Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Rules of Golf
The Rules of Golf
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.
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.
3-1. Winner
The competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note: The committee is responsible for the addition of scores and application of handicap recorded
on the card – see Rule 33-5
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.
Rule 7. Practice
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.
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.
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.
9-1. General
The number of strokes a player has taken shall include any penalty strokes incurred.
ORDER OF 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 :
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.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match Play – Loss of hole; Stroke Play – two strokes.
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.
14-2. Assistance
In making a stroke, a player shall not accept physical assistance or protection from the elements.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note: Except on a putting green, the ball may not be cleaned when lifted under this Rule – see Rule
21.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
31.4. 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.
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.
b. STABLEFORD COMPETITIONS
The reckoning in stableford competitions is made by points awarded in relation to a fixed score at
each hole as follows:
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.
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
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.
a. POLICY
The committee may make and publish local Rules for abnormal conditions if they are consistent
with the policy of the governing Authority for the country concerned as set forth in appendix I to
these Rules.
b. WAIVING PENALTY
A penalty imposed by a Rule of Golf shall not be waived by a local Rule.
a. MATCH PLAY
In match play if a claim is 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.
Prepared by :
____________________
Tom @ Ballangngiphang
Saremas Sdn Bhd