The Rules of Golf

THE RULES OF GOLF
THE GAME
Rule 1. The Game
1-1. General
The game of golf consists in playing a ball from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or
successive strokes in accordance with the Rules.
1-2. Exerting influence on Ball
No player or caddie shall take any action to influence the position or the movement off a ball
except in accordance with the rules.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULES 1-2:
Match play – lost of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes
Note: In the case of serious breach of rule 1-2 , the committee may impose a penalty of
disqualification.
1-3. Agreement to waive rules

Players shall not agree to exclude the operation of any rule or to waive any penalty incurred
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 1-3:
Match play – Disqualification of both sides; Stroke play – Disqualification of competitors
concerned.
1-4. Points not covered by Rules

If any point in dispute is not covered by the Rules, The decision shall be made in accordance with
equity.
RULE 2. MATCH PLAY
2-1. Winner of Hole; Reckoning of Holes

In match play the game is played by holes.
Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, a hole is won by the side which holes its ball in the
fewer strokes. In a handicap match the lower net score wins the hole.
The reckoning of holes is kept by the terms: so many “holes up” or “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. Halved Hole

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

A match (which consists of a stipulated round, unless otherwise decreed by the committee) is won
by the side which is leading by a number of holes greater than the number of holes remaining to be
played.
The committee may, for the purpose of settling a tie, extend the stipulated round to as many holes
as are required for a match to be won.
2.4. Concession of next stroke, Hole or Match

When the opponent’s ball is at rest or is deemed to be at rest under Rule 16-2, the player may
concede the opponent to have holed out with his next stroke and the ball may be removed by either
side with a club or otherwise.
A player may concede a hole or match at any time prior to the conclusion of the hole or the match.
Concession of a stroke, hole or match may not be declined or withdrawn.
2.5. Claims
In match play, if a doubt or dispute arises between the players and no duly authorize representative
of the committee is available within a reasonable time, the players shall continue the match without
delay. Any claim, if it is to be considered by the committee, must be made before any player in the
match plays from the next teeing ground, or in the case of the last hole of the match, before all
players in the match leave the putting green.
No later claims shall be considered unless it is based on facts previously unknown to the player
making the claim and the player making the claim had been given wrong information( Rule 6-2a
and 9) by an opponent. In any case, no later claim shall be considered after the result of the match
has been officially announced, unless the committee is satisfied that the opponent knew he was
giving wrong information.
2.6. General Penalty

The penalty for breach of a Rule in match play is loss of hole except when otherwise provided.
RULE 3. Stroke Play
3-1. Winner
The competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner.
3-2. Failure To Hole Out

If a competitor fails to hole out in any hole and does not correct his mistake before he plays a stroke
from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before he leaves the putting
green, he shall be disqualified.
3-3. Doubt as to Procedure
a. PROCEDURE
In stroke play only, when during play of a hole a competitor is doubtful of his rights or procedure,
he may with out penalty, play a second ball. After the situation which cause the doubt has arisen,
the competitor should, before taking further action , announce to his marker or a fellow- competitor
his decision to invoke this rule and the ball with which he will score if the rules permit.
The competitor shall report the facts to the committee before returning his score card unless he
scores the same with both balls; if he fails to do so, he shall be disqualified.
b. DETERMINATION OF SCORE FOR HOLE
If the Rules allow the procedure selected in advance by the competitor, the score with the ball
selected shall be his score for the hole.
If the competitor fails to announce in advance his decision to invoke this rule or his selection, the
score with the original ball or, if the original ball is not one of the balls being played, the first ball
put into play shall count if the Rule allows the procedure adopted for such ball.
Note: A second ball played under Rule 3-3 is not a provisional ball under Rule 27-2.
3-4. Refusal to comply with a Rule

If a competitor refuses to comply with a rule affecting the rights of another competitor, he shall be
disqualified.
3-5. General Penalty
The penalty for a breach of a Rule in stroke play is two strokes except when otherwise provided.
CLUBS AND THE BALL
The United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews reserve the
right to change the Rules and make change the interpretations relating to Clubs, balls and other
implements at any time.
Rule 4. Clubs
If there may be any reasonable basis for doubt as to whether a club which is manufactured
conforms with Rule 4 and Appendix II, the manufacturer should submit a sample to the USGA for a
ruling, such sample to become its property for reference purposes.
If a manufacturer fails to do so, he assumes the risk of a ruling that the club does not conform with
the Rules of Golf.
A player in doubt as to the conformity of a club should consult the USGA.
4-1. Form and Make of Clubs

A club is an implement designed to be used for striking the ball.
A putter is a club designed primarily for use on the putting green.
The player’s clubs shall conform with the provisions of this Rule and with the specifications and
interpretations set forth in appendix II.
a. GENERAL
The club shall be composed of a shaft and a head.
All parts of the club shall be fixed so that the club is one unit. The club shall not be designed to be
adjustable except for the weight. The club shall not be substantially different from the traditional
and customary form and make.
b. SHAFT
The shaft shall be generally straight, with the same bending and twisting properties in any
direction, and shall be attached to the club head at the heel either directly or through a single plain
neck or socket. A putter shaft may be attached to any point in the head.
c. GRIP
The grip consist of that part of the shaft designed to be held by the player and any material added to
it for the purpose of obtaining a firm hold. The grip shall be substantially straight and plain in form
and shall not be molded for any part of the hands.
d. CLUBHEAD
The distance from the heel to the toe of the club head shall be greater than the distance from the
face to the back. The club head should be generally plain in shape.
The club head should have only one face designed for striking the ball, except that a putter may
have two such faces if their characteristics are the same, they are opposite each other and the loft of
each is the same and does not exceed 10 degrees.
e. CLUB FACE
The face shall have any degree of concavity and, in relation to the ball, shall be hard and rigid. It
shall be generally smooth except for such markings as are permitted by Appendix II.
f. WEAR
A club which conforms with Rule 4-1 when new is deemed to conform after wear and tear through
normal use. Any part of a club which has been purposely altered is regarded as new and must
conform, in the altered state, with the Rules.
g. DAMAGE
If a player’s club ceases to conform with Rule 4-1 because of damage sustained in normal course of
play, the player may:
(i) use the club in its damage state, but only for the remainder of the stipulated round
during which such damage was sustained; or
(ii) without unduly delaying play, repair it.
A club which ceases to conform because of damage sustained other than in the normal course of
play shall not subsequently be used during the round.
4.2. Playing Characteristic Changed

During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics shall not be purposely changed by adjustment
or by any other means.
If the playing characteristics of a player’s club are changed during a round due to damage sustained
in the normal course of play, the player may:
(i) use the club in its altered state; or
(ii) without unduly delaying play, repair it.
If the playing characteristics of a player’s club are changed because of damage sustained other than
in the normal course of play, the club shall not be subsequently used during the round.
Damage to a club which occurred before the prior to a round may be repaired during the round,
provided the playing characteristics are not changed and play is not unduly delayed.
4.3. Foreign Material

No foreign material shall be added to the club’s face for the purpose of influencing the movement
of the ball.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-1,-2 or –3:

Disqualification.
4-4. Maximum of fourteen clubs
a. SELECTION AND REPLACEMENT OF CLUBS

The player shall start a stipulated round with not more than fourteen clubs. He is limited to the
clubs thus selected for that round except that , without unduly delaying play, he may :
If he started with fewer than fourteen, add as many as will his total to that number; and
Replace, with any club, a club which become unfit for play in the normal course of play. The
additional or replacement of a club or clubs may not be made by borrowing any club selected for
play by any other person playing on the course.
b. PARTNERS MAY SHARE CLUBS

Partners may share clubs, provided that the total number of clubs carried by the partners so sharing
does not exceed fourteen.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4a or b, REGARDLESS OF NUMBER OF EXCESS

CLUBS CARRIED:
Match Play – At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match
shall be adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which at which a breach occurred .
Maximum deduction per round : two holes
Stroke Play – Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per
round : four strokes.
Bogey and Par competitions – Penalties as in match play.
Stable Ford Competitions – see note to Rule 32-1b.
c. EXCESS CLUB DECLARED OUT OF PLAY
Any club carried or used in breach off this rule shall immediately upon discovery that a breach has
occurred and there after shall not be used by the player during the round.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4c :
Disqualification.
RULE 5. The Ball
5-1. General
The ball the player uses shall conform to specifications set forth:- maximum weight - Minimum
size - spherical symmetry, initial velocity and overall distance when tested under specific
conditions.
5-2. Foreign Materials

No foreign material shall be applied to a ball for the purpose of changing its playing characteristics.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5-1 OR 5-2:
Disqualification.
5-3. Ball Unfit for Play

A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut, cracked or out of shape. A ball is not unfit for play solely
because mud or other materials adhere to it, its surface is scratched or scraped or its paint is damage
or discolored .
If a player has a reason to believe his ball has become unfit for play during the play of the hole
being played, he may during the play of such hole lift his ball without penalty to determine whether
it is unfit.
Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his intention to his opponent in match play or his
marker or fellow-competitor in stroke play and mark the position of the ball. He may then lift and
examine the ball without cleaning it and must give his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an
opponent to examine the ball.
If he fails to comply with the procedure, he shall incur a penalty of one stroke.
If it is determined that the ball has become unfit for play during the play of the hole being played,
the player may substitute another ball, placing it where the original ball lay. Otherwise, the original
ball shall be replaced.
If a ball breaks into pieces as a result of a stroke, the stroke cancelled and the player shall play a
ball without penalty as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was played.

Match Play- Loss of hole, Stroke play – Two strokes
If a player incurs the general penalty for breach of Rule 5-3, no other penalty under the rule shall
be applied.
Note: If the opponent, marker or fellow-competitor wish to dispute a claim of unfitness, he must do
so before the player plays another ball.
PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
RULE 6. The Player
Definition
A “marker” is one who is appointed by the committee to record a competitor's score in stroke
Play.
He may be a fellow-competitor. He is not a referee.
6-1. Conditions of Competition
The player is responsible for knowing the conditions under which the competition is to be played
(Rule 33-1).
6-2. Handicap
a. MATCH PLAY
Before starting a match in a handicap competition, the players should determine from one another
their respective handicaps. If a player begins the match having declared a higher handicap which
would affect the number of strokes given or received, he shall be disqualified; otherwise , the
player shall play off the declared handicap.
b. STROKE PLAY
In any round of handicap competition, the competitor shall ensure that his handicap is recorded on
his score card before it is returned to the committee. If no handicap is recorded on his score card
before it is returned, or if the recorded handicap is higher than that to which he is entitled and this
affects the number of strokes received, he shall be disqualified from that round of the handicap
competition; otherwise the score shall stand.
Note: It is the player’s responsibility to know the holes at which handicap strokes are to be given
or received.
6-3. Time of Starting and Groups
a. TIME OF STARTING
The player shall start at the time laid down by the committee.
b. GROUPS
In stroke play, the group shall remain throughout the round in the group arranged by the committee
unless the committee authorizes or ratifies a change.

