; or a strict application of the Rules would result in a grossly unreasonable outcome.

31-4. Disqualification Penalty; Committee Discretion

A penalty of disqualification may in exceptional individual cases be waived, modified or imposed if the Committee considers such action warranted.

Except as provided in Rule 31-4, a penalty of disqualification may not be waived or modified.

If the Committee considers that a player is guilty of a serious breach of etiquette, it may impose a penalty of disqualification under this Rule.

APPENDIX I - Local Rules; Conditions of the Competition

Part A - Local Rules

As provided in Rule 30-7a, the Committee may make and publish Local Rules for local abnormal conditions if they are consistent with the policy established in this Appendix. In addition, detailed information regarding acceptable and prohibited Local Rules is provided in "Decisions on the Rules of Golf" under Rule 30-7 and in "How to Conduct a Competition."

If local abnormal conditions interfere with the proper playing of the game and the Committee considers it necessary to modify a Rule of Golf, authorization from the USGA must be obtained.

1. Defining Bounds and Margins

Specifying means used to define out of bounds, water hazards, bunkers, ground under repair, obstructions and integral parts of the course (Rule 30-2a).

2. Areas of the Course Requiring Preservation; Environmentally-Sensitive Areas

Assisting preservation of the course by defining areas, including turf nurseries, young plantations and other parts of the course under cultivation, as ground under repair from which play is prohibited.

When the Committee is required to prohibit entry into and/or play from environmentally-sensitive areas that are on or adjoin the course, it should make a Local Rule clarifying the relief procedure.

a. Ground Under Repair; Play Prohibited

If the Committee wishes to protect any area of the course, it should declare it to be ground under repair and prohibit play from within that area. The following Local Rule is recommended:

"The _____________(defined by ____) is ground under repair from which play is prohibited. If a player's ball lies in the area, or if the area interferes with the player's stance or the area of his intended swing, the player must take relief under Rule 21-2.

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

b. Environmentally-Sensitive Areas

If an appropriate authority (i.e., a Government Agency or the like) prohibits entry into and/or play from an area on or adjoining the course for environmental reasons, the Committee should make a Local Rule clarifying the relief procedure.

The Committee has some discretion in terms of whether the area is defined as ground under repair, a water hazard or out of bounds. However, it may not simply define the area to be a water hazard if it does not meet the Definition of a "Water Hazard" and it should attempt to preserve the character of the hole.

The following Local Rule is recommended:

"I. Definition

An environmentally-sensitive area (ESA) is an area so declared by an appropriate authority, entry into and/or play from which is prohibited for environmental reasons. These areas may be defined as ground under repair, a water hazard or out of bounds at the discretion of the Committee, provided that in the case of an ESA that has been defined as a water hazard the area meets the Definition of "Water Hazard."

Note: The Committee may not declare an area to be environmentally-sensitive.

II. Ball in Environmentally-Sensitive Area

a. Ground Under Repair

If a ball is in an ESA defined as ground under repair, a ball must be placed in accordance with Rule 21-2.

If it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in an ESA defined as ground under repair, the player may take relief, without penalty, as prescribed in Rule 21-3.

b. Water Hazards

If the ball is found in or if it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in an ESA defined as a water hazard, the player must, under penalty of one stroke, proceed under Rule 24-1.

Note: If a ball, placed in accordance with Rule 24 rolls into a position where the ESA interferes with the player's stance or the area of his intended swing, the player must take relief as provided in Clause III of this Local Rule.

c. Out of Bounds

If a ball is in an ESA defined as out of bounds, the player must play a ball, under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 19-3).

III. Interference with Stance or Area of Intended Swing

Interference by an ESA occurs when the ESA interferes with the player's stance or the area of his intended swing. If interference exists, the player must take relief as follows:

Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies must be determined that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids interference by the ESA and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. The player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, within one club-length of the point so determined on a part of the course that fulfills (a), (b) and (c) above.
In a Hazard: If the ball is in a hazard, the player must lift the ball and place it either:

Without penalty, in the hazard, as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, on a part of the course that provides complete relief from the ESA; or
Under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard, keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed, with no limit to how far behind the hazard the ball may be placed. Additionally, the player may proceed under Rule 24 or 25 if applicable.