Disqualification.
Note: The committee may provide in the conditions of a competition(Rule 33-1) that, if the player
arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time, in the absence
of circumstances which warrant waiving the penalty of disqualification as provided in Rule 33-7,
the penalty for his failure to start on time is loss of first hole in match Play or two strokes at the first
hole in stroke play instead of disqualification.
6-4. Caddie
The player may have only one caddie at any one time, under penalty of disqualification.
For any breach of a Rule by his caddie, the player incurs the applicable penalty.
6-5. Ball
The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player shall put an
identification mark on his ball.
6-6. Scoring in stroke play.
a. RECORDING SCORES
After each hole the marker should check the score with the competitor and record it. On completion
of the round the marker shall sign the card and hand it to the competitor. If more than one marker
record the scores, each shall sign for the part for which he is responsible.
b. SIGNING AND RETURNING CARD
After completion of the round, the competitor should check his score for each hole and settle any
doubtful points with the committee. He shall ensure that the marker has sign the card, countersign
the card himself and return it to the committee as soon as possible. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF
RULE 6-6b: Disqualification
c. ALTERATION OF CARD
No alteration may be made on a card after the competitor has returned it to the committee.
d. WRONG SCORE FOR HOLE

The competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole. If he returns a
score lower than actually taken, he shall be disqualified. If he returns a score higher than actually
taken, the score as returned shall stand.
Note: The committee is responsible for the addition of scores and application of handicap recorded
on the card – see Rule 33-5
6-7. Undue Delay

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

Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke Play – two strokes.
For repeat offense – Disqualification.
If the player delays play between holes, he is delaying the play of the next hole and the penalty
applies to that hole.
6-8. Discontinuance of Play
a. WHEN PERMITTED
The player shall not discontinue play unless:
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 Rule 2-5 and 34-3];
or
there are some other good reason such as sudden illness.
Bad weather is not of itself a good reason for discontinuing play.
If the player discontinues play without specific permission from the committee, he shall report to
the committee as soon as practicable. If he does that and the committee considers his reason
satisfactory, the player incurs no penalty. Otherwise , the player shall be disqualified.
Exception in match play: Players discontinuing match play by agreement are not subject to
disqualification unless by doing so the competition is delayed.
Note: Leaving the golf course is not of itself constitute discontinuance of play.
b. PROCEDURE WHEN PLAY SUSPENDED BY COMMITTEE

When play is suspended by the committee, if the players in a match or group are between the play
of two holes, they shall not resume play until the committee has ordered a resumption of play. If
they are in a process of playing a hole, they may continue provided they do so without delay. If
they choose to continue, they shall discontinue either before or immediately after completing the
hole, and shall not there after continue play until the committee has ordered a resumption of play.
When the play has been suspended by the committee , the player shall resume play when
the committee has ordered a resumption of play.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8b:
Disqualification.
c. LIFTING BALL WHEN PLAY DISCONTINUED

When during the play of a hole a player discontinue play under rule 6-8a, he may lift his ball. A
ball may be cleaned when so lifted. If a ball has been so lifted, the player shall, when play is
resumed, place a ball on the spot at which the original ball was lifted.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8c:
Match play – Loss of hole, Stroke Play – Two strokes.
Rule 7. Practice
7-1. Before or Between Rounds
a. MATCH PLAY
On any day of a match play competition, a player may practice on the competition course before a
round.
b. STROKE PLAY
On any day of a stroke competition or play-off, a competitor shall not practice on the competition
course or test the surface of any putting green on the course before a round or play-off. When two
or more rounds of a stroke competition are to be played over consecutive days, practice between
those rounds on any competition course remaining to be played is prohibited.
Exception: Practice putting or chipping on or near the first teeing ground before starting a round or
play-off is permitted.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-1b:

Disqualification.
7-2. During Round

The player shall not play a practice stroke either during the play of a hole or between the play of
two holes, the player may practice putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the hole last
played, any practice putting greens or the teeing ground of the next hole to be played in the round,
provided such practice stroke is not played from a hazard and does not unduly delay play[ Rule 6-
7].
Exception: When play has been suspended by the committee, a player may, prior to resumption of
play, practice as (a) provided in this Rule, (b) anywhere other than on the competition course and
(c) as otherwise permitted by the committee.

Match Play – loss of the hole, Stroke play – Two strokes.
In the event of a breach between the play of two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.
Note 1: a practice swing is not a practice stroke and may be taken at any place, provided the
player does not breach the Rules.
Note 2: The committee may prohibit the practice on or near the putting green last played.
Rule 8. Advice, Indicating Line of Play
Definitions
“Advice” is any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining his play, the
choice of a club or method of making a stroke.
Information on the Rules or on matters of public information, such as the position of hazards or the
flagstick on the putting green, is not advice.
The “line of play” is the direction 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.
8-1. Advice
A player shall not give advice to anyone in the competition except his partner. A player may ask for
advice only from his partner or either of their caddies.
8-2. Indicating line of play
a. OTHER THAN ON PUTTING GREEN

Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play indicated to him by anyone, but no
one shall stand on or close to the line while the stroke is being played. Any mark placed during the
play of a hole by the player or with his knowledge to indicate the line shall be removed before the
stroke is played.
Exception: Flagstick attended or held up – see Rule 17-1.
b. ON THE PUTTING GREEN

When the player’s ball is on the putting green, the player, his partner or either of their caddies may,
before but not during the stroke, point out a line for putting, but in so doing the putting green shall
not be touched. No mark shall be placed anywhere to indicate a line for putting.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:

Match play – loss of hole, Stroke play – two strokes.
Rule 9. Information as to strokes taken
9-1. General
The number of strokes a player has taken shall include any penalty strokes incurred.
9-2. Match Play

A player who has incurred a penalty should inform his opponent as soon as practicable, unless he is
obviously proceeding under a rule involving a penalty and this has been observed by his opponent.
If he fails so to inform his opponent, he shall deem to have given wrong information, even if he
was not aware that he has incurred a penalty.
An opponent is entitle to ascertain from the player, during the play of a hole, the number of strokes
he has taken and, after play of a hole, the number of strokes taken on the hole just completed.
If during the play of a hole the player gives or is deemed to give wrong information as to the
number of strokes taken, he shall incur no penalty if he corrects his mistake before his opponent has
played his next stroke. If the player fails so to correct the wrong information, he shall loss the hole.
If after play of a hole the player gives or is deemed to give wrong information as to the number of
strokes taken on the hole just completed and this affects the opponent’s understanding of the result
of the hole, he shall incur no penalty if he corrects his mistake before any player plays from the
next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players leave the putting
green. If the player fails so to correct the wrong information, he shall lose the hole.
If after play of a hole the player gives or is deemed to give wrong information as to the number of
strokes taken on the hole just completed and this affects the opponent’s understanding of the result
of the hole, he shall incur no penalty if he corrects his mistake before any player plays from the
next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players leave the putting-
green. If the player fails to correct the information, he shall lose the hole.
9-3. Stroke Play
A competitor who has incurred a penalty should inform his marker as soon as practicable.
ORDER OF PLAY
10-1. Match Play

a. TEEING GROUND
The side entitled to play first from the teeing ground is said to have the “honor”.
The side which shall have the honor at the first teeing ground shall be determined by the order of
the draw. In the absence of a draw, the honor shall be decided by lot.
The side which wins a hole shall take the honor at the next teeing ground. If a hole has been halved,
the side which had the honor at the previous teeing ground shall retain it.
b. OTHER THAN ON TEEING GROUND

When the balls are in play, the ball farther to the hole shall be played first. If the balls are
equidistant from the hole, the ball to be played first should be decided by lot.
Exception: Rule 30-3c [ best-ball and four –ball match play]
c. PLAYING OUT OF TURN

If a player plays when his opponent should have played, the player may immediately require the
player to cancel the stroke so played and, in correct order play a ball with out penalty as nearly as
possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played[ see Rule 20-5]
10-2. Stroke Play
a. TEEING GROUND
The competitor entitled to play first from the teeing ground is said to have the “Honor”.
The competitor who shall have the honor at the first teeing ground shall be determined by the order
of the draw. In the absence of a draw, the honor should be decided by lot.
The competitor having the lowest score at a hole shall take the honor at the next teeing ground. The
competitor with the second lowest score shall play next and so on. If two or more competitors have
the same score at the hole, they shall play at the next teeing ground in the same order as at the
previous teeing ground.
c. PLAYING OUT OF TURN
If a competitor plays out of turn, no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be played as it lies. If,
however, the committee determines that the competitors have agreed to play in an order other than
that set forth in clauses 2a and 2b of this rule to give one of them an advantage, they shall be
disqualified.
10-3. Provisional ball or a second ball from Teeing Ground
If a player plays a provisional ball or a second ball from a teeing ground, he should do so after his
opponents or fellow-competitor has played his first stroke. If a player plays a provisional ball or a
second ball out of turn, Clauses 1c and 2c of this Rule shall apply.
10-4. Ball moved in Measuring

If a ball moves in measuring to determine which ball is farther from the hole, no penalty is incurred
and the ball shall be replaced.
TEEING GROUND
Rule 11. Teeing Ground
Definition
The “teeing ground” is the starting place for the hole to be played. It is a rectangular area two club
lengths in depth, the front and sides which are defined by outside limits of two tee-markers. A ball
is outside the teeing ground when all of it lies outside the teeing ground.
11-1. Teeing
In teeing the ball may be placed on the ground, on an irregularity of surface created by the player
on the ground or on a tee, sand or other substance in order to raise it of the ground.
A player may stand outside the teeing ground to play a ball within it.
11-2. Tee – Markers
Before a player plays his first stroke with any ball from the teeing ground of the hole being played.
The tee-markers are deemed to be fixed. In such circumstances, if the player moves or allows to be
moved a tee-marker for the purpose of avoiding interference with his stance, the area of his
intended swing or his line of play, he shall incur the penalty for a breach of Rule 13-2.
11-3. Ball Falling Off Tee

If a ball, when not in play, falls off a tee or is knocked off a tee by a player when addressing it, it
may be re- teed without penalty, but if a stroke is made at the ball in these circumstances, whether
the ball is moving or not, the stroke counts but no penalty is incurred.
11-4. Playing from Outside Teeing Ground

a. MATCH PLAY
If a player, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside the teeing ground, the opponent may
immediately require the player to cancel the stroke so played and play a ball from within the teeing
ground, without penalty.
b. STROKE PLAY
If a competitor, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside the teeing ground, he shall incur a
penalty of two strokes and shall then play a ball from within the teeing ground.
If the competitor plays a stroke from the next teeing ground without first correct his mistake or, in
the case of the last hole in the round, leaves the putting green without first declaring his intention to
correct hiss mistake, he shall be disqualified.
Strokes played by a competitor from outside the teeing ground do not count in his score.
11-5. Playing From Wrong Tee Ground

The provision of Rule 11-4 apply.
PLAYING THE BALL
Rule 12. Searching for and Identifying Ball
Definitions
A ‘hazard” is any bunker or water hazard.
A “bunker” is a hazard consisting of prepared area of ground, often a hallow, from which turf or
soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like. Grass-covered ground bordering or
within a bunker is not part of the bunker. The margin of a bunker extends vertically downwards ,
but not upwards.
A “water hazard” is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water
course [whether or not containing water] and anything of a similar nature.
All ground or water within the margin of a water hazard is part of the water hazard. The margin of
a water hazard extends vertically upwards and downwards. Stakes and lines defining the water
hazards are in the hazards.
12-1. Searching for Ball; Seeing Ball

In searching for his ball anywhere on the course, the player may touch or bend long grass, rushes,
bushes, whines, heather or the like, but only to the extent necessary to find and identify it, provided
this does not improve the lie of the ball, the area of his intended swing or his line of play.
A player is not necessarily entitle to see his ball when playing a stroke.
In a hazard, if a ball is covered by loose impediments or sand, the player may remove by probing,
raking or other means as much thereof as will enable him to see a part of the ball. If an excess is
removed, no penalty is incurred; the ball shall be replaced and if necessary, re-covered. As to
removal of loose impediments outside a hazard see Rule 23.
If a ball lying in casual water, ground under repair or a hole, cast or runway made by burrowing
animal, a reptile or a bird is accidentally moved during search, no penalty is incurred; the ball shall
be replaced, unless the player elects to proceed under Rule 25-1b.
If a ball is believed to be lying in water in a water hazard, the player may probe for it with his club
or otherwise. If the ball is moved in so doing, no penalty is incurred; the ball shall be replaced
unless the player elects to proceed under Rule 26-1.

Match Play – Loss of Hole; Stroke Play – Two strokes.
12-2. Identifying Ball

The responsibility of playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player should put an
identification mark on his ball.
Except in a hazard, the player may, without penalty, lift a ball he believes to be his own for the
purpose of identification and clean it to the extent necessary for identification. If the ball is the
player’s ball, he shall replace it. Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his intention to
his opponent in match play or his marker or fellow-competitor in stroke play and mark the position
of the ball. He must then give his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to observe
the lifting and placement. If he lifts his ball without announcing his intention in advance, marking
the position of the ball or giving his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to
observe, or if he lifts his ball for identification in a hazard, or clean it more than necessary for
identification, he shall incur a penalty of one stroke and the ball shall be replaced.
If a player who is required to replace a ball fails to do so, he shall incur the penalty for breach of
Rule 20-3a, but no additional penalty under Rule 12-2 shall be applied.
Rule 13. Ball Played as It Lies; Lie; Area of Intended Swing and line of Play; Stance
Definitions
A “hazard”
A “bunker”
A “water hazard”
The “line of Play” is the direction which the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke, plus a
reasonable distance on either side of the intended direction. The line of play extend vertically
upwards from the ground, but does not extend beyond the hole.
13-1. Ball Played as It Lies

The ball shall be played as it lies, except as otherwise provided in the Rules.
[Ball at rest moved – see Rule 18]
13-2. Improving Lie, Area of intended Swing or Line of Play

Except as provided in the Rules, a player shall not improve or allow to be improved:
The position or lie of his ball,
The area of his intended swing,
His line of play or
A reasonable extension of that line beyond the hole or
The area in which he is to drop or place a ball
By any of the following actions:
Moving, bending or breaking any growing or fixed [including immoveable obstructions
and objects defining out of bounds] or
Removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots, other cut turfs placed in
position or other irregularities of surface
Except as follows :
As may occur in fairly taking his stance,

In making a stroke or the backward movement of his club for a stroke,
On the teeing ground in creating or eliminating irregularities of surface, or
On the putting green in removing sand and loose soil as provided in Rule 16-1c.
The club may be grounded only lightly and shall not be pressed on the ground.
Exception: ball lying in or touching hazard – see Rule 13-4.
13-3. Building Stance

A player is entitle to place his feet firmly in taking his stance, but he shall not build a stance.
13-4. Ball Lying In or Touching Hazard
Except as provided in the Rules, before making a stroke at a ball which lies in or touches a
hazard[whether a bunker or a water hazard ], the player shall not :
Test the condition of the hazard or any similar hazard,

Touch the ground in the hazard or water in the water hazard with a club or otherwise, or
Touch or move a loose impediment lying in or touching the hazard.
Exceptions:
Provided nothing is done which constitutes testing the condition of the hazard or improve the lie of
the ball, there is no penalty if the player (a) touches the ground in any hazard or water in a water
hazard as a result of or to prevent falling, in removing an obstruction, in measuring or in retrieving
or lifting a ball under any Rule or (b) places his clubs in a hazard.
The player after playing the stroke, or his caddie at any one time without the authority of the player,
may smooth sand or soil in the hazard, provided that, if the ball still lies in the hazard, nothing is
done which improves the lie of the ball or assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.
Note: At any time, including at address or in the backward movement for the stroke, the player
may touch with a club or otherwise any obstruction, any construction declared by the committee to
be an integral part of the course or any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing.
Match Play – Loss of hole; Stroke Play – two strokes.
Rule 14. Striking the Ball
Definition
A “stroke” is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of fairly striking at and
moving the ball, but if a player checks his downswing voluntarily before the club head reaches the
ball he is deemed not to have made a stroke.
14-1. Ball to be fairly struck At

The ball shall be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or
spooned.
14-2. Assistance
In making a stroke, a player shall not accept physical assistance or protection from the elements.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-1 or –2:

Match Play – Loss of hole; Stroke Play – Two strokes.
14-3. Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment

If there may be any reasonable basis for doubt as to whether an item which is to be manufactured
would, if used by a player during a round, caused the player to be in breach of Rule 14-3, the
manufacturer should submit a sample to the USGA for a ruling, such sample to become its property
for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to do so, he assumes the risk of an unfavorable
ruling.
A player in doubt as to whether use of an item would constitute a breach of Rule 14-3 should
consult the USGA.
Except as provided in the rules, during a stipulated round the player shall not use any artificial
device or unusual equipment:
Which might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or
For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play; or
Which might assist him in gripping the club, except that plain gloves may be worn, resin, tape or
gauze may be applied to the grip ( provided such application does not render the grip non-
conforming under Rule 4-1c) and a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.

Disqualification.
14-4. Striking The Ball More Than Once

If the player’s club strikes the ball more than once in the course of a stroke, the player shall count
the stroke and add a penalty stroke, making two strokes in all.
14-5. Playing Moving Ball

A player shall not play if his ball is moving.
Exceptions:
Ball falling off tee – Rule 11-3
Striking the ball more than once – Rule 14-4.
Ball moving in water – Rule 14-6
When the ball begins to move only after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement
of his club for the stroke, he shall incur no penalty under this Rule for playing a moving ball, but he
is not exempt from any penalty incurred under the following Rules:
Ball at rest moved by player – 18-2a

Ball at rest moving after address – Rule 18-2b
Ball at rest moving after loose impediment touched – Rule 18-2c
14-6. Ball Moving In Water

When a ball is moving in water in a water hazard, the player may without penalty, make a stroke,
but he must not delay making his stroke in order to allow the wind or current to improve the
position of the ball. A ball moving in water in a water hazard may be lifted if the player elects to
invoke Rule 26.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-5 OR –6:

Match Play- Loss of hole; Stroke Play – two strokes.
Rule 15. Playing a Wrong Ball
Definition
A “wrong ball” is any ball other than:
The ball in play
A provisional ball or
In stroke play, a second ball played under Rule 3-3 or Rule 20-7b.
Note: Ball in play includes a ball substituted for the ball in play when the player is proceeding
under an applicable Rule which does not permit substitution.
15-1. General
A player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground unless a Rule permits him to
substitute another ball. If a player substitutes another ball when proceeding under an applicable
Rule which does not permit substitution, that ball is not a wrong ball; it becomes the ball in play
and, if the error is not corrected as provided in Rule 20-6, the player shall incur a penalty of loss of
hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play.
15-2. Match Play

If a player plays a stroke with a wrong ball except in a hazard, he shall lose the hole.
If a player plays any strokes in a hazard with a wrong ball, there is no penalty. Strokes played in a
hazard with a wrong ball do not count in the player’s score. If the wrong ball belongs to another
player, its owner shall place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.
If the player and opponent exchange balls during the play of a hole, the first to play the wrong ball
other than from a hazard shall loss the hole; when this cannot be determined, the hole shall be
played out with the balls exchanged.
15-3. Stroke Play

If a competitor plays a stroke or strokes with a wrong ball, he shall incur a penalty of two strokes,
unless the only stroke or strokes played with such a ball were when it was lying in a hazard, in
which case no penalty is incurred.
The competitor must correct his mistake by playing the correct ball. If he fails to correct his
mistake before he plays a stroke from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the
round, fails to declare his intention to correct his mistake before leaving the putting green, he shall
be disqualified.
Strokes played by a competitor with a wrong ball does not count in his score.
If the ball belongs to another competitor, its owner shall place a ball on the spot from which the
wrong ball was first played.
THE PUTTING GREEN
Rule 16. The Putting Green
Definitions
The “putting Green” is all ground of the hole being played which is specially prepared for putting
or otherwise defined as such by the committee. A ball is on the putting green when any part of it
touches the putting green.
The “line of putt” is the line which the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke on the putting
green. Except with respect to Rule 16-1e, the line of putt includes a reasonable distance either side
of the intended line. The line of putt does not extend beyond the hole.
A ball is “holed” when it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all of it is below the
level of the lip of the hole.
16.1. General
a. TOUCHING LINE OF PUTT
The line of putt must not be touched except:
(i) the player may move sand and loose soil on the putting green and other loose impediments
by picking them up or by brushing them aside with his hand or a club without pressing
anything down.
(ii) In addressing the ball, the player may place the club in front of the ball without pressing
anything down;
(iii) In measuring – Rule 10-4;
(iv) In lifting the ball – Rule 16-1b;
(v) In pressing down a ball marker;
(vi) In repairing old hole plugs or ball marks on the putting green – Rule 16-1c; and
(vii) In removing moveable obstructions – Rule 24-1.
b. LIFTING BALL
A ball on the putting green may be lifted and, if desired , cleaned. A ball so lifted shall be placed on
the spot from which it is lifted.
c. REPAIR OF HOLE PLUGS, BALL MARKS AND OTHER DAMAGE.