On the Putting Green: If the ball lies on the putting green, the player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, in the nearest position to where it lay that affords complete relief from the ESA, but not nearer the hole or in a hazard.

Exception: A player may not take relief under Clause III of this Local Rule if (a) interference by anything other than an ESA makes the stroke clearly impracticable or (b) interference by an ESA would occur only through use of a clearly unreasonable stroke or an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

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

c. Protection of Young Trees

When it is desired to prevent damage to young trees, the following Local Rule is recommended:

"Protection of young trees identified by ______. If such a tree interferes with a player's stance or the area of his intended swing, the ball must be lifted, without penalty, and placed in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Rule 21-2b (Immovable Obstructions and Abnormal Ground Conditions). If the ball lies in a water hazard, the player must lift and place the ball in accordance with Rule 21-2b(i), except that the nearest point of relief must be in the water hazard and the ball must be placed in the water hazard or the player may proceed under Rule 24-1.

Exception: A player may not obtain relief under this Local Rule if (a) interference by anything other than such a tree makes the stroke clearly impracticable or (b) interference by such a tree would occur only through use of a clearly unreasonable stroke or an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

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

3. Course Conditions — Mud, Extreme Wetness, Poor Conditions and Protection of Course

a. Cleaning

Temporary conditions that might interfere with proper playing of the game, including mud and extreme wetness, warranting permission to lift, clean and replace a ball anywhere through the green or on a closely mown area through the green. In such circumstances, the following Local Rule is recommended:

"(Specify area) a ball may be lifted, cleaned and replaced without penalty.

Note: The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted under this Local Rule — see Rule 19-1.

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

b. "Preferred Lies" and "Winter Rules"

Adverse conditions, including the poor condition of the course or the existence of mud, are sometimes so general, particularly during winter months, that the Committee may decide to grant relief by temporary Local Rule either to protect the course or to promote fair and pleasant play. The Local Rule should be withdrawn as soon as the conditions warrant. In such circumstances, the following Local Rule is recommended:

"A ball lying on a closely mown area through the green (or specify a more restricted area, e.g., at the 6th hole) may be lifted, without penalty, and cleaned. Before lifting the ball, the player must mark its position. Having lifted the ball, he must place it on a spot within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than where it originally lay, that is not in a hazard and not on a putting green.

A player may place his ball only once, and it is in play when it has been placed. If the ball fails to come to rest on the spot on which it is placed, Rule 19-2b applies. If the ball when placed comes to rest on the spot on which it is placed and it subsequently moves, there is no penalty and the ball must be played as it lies, unless the provisions of any other Rule apply.

If the player fails to mark the position of the ball before lifting it or moves the ball in any other manner, such as rolling it with a club, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

Note: "Closely mown area" means any area of the course, including paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.
*If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of this Local Rule, no additional penalty under the Local Rule is applied."

4. Obstructions

a. General

Clarifying status of objects that may be obstructions (Rule 21).

Declaring any construction to be an integral part of the course and, accordingly, not an obstruction, e.g., built-up sides of teeing grounds, putting greens and bunkers (Rule 30-2a).

b. Roads and Paths

Declaring artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths to be integral parts of the course, or
Providing relief of the type afforded under Rule 21-2 from roads and paths not having artificial surfaces and sides if they could unfairly affect play.

c. Temporary Obstructions

Providing line of play relief from intervention by temporary obstructions (e.g., grandstands, television cables and equipment, etc).

The following Local Rule is recommended for temporary immovable obstructions:

"I. Definition

A temporary immovable obstruction (TIO) is an immovable obstruction that is often erected in conjunction with a competition and is fixed or not readily movable.

Examples of TIOs include, but are not limited to, tents, scoreboards, grandstands, television towers and lavatories.