The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a
ball, whether or not the player’s ball lies on the putting green. If the ball is moved in the process of
such repair, it shall be replaced, without penalty. Any other damage to the putting green shall not be
repaired if it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.
d. TESTING SURFACE
During the play of the hole, a player shall not test the surface of the putting green by rolling a ball
or roughening or scraping the surface.
e. STANDING ASTRIDE OR ON LINE OF PUTT

The player shall not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot
touching, the line of putt or an extension of that line behind the ball.
f. POSITION OF CADDIE OR PARTNER

While making a stroke on the putting green, the player shall not allow his caddie, his partner or his
partner’s caddie to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of putt behind the ball.
g. PLAYING STROKE WHILE ANOTHER BALL IN MOTION

The player shall not play a stroke while another ball is in motion after a stroke from the putting
green, except that, if the player does so, he incurs no penalty if it was his turn to play.
Match play – loss of hole; Stroke play – two strokes.
16.2. 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 he
shall add a penalty stroke to his score for the hole; otherwise there is no penalty under this rule.
Rule 17. The Flag Stick
17- 1. Flagstick attended, Removed or Held Up

Before and during the stroke, the player may have the flagstick attended, removed or held up to
indicate the position of the hole. This may be done only on the authority of the player before he
plays his stroke.
If, prior to the stroke, the flagstick is attended, removed or held up by anyone with the players
knowledge and no objection is made, the player shall be deemed to have authorize it. If anyone
attends or holds up the flagstick or stands near the hole while a stroke is being played, he shall be
deemed to be attending to the flagstick until the ball comes to rest.
17.2. Unauthorized Attendance
a. MATCH PLAY
In Match play an opponent or his caddie shall not, without the authority or prior knowledge of the
player, attend, remove or hold up the flagstick while the competitor is making a stroke or his ball is
in motion.
b. STROKE PLAY
In stroke play, if a fellow-competitor or his caddie attends, removes or holds up the flagstick
without the competitor’s authority or prior knowledge while the competitor is making a stroke or
his ball is in motion, the fellow competitor shall incur the penalty for breach of this Rule. In such
circumstances, if the competitor’s ball strikes the flagstick, the person attending it or anything
carried by him, the competitor incurs no penalty and the ball shall be played as it lies, except that, if
the stroke was played from the putting green, the stroke shall be cancelled, the ball replaced and the
stroke replayed.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 17-1 OR –2:

Match Play- loss of hole; Stroke play- two strokes.
17.3. Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant

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

Match Play – loss of hole; Stroke play – two strokes, and the ball shall be played as it lies.
17.4. Ball Resting Against flagstick.
If the ball rest against the flagstick when it is in the hole, the player or another person authorized by
him may move or remove the flagstick and if the ball falls into the hole, the player shall be deemed
to have hole out with his last stroke; otherwise, the ball, if moved, shall be placed on the lip of the
hole, without penalty.
BALL MOVED, DEFLECTED OR STOPPED
Rule 18. Ball At Rest Moved
Definitions
A ball is deemed to have “moved” if it leaves its position and comes to rest in any other place.
An “outside agency” is any agency not part of the match or, in stroke play , not part of the
competitor’s side, and includes a referee, a marker, an observer or a forecaddie. Neither wind nor
water is an outside agency.
“Equipment” is anything used, worn or carried by or for the player except any ball he has played at
the hole being played and any small object, such as a coin or a tee, when used to mark the position
of a ball or the extent of an area in which a ball is to be dropped. Equipment includes a golf cart,
whether or not motorized. If such a cart is shared by two or more players, the cart and everything in
it are deemed to be the equipment of the player whose ball is involved except that, when the cart is
moved by anyone of the players sharing it, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be that
player’s equipment.
Note: A ball played at the hole being played is equipment when it has been lifted and not put back
into play.
A player has “addressed the ball” when he has taken his stance and has also grounded his club,
except that in a hazard a player has addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.
Taking the “stance” consists in a player placing his feet in position for and preparatory to making a
stroke.
18.1. By Outside Agency

If a ball at rest is moved by an outside agency, the player shall incur no penalty and the ball shall be
replaced before the player plays another stroke.
18.2. By Player, Partner, caddie or equipment in Match
a. GENERAL
When a player’s ball is in play, if:
(i) the player, his partner or either of their caddies lifts or moves it, touches it purposely
(except with a club in the act of addressing it) or causes it to move except as permitted by a
Rule, or
(ii) equipment of the player or his partner causes the ball to move,
the player shall incur a penalty stroke. The ball shall be replaced unless the movement of the ball
occurs after the player has begun his swing and he does not discontinue his swing.
Under the Rules no penalty is incurred if a player accidentally causes his ball to move in the
following circumstances:
In measuring to determine which ball farther from hole – see Rule 10-4.
In searching for covered ball in hazard or for ball in casual water, ground under repair, ect. – Rule
12-1
In the process of repairing hole plug or ball mark – under Rule 16-1c
In the process of removing loose impediment on putting green – Rule 18-2c
In the process of lifting ball under a Rule – 20-1
In the process of placing or replacing ball under a Rule – 20-3a
In complying with Rule 22 relating to lifting ball interfering with or assisting play
In removal of moveable obstruction – Rule 24-1.
b. BALL MOVING AFTER ADDRESS

If a player’s ball in play moves after he has addressed it (other than as a result of a stroke), the
player shall be deemed to have moved the ball and shall incur a penalty stroke. The player shall
replace the ball unless the movement of the ball occurs after he has begun his swing and he does
not discontinue the swing.
c. BALL MOVING AFTER LOOSE IMPEDIMENT TOUCHED

Through the green, if the ball moves after any loose impediment lying within a club length has been
touched by the player, his partner or either of their caddies and before the player has addressed it,
the player shall be deemed to have move the ball and shall incur a penalty stroke. The player shall
replace the ball unless the movement of the ball occurs after the player has begun his swing and he
does not discontinue his swing.
On the putting green, if the ball or ball marker moves in the process of removing any loose
impediment, the ball or ball-marker shall be replaced. There is no penalty provided the movement
of the ball or ball-marker is directly attributed to the removal of the loose impediment. Otherwise,
the player shall incur a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a or 20-1.
18.3. BY OPPONENT, CADDIE OR EQUIPMENT IN MATCH PLAY
a. DURING SEARCH
if, during search for a player’s ball, it is moved by an opponent, his caddie or his equipment, no
penalty is incurred and the player shall replace the ball.
c. OTHER THAN DURING SEARCH

If, other than during search for a ball, the ball is touched or moved by an opponent, his caddie or
his equipment, except as provided in the Rules, the opponent shall incur a penalty stroke. The
player shall replace the ball.
(Ball moved in measuring to determine which ball farther from the hole – see Rule 10-4)
(Playing a wrong ball – see Rule 15-2)
( Ball moved in complying with Rule 22 relating to lifting ball interfering with or assisting play.)
18.4. By Fellow-Competitor, Caddie or Equipment in Stroke Play.

If, during searching for a ball, a competitor’s ball is moved by a fellow-competitor, his caddie or
his equipment, no penalty is incurred. The competitor shall replace his ball.
18.5. By Another Ball

If a ball in play and at rest is moved by another ball in motion after a stroke, the moved ball shall be
replaced.
*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:

Match Play – loss of hole; Stroke Play – two strokes.
 If a player who is required to replace a ball fails to do so, he shall incur the general penalty for
breach of Rule 18 but no additional penalty under Rule 18 shall be applied.
 Note 1: If a ball to be replaced under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball
may be substituted.
 Note 2: If it is impossible to determine the spot on which the ball is to be placed, see Rule 20-
3c.
Rule 19. Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped
Definitions
An “outside agency” is any agency not part of the match or, in stroke play, not part of the
competitor’s side, and includes a referee, a marker, an observer or a forecaddie. Neither wind nor
water is an outside agency.
“Equipment” is anything used, worn or carried by or for the player except any ball he has played at
the hole being played and any small object, such as coin or a tee, when used to mark the position of
a ball or the extent of an area in which a ball is to be dropped. Equipment includes a golf cart,
whether or not motorized. If such a cart is shared by two or more players, the cart and everything in
it are deemed to be the equipment of the player whose ball is involved except that, when the cart is
being moved by one of the players sharing it, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be that
player’s equipment.
Note : A ball being played at a hole being played is equipment when it has been lifted and not put
back into play.
19.1. By Outside Agency

If a ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by an outside agency, it is a rub of the green,
no penalty is incurred and the ball shall be played as it lies except:
a. If a ball in motion after a stroke other than on the putting green comes to rest in or on any
moving or animate outside agency, the player shall, through the green or in a hazard, drop the
ball, or on the putting green place the ball, as near as possible to the spot where the outside
agency was when the ball come to rest in or on it, and
b. If a ball in motion after a stroke on the putting green is deflected or stopped by, or comes to rest
in or on, any moving or animate outside agency except a worm or insect, the stroke shall be
cancelled, the ball replaced and the stroke replayed.
If the ball is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
(Player’s ball deflected or stopped by another ball – see Rule 19-5).
Note: If the referee or the committee determines that a player’s ball has been purposely deflected or
stopped by an outside agency, Rule 1-4 applies to the player. If the outside agency is a fellow-
competitor or his caddie, Rule 1-2 applies to the fellow-competitor.
19.2. By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment
a. MATCH PLAY
If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by himself, his partner or either of their
caddies or equipment, he shall lose the hole.
b. STROKE PLAY
If a competitor’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by himself, his partner or either of their
caddies or equipment, the competitor shall incur a penalty of two strokes. The ball shall be played
as it lies, except when it comes to rest in or on the competitor’s, his partner’s or either of their
caddie’s clothes or equipment, in which case the competitor shall through the green or in a hazard
drop the ball, or on the putting green place the ball, as near as possible to where the article was
when the ball came to rest in or on it.
Exception: Dropped ball – see Rule 20-2a.

(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by player, partner or caddie – see Rule 20-2a)
19.3. 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,
no penalty is incurred. The player may play the ball as it lies or, before another stroke is played by
either side, cancel the stroke and play a ball without penalty as near as possible at the spot from
which the original ball was last played(see Rule 20-5).
If the ball has come to rest in or on the opponent’s or his caddie’s clothes or equipment, the player
may through the green or in a hazard drop the ball, or on the putting green place the ball, as near as
possible to where the article was when the ball came to rest in or on it.
Exception: Ball striking person attending flagstick – see Rule 17-3b.
19.4. By Fellow-competitor, caddie or equipment in stroke play

See Rule 19-1 regarding ball deflected by outside agency.
19.5. By Another Ball

If a player’s ball in motion after a stroke is deflected or stopped by a ball at rest, the player shall
play his ball as it lies. In stroke play, if both balls lay on the putting green prior to the stroke, the
player incurs a penalty of two strokes. Otherwise, no penalty is incurred.
If a player’s ball in motion after a stroke is deflected or stopped by another ball in motion, the
player shall play his ball as it lies. There is no penalty unless the player was in breach of Rule 16-
1g, in which case he shall incur the penalty for breach of that Rule.

Match Play – loss of hole; Stroke play – two strokes.
RELIEF SITUATIONS AND PROCEDURE
Rule 20. Lifting. Dropping and Placing; Playing From Wrong Place.
20.1. Lifting
A ball to be lifted under the Rules may be lifted by the player, his partner or another person
authorized by the player. In any such case, the player shall be responsible for any breach of the
Rules.
The position of the ball shall be marked before it is lifted under a Rule which requires it to be
replaced. If it is not marked, the player shall incur a penalty of one stroke and the ball shall be
replaced. If it is not replaced, the player shall incur the general penalty for breach of this Rule but
no additional penalty under Rule 20-1 shall be applied.
If a ball or ball marker is accidentally moved in the process of lifting a ball under a Rule or marking
its position, the ball or ball marker shall be replaced. There is no penalty provided the movement is
directly attributable to the specific act of marking the position of or lifting the ball. Otherwise, the
player shall incur a penalty stroke under this Rule or Rule 18-2a.
Exception: If a player incurs a penalty for failure to act in accordance with Rule 5-3 or 12-2, no
penalty under Rule 20-1 shall be applied.
Note: The position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin or
other similar object immediately behind the ball. If the ball marker interferes with the play, stance
or stroke of another player, it should be placed one or more clubhead lengths to one side.
20-2. Dropping and Re-dropping
a. BY WHOM AND HOW

A ball to be dropped under the Rules shall be dropped by the player himself. He shall stand erect,
hold the ball at shoulder height and arm’s length and drop it. If a ball is dropped by any other
person or in any other manner and the error is not corrected as provided in Rule 20-6, the player
shall incur a penalty stroke.
If the ball touches the player, his partner, either of their caddies or their equipment before or after it
strikes a part of the course, the ball shall be re-dropped, without penalty. There is no limit to the
number of times a ball shall be re-dropped in such circumstances.
b. WHERE TO DROP
When a ball is to be dropped as near as possible to a specific spot, it shall be dropped not nearer the
hole than the specific spot which, if it is not precisely known to the player, shall be estimated.
A ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course where the applicable Rule requires it to
be dropped. If it is not so dropped, Rules 20-6 and –7 apply.
c. WHEN TO RE-DROP
A dropped ball shall be re-dropped without penalty if it:
(i) rolls into a hazard;
(ii) rolls out of a hazard
(iii) rolls onto a putting green;
(iv) rolls out of bounds;
(v) rolls to a position where there is interference by the condition from which relief was
taken under Rule 24-2(immovable obstruction) or Rule 25-1 (abnormal growth
condition)
(vi) rolls and comes to rest more than two club lengths from where it first struck a part of the
course; or
(vii) rolls and comes to rest nearer the hole than its original position or estimated
position( see Rule 20-2b) unless otherwise permitted by the Rules.
If the ball when re-dropped rolls into any position listed above, it shall be placed as near as possible
to the spot where it first struck a part of the course when re-dropped.
If a ball to be re-dropped or placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball
may be substituted.
20.2. Placing and Replacing

a. BY WHOM AND WHERE
A ball to be placed under the Rules shall be placed by the player or his partner. If a ball is to be
replaced, the player, his partner or person who lifted or moved it shall place it on the spot from
which it was lifted or moved. In any case the player shall be responsible for any breach of the
Rules.
If a ball or the ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of placing or replacing, the ball or
ball-marker shall be replaced. There is no penalty provided the movement of the ball or ball-marker
is directly attributable to the specific act of placing or replacing the ball or removing the ball-
marker. Otherwise, the player shall incur a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a or 20-1.
b. LIE OF BALL TO BE PLACED OR REPLACED ALTERED

If the original lie of the ball to be placed or replaced has been altered:
(i) except in a hazard, the ball shall be placed in the nearest lie most similar to the original
lie which is not more than two club length from the original lie, not nearer the hole and
not in a hazard;
(ii) in a water hazard, the ball shall be placed in accordance to clause (I) above, except the
ball must be placed in the water hazard;
(iii) in a bunker, the original lie shall be recreated as nearly as possible and the ball shall be
placed in that lie.
c. SPOT NOT DETERMINABLE

If it is impossible to determine the spot where the ball is to be placed or replaced:
(i) through the green, the ball shall be dropped as near as possible to the place where it lay
but not in a hazard;
(ii) in a hazard, the ball shall be dropped in the hazard as near as possible to where it lay;
(iii) on the putting green, the ball shall be placed as near as possible to the place where it lay
but not in a hazard.
d. BALL FAILS TO REMAIN ON SPOT

If a ball when placed fails to remain on the spot on which it was placed, it shall be replaced without
penalty. If it still fails to remain on the spot:
(i) except in a hazard, it shall be placed at the nearesst spot not nearer the hole or in a hazard
where it can be placed at rest.
(ii) In a hazard, it shall be placed at the nearest spot not nearer the hole where it can be placed at
rest.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 20-1, -2 OR –3:

20-4. When Ball Dropped or Placed Is in Play

If the player’s ball in play has been lifted, it is again in play when dropped or placed.
A substituted ball becomes the ball in play if it is dropped or placed under an applicable rule,
whether or not such Rule permits substitution. A ball substituted under an inapplicable Rule is a
wrong ball.
20.5. PLAYING NEXT STROKE WHERE PREVIOUS STROKE PLAYED

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

20.6. Lifting Ball Wrongly dropped or Placed

A ball dropped or placed in the wrong place or otherwise not in accordance with the Rules but not
played may be lifted, without penalty, and the player shall then proceed correctly.
20.7. Playing From Wrong Place

For a ball played from outside the teeing ground or from a wrong teeing ground – see Rule 11-4
and –5.
a. MATCH PLAY
If a player plays a stroke with a ball which has been dropped or placed in a wrong place, he shall
loss the hole.
b. STROKE PLAY
If a competitor plays a stroke with (I) his original ball which has been dropped or placed in a wrong
place, (ii) a substituted ball under an applicable Rule but in a wrong place or (iii) his ball when in
play has been moved and not replaced in a case where the Rules require replacement, he shall,
provided a serious breach has not occurred, incur the penalty prescribed by the applicable Rule and
play out the hole with the ball.
If, after playing from the wrong place, a competitor becomes aware of the fact and believes that a
serious breach may be involved, he may, provided he has not played a stroke from the next teeing
ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, left the putting green, declare that he will play
the hole with a second ball dropped or placed in accordance with the Rules. The competitor shall
report the facts to the committee before returning his score card; if he fails to do so, he shall be
disqualified. The committee shall determine whether a serious breach of the Rule occurred. If so,
the score with the second ball shall count and the competitor shall add two penalty strokes to his
score with that ball.
If a serious breach has occurred and the competitor has failed to correct it as prescribed above, he
shall be disqualified.
Note: If a competitor plays a second ball, penalty strokes incurred by playing the ball ruled not to
count and strokes subsequently taken with that ball shall be disregarded.
RULE 21. CLEANING BALL
A ball on the putting green may be cleaned when lifted under Rule 16-1b. Elsewhere, a ball may be
cleaned when lifted except when it has been lifted:
a. To determine if it is unfit for play(Rule 5-3)
b. For identification (Rule 12-2), in which case it may be cleaned only to a certain extent
necessary for identification; or
c. Because it is interfering with or assisting play (Rule 22).
If a player a player cleans his ball during play of a hole except as provided in this Rule, he shall
incur a penalty of one stroke and the ball, if lifted, shall be replaced.
If the player who is required to replace his ball fails to do so, he shall incur the penalty for breach
of Rule 20-3a, but no additional penalty under Rule 21 shall be applied.
Exception: If a player incurs a penalty for failing to act in accordance with Rule 5-3, 12-2 or 22, no
additional penalty under Rule 21 shall be applied.
RULE 22. BALL INTERFERING WITH OR ASSISTING PLAY
Any player may:

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

Note: Except on a putting green, the ball may not be cleaned when lifted under this Rule – see Rule
21.
RULE 23. LOOSE IMPEDIMENTS
Definition
“Loose impediments” are natural objects such as stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like, dung,
worms and insects and cast or heaps made by them, provided they are not fixed or growing, are not
solidly embedded and do not adhere to the ball.
Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green but not elsewhere.
Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of
the player. Manufactured ice is an obstruction.
Dew and frost are not loose impediments.
23.1. Relief
Except when both the loose impediment and the ball lie in or touch a hazard, any loose
impediments may be removed without penalty. If the ball moves, see Rule 18-2c.
When a ball is in motion, a loose impediment which might influence the movement of the ball shall
not be removed.