Supporting guy wires are part of the TIO, unless the Committee declares that they are to be treated as elevated power lines or cables.

II. Interference

Interference by a TIO occurs when any part of the TIO intervenes directly between the player's ball and the hole and is on his line of play and the TIO does not interfere with the lie of the ball or the area of intended stance or swing. (If the TIO does interfere with the lie of the ball or the area of intended swing, see Rule 21-2. However, relief is not available under Rule 21-2 from a TIO that is located out of bounds.)

III. Relief

A player may obtain relief from interference by a TIO, including a TIO that is out of bounds, as follows:

Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies must be determined that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids interference as defined in Clause II and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. The player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, within one club-length of the point so determined on a part of the course that fulfills (a), (b) and (c) above.
In a Hazard: If the ball is in a hazard, the player must lift and place the ball either:

Without penalty, in accordance with Clause III(a) above, except that the nearest part of the course affording complete relief must be in the hazard and the ball must be placed in the hazard or, if complete relief is impossible, anywhere within the hazard not nearer the hole; or
Under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard as follows: the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies must be determined that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids interference as defined in Clause II and (c) is not in a hazard. The player must place the ball within one club-length of the point so determined on a part of the course that fulfills (a), (b) and (c) above.

Note 1: If the ball lies in a hazard, nothing in this Local Rule precludes the player from proceeding under Rule 24 or Rule 25, if applicable.

Note 2: If a ball to be placed under this Local Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

Note 3: A Committee may make a Local Rule (a) permitting or requiring a player to use a placing zone when taking relief from a TIO or (b) permitting a player, as an additional relief option, to place the ball on the opposite side of the TIO from the point established under Clause III, but otherwise in accordance with Clause III.

Exceptions: The player may not obtain relief under Clause III if:

Interference by anything other than the TIO makes it clearly impracticable for him to make a stroke or to make a stroke such that the ball could finish on a direct line to the hole;
Interference by the TIO would occur only through use of a clearly unreasonable stroke or direction of play; or
it would be clearly impracticable to expect the player to be able to strike the ball far enough towards the hole to reach the TIO.

IV. Ball in TIO Not Found

If it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in, on or under a TIO, a ball may be placed in accordance with Rule 21-3b.

V. Placing Zones

If the player has interference as defined in Clause I from a TIO, the Committee may permit or require the use of a placing zone. If the player uses a placing zone in taking relief, he must place the ball in the placing zone nearest to where his ball originally lay or is deemed to lie under Clause IV (even though the nearest placing zone may be nearer the hole).

Note: A Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting the use of a placing zone that is nearer the hole.

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

d. Temporary Power Lines and Cables

When temporary power lines, cables, or telephone lines are installed on the course, the following Local Rule is recommended:

"Temporary power lines, cables, telephone lines and mats covering or stanchions supporting them are obstructions:

If they are readily movable, Rule 21-1 applies.
If they are fixed or not readily movable, the player may, if the ball lies through the green or in a bunker, obtain relief as provided in Rule 21-2. If the ball lies in a water hazard, the player may lift and place the ball in accordance with Rule 21-2(i), except that the nearest point of relief must be in the water hazard and the ball must be placed in the water hazard or the player may proceed under Rule 24.
If a ball strikes an elevated power line or cable, the stroke is canceled and the player must play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was played in accordance with Rule 19-3 (Making Next Stroke from Where Previous Stroke Made).
Note: Guy wires supporting a temporary immovable obstruction are part of the temporary immovable obstruction, unless the Committee, by Local Rule, declares that they are to be treated as elevated power lines or cables.

Exception: A stroke that results in a ball striking an elevated junction section of cable rising from the ground must not be replayed.
4. Grass-covered cable trenches are ground under repair, even if not marked, and Rule 21-2 applies.

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

e. Placing Zones

If the Committee considers that it is not feasible or practicable to proceed in accordance with a Rule providing relief, it may establish placing zones in which balls may or must be placed when taking relief. Generally, such placing zones should be provided as an additional relief option to those available under the Rule itself, rather than being mandatory.