Match play – loss of hole; Stroke play – two strokes
RULE 24. OBSTRUCTIONS
Definition
An “obstruction” is anything artificial, including the artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths
and manufactured ice, except:
a. Objects defining out of bounds, such as walls, fences, stakes and railings;
b. Any part of an immovable artificial object which is out of bounds; and
c. Any constructions declared by the committee to be an integral part of the course.
24.1. Movable Obstruction

A player may obtain relief from a movable obstruction as follows:
a. if the ball does not lie in or on the obstruction, the obstruction may be removed. If the ball
moves, it shall be replaced, and there is no penalty provided the movement of the ball is
directly attributable to the removal of the obstruction. Otherwise, Rule 18-2a applies.
b. If the ball lies in or on the obstruction, the ball may be lifted without penalty, and the
obstruction removed. The ball shall through the green or in a hazard be dropped, or on the
putting green be placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball
lay in or on the obstruction, but not nearer the hole. The ball may be cleaned when lifted under
Rule 24-1.
When a ball is in motion, an obstruction which might influence the movement of the ball, other
than an attended flagstick or equipment of the players, shall not be removed.
24.2. Immovable obstruction
a. INTERFERENCE
Interference by an immovable obstruction occurs when a ball lies in or on the obstruction, or so
close to the obstruction that the obstruction interferes with the player’s stance or area of his
intended swing. If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if an
immovable obstruction on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt. Otherwise, intervention
on the line of play is not, of itself, interference under this Rule.
b. RELIEF
Except when the ball lies in or touch a water hazard or lateral water hazard, a player may obtained
relief from interference by an immovable obstruction, without penalty, as follows:
(i) through the green, if the ball lies through the green, the point of the course nearest to
where the ball lies shall be determined (without crossing over, through or under the
obstruction) which, (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids interference (as defined) and (c)
is not in a hazard or a putting green. The player shall lift the ball and drop it within one
club length of the point thus determined on ground which fulfills (a), (b) and (c) above.
Note: The prohibition against crossing over, through or under the obstruction does not apply to
the artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths or when ball lies in or on the obstruction.
(ii) In a bunker: If the ball lies in or touches a bunker, the player shall lift and drop the ball
in accordance with clause (I) above, except that the ball must be dropped in the bunker.
(iii) On the putting green: if the ball lies on the putting green, the player shall lift the ball and
place it in the nearest position to where it lay which affords relief from interference, not
nearer the hole nor in a hazard. The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Rule 24-2b.
Exception: A player may not obtain relief under Rule 24-2b if (a) it is clearly unreasonable for
him to play a stroke because of interference by anything other than an immovable obstruction or
(b) interference by an immovable obstruction would occur only through use of an unnecessary
abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.
Note: If a ball lies in or touches a water hazard (including a lateral water hazard), the player is
not entitle to relief without penalty from interference by an immovable obstruction. The player
shall play the ball as it lies or proceed under Rule 26-1.
c. BALL LOST
Except in a water hazard or a lateral water hazard, if there is reasonable evidence that a ball is lost
in an immovable obstruction, the player may, without penalty, substitute another ball and follow
the procedure prescribed in Rule 24-2b. For the purpose of applying this Rule, the ball shall be
deemed to lie at the spot where it entered the obstruction. If the ball is lost in an underground drain
pipe or culvert the entrance to which is in a hazard, a ball must be dropped in that hazard or the
player may proceed under Rule 26-1, if applicable.

RULE 25. Abnormal Ground Conditions and Wrong Putting Green.
Definitions
“ Casual water” is any temporary accumulation of water on the course which is visible before or
after the player takes his stance and is not in a water hazard. Snow and natural ice, other than frost,
are casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player. Manufactured ice is an
obstruction. Dew and frost are not casual water.
“ Ground under repair” is any portion of the course so marked by order of the committee or so
declared by its authorized representative. It includes materials piled for removal and a hole made by
a green keeper, even if not so marked. Stakes and lines defining ground under repair are in such
ground. The margin of ground under repair extends vertically downwards, but not upwards.
Note 1: Grass cuttings and other materials left on the course which have been abandoned and are
not intended to be removed are not ground under repair unless so marked.
Note 2 : The committee may make a local Rule prohibiting play from ground under repair.
25.1. Casual Water, Ground Under Repair and certain Damage to Course.
a. INTERFERENCE
Interference by casual water, ground under repair or a hole, cast or a bird occurs when a ball lies in
or touches any of these conditions or when such condition on the course interferes with the player’s
stance or the area of his intended swing.
If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if such condition on the
putting green intervenes on his line of putt.
If interference exists, the player may either play the ball as it lies ( unless prohibited by local Rule)
or take relief as provided in clause b.
b. RELIEF
If the player elects to take relief, he shall proceed as follows:
(i) through the green: If the ball lies through the green, the point on the course nearest to
where the ball lies shall be determined which (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids
interference by the condition, and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. The player
shall lift the ball and drop it without penalty within one club length of the point thus
determined on ground which fulfils (a), (b) and (c) above.
(ii) In a hazard: If a ball lies in or touches a hazard, the player shall lift and drop the ball
either: (a) without penalty, in the hazard, as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay,
but not nearer the hole, on ground which affords maximum available relief from the
condition; or (b) under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard, keeping the point where
the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped.
Exception: If a ball lies in or touches a water hazard(including a lateral water hazard), the player is
not entitled to relief without penalty from a hole, cast, runway made by burrowing animal, a reptile
or a bird. The player shall play the ball as it lies or proceed under Rule 26-1.
(iii) On the putting green: If the ball lies on the putting green, the player shall lift the ball and
place it without penalty in the nearest position to where it lay which affords maximum
available relief from the condition, but not nearer the hole or in a hazard.
The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Rule 25-1b.
Exception: A player may not obtain relief under Rule 25-1b if (a) it is clearly unreasonable for
him to play a stroke because of interference by anything other than a condition covered by Rule
25-1a or (b) interference by such condition occurs only through use of an unnecessarily abnormal
stance, swing or direction of play.
c. BALL LOST UNDER CONDITION COVERED BY RULE 25-1

It is a question of fact whether a ball lost after having been struck toward a condition covered by
Rule 25-1 is lost under such condition. In order to treat the ball as lost under such condition, there
must be reasonable evidence to the effect. In the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated
as lost ball and Rule 27 applies.
(i) Outside a Hazard – If a ball is lost outside a hazard under a condition covered by Rule
25-1, the player may take relief as follows: the point on the course nearest to where the
ball last crossed the margin of the area shall be determined which (a) is not nearer the
hole when the ball last crossed the margin, (b) avoids interference by the condition and
(c) is not in a hazard or on a putting green. He shall drop a ball without penalty within
one club-length of the point thus determined on ground which fulfills (a), (b) and (c)
above.
(ii) In a Hazard – If a ball is lost in a hazard under a condition covered by Rule 25-1, the
player may drop a ball either: (a) without penalty, in the hazard, as near as possible to the
point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the area, but not nearer the hole,
on ground which affords maximum available relief from the condition. Or (b) Under
penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last
crossed the margin of the hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball
is dropped.
Exception: If a ball lies in a water hazard (including a lateral water hazard), the player is not
entitled to relief without penalty for a ball lost in a hole, cast or runway made by burrowing animal,
a reptile or a bird. The player shall proceed under Rule 26-1.
25.2. Embedded Ball

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

A player must not play a ball which lies on a putting green other than the hole being played. The
ball must be lifted and the player must proceed as follows: The point on the course nearest to where
the ball lies shall be determined which (a) is not nearer the hole and (b) is not in a hazard or on a
putting green. The player shall lift the ball and drop it without penalty within one club-length of the
point thus determined on ground which fulfills (a) and (b) above. The ball may be cleaned when so
lifted.
Note: Unless otherwise prescribed by the committee, the term “a putting green other than that of
the hole being played” includes a practice putting green or pitching green on the course.

RULE 26. WATER HAZARDS (Including Lateral Water Hazards)
Definitions
A “water Hazard” is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water
course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature.
All ground or water within the margin of a water hazard is part of the water hazard. The margin of
a water hazard extends vertically upwards and downwards. Stakes and lines defining water hazards
are in the hazards.
Note: Water hazards (other than lateral water hazards) should be defined by yellow stakes or lines.
A “lateral water hazard” is a water hazard or that part of a water hazard so situated that it is not
possible or is deemed by the committee to be impracticable to drop a ball behind the water hazard
in accordance with Rule 26-1b.
That part of a water hazard to be played as a lateral water hazard should be distinctively marked.
Note: Lateral water hazards should be defined by Red stakes or lines.
26.1. Ball In Water Hazard

It is a question of fact whether a ball lost after having been struck towards a water hazard is lost
inside or outside the hazard. In order to treat the ball as lost in the hazard, there must be reasonable
evidence that the ball lodge in it. In the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated as a lost
ball and Rules 27 applies.
If a ball lies in, touches or lost in a water hazard (whether the ball lies in water or not), the player
may under a penalty of one stroke:
(a) Play a ball as near as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played(see
Rule 20-5);
Or
(b) Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed
the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is
dropped, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped.
Or
(b) As additional options available only if the ball lies in, touches or is lost in a lateral water
hazard, drop a ball outside the water hazard within two club-lengths of (I) the point where
the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard or (ii) a point on the opposite
margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole. The ball must be dropped and not
come to rest nearer the hole than the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of
the water hazard. The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.
26.2. Ball played Within Water Hazard
a. BALL COMES TO REST IN HAZARD

If a ball played from within a water hazard comes to rest in the hazard after the stroke, the player
may:
(i) proceed under Rule 26-1; or
(ii) under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the
last stroke from outside the hazard was played (see Rule 20-5).
If the player proceeds under Rule 26-1a, he may elect not to play the dropped ball. If he so elects,
he may:
(a) proceed under Rule 26- 1b, adding the additional penalty of one stroke prescribed by that
Rule; Or
(b) proceed under Rule 26-1c, if applicable, adding the additional penalty of one stroke
prescribed by that Rule; Or
(c) Add an additional penalty of one stroke and play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from
which the last stroke from outside the hazard was played (see Rule 20-5).
b. BALL LOST OR UNPLAYABLE OUTSIDE HAZARD OR OUT OF BOUNDS.

If a ball played from within a water hazard is lost or declared unplayable outside the hazard or is
out of bounds, the player, after taking a penalty of one stroke under Rule 27-1 or 28a, may:
(i) play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot in the hazard from which the original ball was
last played (see Rule 20-5); or
(ii) proceed under Rule 26-1b, or if applicable Rule 26-1c, adding the additional penalty of
one stroke prescribed by the Rule and using as the reference point the point where the
original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard before it came to rest in the hazard; or
(iii) add an additional penalty of one stroke and play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot
from which the last stroke from outside the hazard was played (see Rule 20-5).
Note 1: When proceeding under Rule 26-2b, the player is not required to drop a ball under Rule 27-
1 or 28a. if he does drop a ball, he is not required to play it. He may proceed under clause (ii) or
(iii).
Note 2: If a ball played from within a water hazard is declared unplayable outside the hazard,
nothing in Rule 26-2b precludes the player from proceeding under Rule 28b or c.

Rule 27. Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball
If the original ball is lost in an immovable obstruction (Rule 24-2) or under a condition covered by
a Rule 25-1 (casual water, ground under repair and certain damage to the course), the player may
proceed under the applicable Rule. If the original ball is lost in a water hazard, the player shall
proceed under Rule 26.
Such Rules may not be used unless there is reasonable evidence that the ball is lost in an
immovable obstruction, under a condition covered by Rule 25-1 or in a water hazard.
Definitions
A ball is “lost” if :
a. it is not found or identified as his by the player within five minutes after the players side or his
or their caddies have begun searching for it; or
b. The player has put another ball into play under the Rules, even though he has not search for the
original ball; or
c. The player has made any strokes with a provisional ball from the place where the original ball
is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place, where upon the provisional ball
becomes the ball in play. Time spent in playing a wrong ball is not counted in the five minutes
period allowed for search.
“Out of bounds” is ground on which play is prohibited.

When out of bounds is defined by reference to stakes or fence, or as being beyond stakes or a fence,
the out of bounds line is determined by the nearest inside points of the stakes or fence posts at
ground level excluding angled supports.
When out of bounds is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds.
The out of bounds line extends vertically upwards and downwards.
A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds.
A player may stand out of bounds to play a ball lying within bounds.
A “provisional ball” is a ball played under Rule 27-2 for a ball which may be lost outside a water
hazard or maybe out of bounds.
27.1. Ball Lost or Out of Bounds

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

27-2. Provisional Ball
a. PROCEDURE
If a ball may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds, to save time the player may
play another ball provisionally as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was
played (see Rule 20-5). The player shall inform his opponent in match play or his marker or a
fellow-competitor in stroke play that intends to play a provisional ball, and he shall play it before
he or his partner goes forward to search for the original ball. If he fails to do so and plays another
ball, such ball is not a provisional ball and becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and
distance ( Rule 27-1); the original ball is deemed to be lost.
b. WHEN PROVISIONAL BALL BECOMES BALL IN PLAY

The player may play a provisional ball until he reaches the place where the original ball is likely to
be. If he plays a stroke with the provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to
be or from a point nearer the hole than that place, the original ball is deemed to be lost and the
provisional ball becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1)
If the original ball is lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, the provisional ball becomes
the ball in play, under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1)
c. WHEN PROVISIONAL BALL TO BE ABANDONED

If the original ball is neither lost outside a water hazard nor out of bounds, the player shall abandon
the provisional ball and continue play with the original ball. If he fails to do so, any strokes played
with the provisional ball shall constitute playing a wrong ball and the provision of Rule 15 shall
apply.
Note: If the original ball lies in a water hazard, the player shall play the ball as it lies or proceed
under Rule 26. If it is lost in a water hazard or unplayable, the player shall proceed under Rule 26
or 28, whichever is applicable.
Rule 28. Ball Unplayable
The player may declare his ball unplayable at any place on the course except when the ball lies in
or touches a water hazard. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.
If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he shall , under penalty of one stroke:
a. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot where the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-
5); Or
b. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole; Or
c. Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and
the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be
dropped. If the unplayable ball lies in a bunker, the player may proceed under clause a, b or c. If
he elects to proceed under clause b or c, a ball must be dropped in the bunker.
The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.

OTHER FORMS OF PLAY
Rule 29. Threesomes and foursomes
Definitions
Threesome: A match in which one plays against two, and each side plays one ball.
Foursomes: A match in which two plays against two, and each side plays one ball.
29.1. General
In a threesome or a foursome, during any stipulated round the partners shall play alternately from
the teeing grounds and alternately during the play of each hole. Penalty strokes do not affect the
order of play.
29.2. Match play

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

If the partner play a stroke or strokes in incorrect order, such stroke or strokes shall be cancelled
and the side shall incur a penalty of two strokes. The side shall correct the error by playing a ball in
correct order as nearly as possible at the spot from which it first played in incorrect order (see Rule
20-5). If the side plays a stroke from the next teeing ground without first correcting the error or, in
the case of the last hole of the round, leaves the putting green without declaring its intention to
correct the error, the side shall be disqualified.
Rule 30. Three-Ball, Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play
Definitions
Three-Ball: A match play competition in which three play against one another, each playing his
own ball. Each player is playing two distinct matches.
Best-Ball: A match in which one plays against the better ball of two or the best ball of three
players.
Four-Ball: A match in which two play their better ball against the better ball of two other players.
30.1. Rules Of Golf Apply

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

a. BALL AT REST MOVED BY AN OPPONENT
Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, if the player’s ball is touched or moved by an opponent,
his caddie or equipment other than during search, Rule 18-3b applies. That opponent shall incur a
penalty stroke in his match with the player, but not in his match with the other opponent.
b. BALL STOPPED OR DEFLECTED BY AN OPPONENT ACCIDENTALLY

If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by an opponent, his caddie or equipment, no
penalty shall be incurred. In his match with that opponent the player may play the ball as it lies or,
before another stroke is played by either side, he may cancel the stroke and play a ball without
penalty as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played
(Rule 20-5). In his match with the other opponent, the ball shall be played as it lies.
30.3. Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play
a. REPRESENTATION OF SIDE
A side may be represented by one partner for all or any part of a match; all partners need not be
present. An absent partner may join a match between holes, but not during play of a hole.
b. MAXIMUM OF FOURTEEN CLUBS

The side shall be penalize for breach of Rule 4-4 by any partner.
c. ORDER OF PLAY
Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the side considers best.
d. WRONG BALL
If a player plays a stroke with a wrong ball except in a hazard, he shall be disqualified for that hole,
but his partner incurs no penalty even if the wrong ball belongs to him. If the wrong ball belongs to
another player, its owner shall place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.
e. DISQUALIFICATION OF SIDE
(i) A side shall be disqualified for a breach of any of the following by a partner:
Rule 1-3 – Agreement to waive Rules.
Rule 4-1, -2 or –3 – Clubs.
Rule 5-1 or –2 – The Ball.
Rule 6-2a – Handicap (playing off higher handicap).
Rule 6-4 – Caddie.
Rule 6-7 – Undue Delay (repeat offence).
Rule 14-3 – Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment.
(ii) A side shall be disqualified for a breach of any of the following by all partners:
Rule 6-3 – Time of Starting and Groups.
Rule 6-8 – Discontinuance of Play.
f. EFFECT OF OTHER PENALTIES

If a player’s breach of a Rule assists his partner’s play or adversely affects an opponent’s play, the
partner incurs the applicable penalty in addition to the penalty incurred by the player.
In all other cases where a player incurs a penalty for breach of a Rule, the penalty shall not apply to
his partner. Where the penalty stated to be lost of hole, the effect shall be to disqualify the player
for that hole.
g. ANOTHER FORM OF MATCH PLAYED CONCURRENTLY

In a best-ball or four-ball match when another form of match is played concurrently, the above
special Rules shall apply.
Rule 31. Four Ball Stroke Play
In four-ball stroke play two competitors play as partners, each playing his own ball. The lower
score of the partners is the score of the hole. If one partner fails to complete the play of a hole, there
is no penalty.
31.1 Rules Of Golf Apply

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

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

The side shall be penalize for a breach of Rule 4-4 by either partner.
31.4. Scoring
The marker is required to record for each hole only the gross score of whichever partner’s score is
to count. The gross scores to count must be individually identifiable; otherwise the side shall be
disqualified. Only one of the partners need be responsible for complying with Rule 6-6b.
31.5. Order Of Play

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

If a competitor plays a stroke with a wrong ball except in a hazard, he shall add two penalty strokes
to his score for the hole and shall then play the correct ball. His partner incurs no penalty even if
the wrong ball belongs to him.
If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner shall place a ball on the spot from which
the wrong ball was first played.
31.7. Disqualification Penalties
a. BREACH BY ONE PARTNER

A side shall be disqualified from the competition for a breach of any of the following by either
partner:
Rule 1-3 – Agreement to waive rules.
Rule 3-4 – Refusal to comply with Rule.
Rule 4-1, -2 or –3 – Clubs.
Rule 5-1 or –2 – The Ball.
Rule 6-2b – Handicap ( playing off higher handicap; failure to record handicap).
Rule 6-4 – Caddie.
Rule 6-6b – Signing and Returning card.
Rule 6-6d – Wrong Score For Hole, i.e., when the recorded score of the partner whose score is to
count is lower than actually taken. If the recorded score of the partner whose score is to count is
higher than actual taken, it must stand as returned.
Rule 6-7 – Undue Delay 9Repeat offences).
Rule 67-1 – Practice before or Between Rounds.
Rule 14-3 – Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment
Rule 31-4 – Gross score to count Not individually Identifiable.
b. BREACH BY BOTH PARTNERS