Using the example of a placing zone for a water hazard, when such a placing zone is established, the following Local Rule is recommended:

"If a ball is in or it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in the water hazard (specify location), the player may:

proceed under Rule 24; or
as an additional option, place a ball, under penalty of one stroke, in the placing zone.

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

Note: When using a placing zone the following provisions apply regarding the placing of the ball:

The ball must be placed in the placing zone.
If the placing zone is defined by a line, the line is within the placing zone.
The placed ball may be placed nearer the hole than:

its original position or estimated position;
the nearest point of relief or maximum available relief (Rule 21-2); or
the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard (Rule 24-1).

Part B - Conditions of the Competition

Rule 30-1 provides, "The Committee must establish the conditions under which a competition is to be played." The conditions should include many matters such as method of entry, eligibility, number of rounds to be played, etc. which it is not appropriate to deal with in the Rules of Golf or this Appendix. Detailed information regarding these conditions is provided in "Decisions on the Rules of Golf" under Rule 30-1 and in "How to Conduct a Competition."

However, there are a number of matters that might be covered in the Conditions of the Competition to which the Committee's attention is specifically drawn. These are:

1. One Ball Condition

The following condition is recommended only for competitions involving expert players:

If it is desired to prohibit changing brands and models of golf balls during a round, the following condition is recommended:

"Limitation on Balls Used During Round

"One Ball" Condition During a round, the balls a player plays must be of the same brand and model as detailed by a single entry on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls.
Note: If a ball of a different brand and/or model is placed it may be lifted, without penalty, and the player must then proceed by placing a proper ball (Rule 19-4).

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF CONDITION:
Match play — Loss of hole; maximum penalty per round — Two holes.
Stroke play — Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round — Four strokes (two strokes at each of the first two holes at which any breach occurred).
Procedure When Breach Discovered When a player discovers that he has played a ball in breach of this condition, he must abandon that ball before playing from the next teeing ground and complete the round with a proper ball; otherwise, the player is disqualified. If discovery is made during play of a hole and the player elects to substitute a proper ball before completing that hole, the player must place a proper ball on the spot where the ball played in breach of the condition lay."

2. Caddie (Note to Rule 6-4)

Rule 6-4 permits a player to use a caddie, provided he has only one caddie at any one time. However, there may be circumstances where a Committee may wish to prohibit caddies or restrict a player in his choice of caddie, e.g., professional golfer, sibling, parent, another player in the competition, etc. In such cases, the following wording is recommended:

Use of Caddie Prohibited

"A player is prohibited from using a caddie during the round."

Restriction on Who May Serve as Caddie

"A player is prohibited from having ___________ serve as his caddie during the round.

Match play or stroke play — If a breach is discovered between the play of two holes, it is deemed to have been discovered during play of the next hole, and the penalty must be applied accordingly.

*A player having a caddie in breach of this condition must immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred ensure that he conforms with this condition for the remainder of the round. If he fails to do so, the player is disqualified."

3. Pace of Play

The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines to help prevent slow play.

4. Practice

The Committee may make regulations governing practice in accordance with the Note to Rule 7-1, Exception (c) to Rule 7-2, Note 2 to Rule 7.

5. Advice in Team Competitions (Note to Rule 8)

If the Committee wishes to act in accordance with the Note under Rule 8, the following wording is recommended:

"In accordance with the Note to Rule 8 of the Rules of Golf, each team may appoint one person (in addition to the persons from whom advice may be asked under that Rule) who may give advice to members of that team. Such person (if it is desired to insert any restriction on who may be nominated insert such restriction here) must be identified to the Committee before giving advice."

6. Transportation

If it is desired to require players to walk in a competition, the following condition is recommended:

"Players must not ride on any form of transportation during a round unless authorized by the Committee.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF CONDITION:
Match play — Loss of hole; maximum penalty per round — Two holes.
Stroke play — Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round — Four strokes (two strokes at each of the first two holes at which any breach occurred).
Match play or stroke play — If a breach is discovered between the play of two holes, it is deemed to have been discovered during play of the next hole, and the penalty must be applied accordingly.
*Use of any unauthorized form of transportation must be discontinued immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred. If the player fails to do so, he is disqualified."