A side shall be disqualified:
(i) for a breach by both partners of Rule 6-3 (Time of Starting and Groups) or Rule 6-8
(Discontinuance of Play), or
(ii) if, at the same hole, each partner is in breach of a Rule the penalty is disqualification from
the competition or for the hole.
c. FOR THE HOLE ONLY

In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would entail disqualification, the competitor shall be
disqualified only for the hole at which the breach occurred.
31.8. Effect Of Other Penalties

If a competitor’s breach of a Rule assists his partner’s play, the partner incurs the applicable
penalty in addition to any penalty incurred by the competitor.
In all other cases where a competitor incurs a penalty for breach of a Rule, the penalty shall not
apply to his partner.
Rule 32. Bogey, Par and Stableford Competitions
32.1. Conditions
Bogey, par and stableford competitions are forms of stroke competitions in which play is against a
fixed score at each hole. The Rules of stroke play, so far as they are not at variance with the
following special Rules, apply.
a. BOGEY AND PAR COMPETITONS

The reckoning for bogey and par competitions is made as in match play. Any holes for which the
competitor makes no return shall be regarded as a loss. The winner is the competitor who is most
successful in the aggregate of holes.
The marker is responsible for marking only the gross number of strokes for each hole where the
competitor makes a net score equal to or less than the fixed score.
Note: Maximum of 14 clubs – Penalties as in match play – see Rule 4-4.
b. STABLEFORD COMPETITIONS
The reckoning in stableford competitions is made by points awarded in relation to a fixed score at
each hole as follows:
Hole Played In …………….. Points

• More than one over fixed score
or no score returned ………… 0
• One over fixed score ……….. 1
• Fixed score…………………. 2
• One under fixed score ……… 3
• Two under fixed score ……... 4
• Three under fixed score ……. 5
• Four under fixed score …….. 6
The winner is the competitor who scores the highest number of points.
The marker shall be responsible for marking only the gross number of strokes at each hole where
the competitor’s net score earns one or more points.
Note : Maximum of fourteen clubs (Rule 4-4) – penalties applied as follows: From total points
scored for the round, deduction of two points for each holes at which any breach occurred;
maximum deduction per round: four points.
32.2. Disqualification Penalties

a. FROM THE COMPETITIONS
A competitor shall be disqualified from the competition for a breach of any of the following:
Rule 1-3 – Agreement to waive Rules.

Rule 3-4 – Refusal to comply with Rule.
Rule 4-1, -2 or –3 - Clubs
Rule 5-1 or –2 – Ball
Rule 6-2b – Handicap (playing off higher handicap, failure to record handicap)
Rule 6-3 – Time of Starting and Groups.
Rule 6-4 – Caddie
Rule 6-6b – signing and Returning of Card.
Rule 6-6d – Wrong Score for Hole, Except that no penalty shall be incurred when a breach of this
Rule does not affect the result of the Hole.
Rule 6-7 – Undue Delay (repeated offense ).
Rule 6-8 – Discontinuance of Play.
Rule 7-1 – Practice before or Between Rounds.
Rule 14-3 – Artificial Devices and unusual Equipment.
b. FOR A HOLE
In all other cases where a breach of the Rule entail disqualification, the competitor shall be
disqualified only for the hole at which the breach occurred.
ADMINISTRATION
Rule 33. The Committee
33.1. Conditions; Waiving Rule

The committee shall lay down the conditions under a competition is to be played.
The committee has no power to waive a Rule of Golf.
Certain special Rules governing stroke play are so substantially different from those governing
match play that combining the two forms of play is not practicable and is not permitted. The
Results of Matches and scores returned in this circumstances shall not be accepted.
In stroke play the committee may limit a referee’s duties.
33.2. The Course
a. DEFINING BOUNDS AND MARGINS

The committee shall define accurately:
(i) the course and out of bounds
(ii) the margins of water hazards and lateral water hazards,
(iii) ground under repair, and
(iv) obstructions and integral parts of the course.
b. NEW HOLES
New holes shall be made on the day on which a stroke competition begins and at such other times
as the committee considers necessary, provided all competitors in a single round play each hole cut
in the same position.
Exception: When it is impossible for a damaged hole to be repaired so that it conforms with the
definition, the committee may make a new hole in a nearby similar position.
c. PRACTICE GROUND
Where there is no practice ground available outside the area of a competition course, the committee
should lay down the area on which players may practice on any day of a competition, if it is
practicable to do so. On any day of a stroke competition, the committee should not normally permit
practice on or to a putting green or from a hazard of the competition course.
d. COURSE UNPLAYABLE
If the committee or its authorize representative considers that for any reason the course is not in a
playable condition or that there are circumstances which render the proper playing of the game
impossible, it may, in match play or stroke play, order a temporary suspension of play or, in stroke
play, declare play null and void and cancel all scores for the round in question. When play has been
temporarily suspended, it shall be resumed from where it was discontinued, even though
resumption occurs on a subsequent day. When a round is cancelled, all penalties incurred in that
round are cancelled.
33.3. Times of Starting and Groups

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

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

In stroke play, the committee shall issue for each competitor a score card containing the date and
the competitor’s name or, in foursome or four- ball stroke play, the competitors’ name.
In stroke play, the committee is responsible for 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 card, and adding the better-ball
scores.
In bogey, par and stableford competitions, the committee is responsible for applying the handicap
recorded on the card and determining the result of each hole and the overall result or points total.
33.6. Decision of Ties
The committee shall announce the manner, day and time for the decision of a halve match or of a
tie, whether played on level terms or under handicap.
A halved match shall not be decided by stroke play. A tie in stroke play shall not be decided by a
match.
33.7. 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.
Any penalty less than disqualification shall not be waived or modified.
33.8. Local Rules
a. POLICY
The committee may make and publish local Rules for abnormal conditions if they are consistent
with the policy of the governing Authority for the country concerned as set forth in appendix I to
these Rules.
b. WAIVING PENALTY
A penalty imposed by a Rule of Golf shall not be waived by a local Rule.
Rule 34. Disputes and Decisions
34.1. Claims and Penalties
a. MATCH PLAY
In match play if a claim is lodge with the committee under Rule 2-5, a decision should be given as
soon as possible so that the state of the match may, if necessary, be adjusted.
If a claim is not made within the time limit provided by Rule 2-5, it shall not be considered unless it
is based on facts previously unknown to the player making the claim and the player making the
claim had been given wrong information (Rule 6-2a and 9) by an opponent.
In any case, no later claim shall be considered after the result of the match has been officially
announced, unless the committee is satisfied that the opponent knew he was giving wrong
information.
b. STROKE PLAY
In stroke play no penalty shall be rescinded, modified or imposed after the competition has closed,
except that a penalty of disqualification shall be imposed at any time after the competition has
closed if a competitor:
(i) returned a score for any hole lower than actually taken (Rule 6-6d) for any reason other
than failure to include a penalty which he did not know he had incurred; or
(ii) returned a score card on which he had recorded a handicap which he knew was higher
than that to which he was entitled, and this affected the number of strokes received
(Rule 6-2b); or
(iii) was in breach of Rule 1-3.
A competition is deemed to have closed when the result has been officially announced or, in stroke
play qualifying followed by match play, when the player has teed off in his first match.
34.2. Referee’s Decision

If a referee has been appointed by the committee, his decision shall be final.
34.3. Committee’s Decision
In the absence of a referee, any disputes or doubtful point on the Rules shall be referred to the
committee, whose decision shall be final.
If the committee cannot come to a decision, it shall refer the disputes or doubtful point to the
Rules of Golf committee of the United States Golf Association, whose decision shall be final.
If the disputes or doubtful points has not been referred to the Rules of Golf committee, the player
or players have the right to refer an agreed statement through the secretary of the club to the Rules
of Golf committee as to the correctness of the decision given. The reply will be sent to the
secretary of the club or clubs concerned.
If play is conducted other than in accordance with the Rules of Golf, the Rules of Golf committee
will not give a decision on any question.
Prepared by :
____________________
Tom @ Ballangngiphang
Saremas Sdn Bhd
Date: 05th October, 2001

The Rules of Golf

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The Rules of Golf

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THE RULES OF GOLF

Rule 1. The Game

1-3. Agreement to waive rules

1-4. Points not covered by Rules

RULE 2. MATCH PLAY

2-1. Winner of Hole; Reckoning of Holes

2-2. Halved Hole

2.3. Winner Of Match

2.4. Concession of next stroke, Hole or Match

2.6. General Penalty

RULE 3. Stroke Play

3-2. Failure To Hole Out

3-3. Doubt as to Procedure

b. DETERMINATION OF SCORE FOR HOLE

3-4. Refusal to comply with a Rule

CLUBS AND THE BALL

4-1. Form and Make of Clubs

4.2. Playing Characteristic Changed

4.3. Foreign Material

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

4-4. Maximum of fourteen clubs

a. SELECTION AND REPLACEMENT OF CLUBS

b. PARTNERS MAY SHARE CLUBS

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4a or b, REGARDLESS OF NUMBER OF EXCESS

RULE 5. The Ball

5-2. Foreign Materials

5-3. Ball Unfit for Play

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5-3:

RULE 6. The Player

6-3. Time of Starting and Groups

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-3:

6-6. Scoring in stroke play.

d. WRONG SCORE FOR HOLE

6-7. Undue Delay

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-7:

6-8. Discontinuance of Play

b. PROCEDURE WHEN PLAY SUSPENDED BY COMMITTEE

c. LIFTING BALL WHEN PLAY DISCONTINUED

7-1. Before or Between Rounds

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-1b:

7-2. During Round

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-2:

Rule 8. Advice, Indicating Line of Play

8-2. Indicating line of play

a. OTHER THAN ON PUTTING GREEN

b. ON THE PUTTING GREEN

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:

Rule 9. Information as to strokes taken

9-2. Match Play

10-1. Match Play

b. OTHER THAN ON TEEING GROUND

Exception: Rule 30-3c [ best-ball and four –ball match play]

c. PLAYING OUT OF TURN

10-2. Stroke Play

c. PLAYING OUT OF TURN

10-3. Provisional ball or a second ball from Teeing Ground

10-4. Ball moved in Measuring

Rule 11. Teeing Ground

11-2. Tee – Markers

11-3. Ball Falling Off Tee

11-4. Playing from Outside Teeing Ground

11-5. Playing From Wrong Tee Ground