7. Anti-Doping

The Committee may require, in the conditions of competition, that players comply with an anti-doping policy.

8. How to Decide Ties

In both match play and stroke play, a tie can be an acceptable result. However, when it is desired to have a sole winner, the Committee has the authority, under Rule 30-6, to determine how and when a tie is decided. The decision should be published in advance.

The USGA recommends:

Match Play

A match that ends all square 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. In a handicap match, handicap strokes should be allowed as in the round.

Stroke Play

In the event of a tie in a scratch stroke-play competition, a play-off is recommended. The play-off may be over 18 holes or a smaller number of holes as specified by the Committee. If that is not feasible or there is still a tie, a hole-by-hole play-off is recommended.
In the event of a tie in a handicap stroke-play competition, a play-off with handicaps is recommended. The play-off may be over 18 holes or a smaller number of holes as specified by the Committee. It is recommended that any such play-off consist of at least three holes.

In competitions where the handicap stroke allocation table is not relevant, if the play-off is less than 18 holes, the percentage of 18 holes played should be applied to the players' handicaps to determine their play-off handicaps. Handicap stroke fractions of one half stroke or more should count as a full stroke and any lesser fraction should be disregarded.

In competitions where the handicap stroke table is relevant, such as four-ball stroke play and par and Stableford competitions, handicap strokes should be taken as they were assigned for the competition using the players' respective stroke allocation table(s).
If a play-off of any type is not feasible, matching score cards is recommended. The method of matching cards should be announced in advance and should also provide what will happen if this procedure does not produce a winner. An acceptable method of matching cards is to determine the winner on the basis of the best score for the last nine holes. If the tying players have the same score for the last nine, determine the winner on the basis of the last six holes, last three holes and finally the 18th hole. If this method is used in a competition with a multiple tee start, it is recommended that the "last nine holes, last six holes, etc." is considered to be holes 10-18, 13-18, etc.

For competitions where the handicap stroke table is not relevant, such as individual stroke play, if the last nine, last six, last three holes scenario is used, one-half, one-third, one-sixth, etc. of the handicaps should be deducted from the score for those holes. In terms of the use of fractions in such deductions, the Committee should act in accordance with the recommendations of the relevant handicapping authority.

In competitions where the handicap stroke table is relevant, such as four-ball stroke play and par and Stableford competitions, handicap strokes should be taken as they were assigned for the competition, using the players' respective stroke allocation table(s).

9. Draw for Match Play

Although the draw for match play may be completely blind or certain players may be distributed through different quarters or eighths, the General Numerical Draw is recommended if matches are determined by a qualifying round.

General Numerical Draw

For purposes of determining places in the draw, ties in qualifying rounds other than those for the last qualifying place are decided by the order in which scores are returned, with the first score to be returned receiving the lowest available number, etc. If it is impossible to determine the order in which scores are returned, ties are determined by a blind draw.

Upper Half	Lower Half
64 QUALIFIERS
1 vs. 64	2 vs. 63
32 vs. 33	31 vs. 34
16 vs. 49	15 vs. 50
17 vs. 48	18 vs. 47
8 vs. 57	7 vs. 58
25 vs. 40	26 vs. 39
9 vs. 56	10 vs. 55
24 vs. 41	23 vs. 42
4 vs. 61	3 vs. 62
29 vs. 36	30 vs. 35
13 vs. 52	14 vs. 51
20 vs. 45	19 vs. 46
5 vs. 60	6 vs. 59
28 vs. 37	27 vs. 38
21 vs. 44	22 vs. 43

Upper Half	Lower Half
32 QUALIFIERS
1 vs. 32	2 vs. 31
16 vs. 17	15 vs. 18
8 vs. 25	7 vs. 26
9 vs. 24	10 vs. 23
4 vs. 29	3 vs. 30
13 vs. 20	14 vs. 19
5 vs. 28	6 vs. 27
12 vs. 21	11 vs. 22
16 QUALIFIERS
1 vs. 16	2 vs. 15
8 vs. 9	7 vs. 10
4 vs. 13	3 vs. 14
5 vs. 12	6 vs. 11
8 QUALIFIERS
1 vs. 8	2 vs. 7
4 vs. 5	3 vs. 6

APPENDIX II - Design of Clubs (minor addendum)

Appendices II and III were outside the scope of this project. However, for consistency, the following is added to Appendix II (having been removed from Rule 4 - Clubs):

Inserted as the 2nd sub-section under "I. Clubs"

A club that conforms with the Rules when new is deemed to conform after wear through normal use. Any part of a club that has been purposely altered is regarded as new and must, in its altered state, conform with the Rules.

APPENDIX IV - Devices and Other Equipment

A player in doubt as to whether use of a device or other equipment would constitute a breach of the Rules should consult the USGA.

A manufacturer should submit to the USGA a sample of a device or other equipment to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether its use during a round would cause a player to be in breach of Rule 11-3. The sample becomes the property of the USGA for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample or, having submitted a sample, fails to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or marketing the device or other equipment, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that use of the device or other equipment would be contrary to the Rules.

The following paragraphs prescribe general regulations for the design of devices and other equipment, together with specifications and interpretations. They should be read in conjunction with Rule 10-1 (Teeing) and Rule 11-3 (Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment).

1. Tees (Rule 10)

A tee is a device designed to raise the ball off the ground. A tee must not:

be longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm);
be designed or manufactured in such a way that it could indicate line of play;
unduly influence the movement of the ball; or
otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.

2. Gloves (Rule 11-3)

Gloves may be worn to assist the player in gripping the club, provided they are plain.

A "plain" glove must:

consist of a fitted covering of the hand with a separate sheath or opening for each digit (fingers and thumb); and
be made of smooth materials on the full palm and gripping surface of the digits.

A "plain" glove must not incorporate:

material on the gripping surface or inside of the glove, the primary purpose of which is to provide padding or which has the effect of providing padding. Padding is defined as an area of glove material which is more than 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) thicker than the adjacent areas of the glove without the added material;
Note: Material may be added for wear resistance, moisture absorption or other functional purposes, provided it does not exceed the definition of padding (see above).
straps to assist in preventing the club from slipping or to attach the hand to the club;
any means of binding digits together;
material on the glove that adheres to material on the grip;
features, other than visual aids, designed to assist the player in placing his hands in a consistent and/or specific position on the grip;
weight to assist the player in making a stroke;
any feature that might restrict the movement of a joint; or
any other feature that might assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.

3. Shoes (Rule 11-3)

Shoes that assist the player in obtaining a firm stance may be worn. Subject to the conditions of competition, features such as spikes on the sole are permitted, but shoes must not incorporate features:

designed to assist the player in taking his stance and/or building a stance;
designed to assist the player with his alignment; or
that might otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.

4. Clothing (Rule 11-3)

Articles of clothing must not incorporate features:

designed to assist the player with his alignment; or
that might otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.

5. Gauging or Measuring Conditions That Might Affect Play (Rule 11-3)

Artificial devices must not be used to gauge or measure conditions, other than distance, that might affect play. Such conditions include, but are not limited to:

the slope or elevation of the ground;
temperature, humidity, wind speed or direction, or other climate-based information.

Additionally, an artificial device must not be used to provide other advice-related information such as:

recommendations that might assist the player in making a stroke or in his play (e.g., club selection, type of shot to be played etc.); or
a calculation of the effective distance between two points based on slope or other conditions affecting shot distance.

Gauging or measuring (or otherwise providing) such prohibited information may be a capability of a device that is used for a permitted purpose e.g. measuring distance; however, if such a capability is used, even inadvertently, the player is disqualified under Rule 11-3.

Simple Golf Rules

Code One

August 27, 2012

David Hayes - John Morrissett

Contents

Section