Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2023 Rules of Golf
2023 Rules of Golf
© 2022 R&A Rules Limited and The United States Golf Association.
All rights reserved.
CBP012768
Together, The R&A, based in St Andrews, Scotland and
the USGA, based in Liberty Corner, New Jersey govern the
game worldwide, including writing and interpreting the
Rules of Golf.
While collaborating to issue a single set of Rules,
The R&A and the USGA operate in separate working
jurisdictions. The USGA is responsible for administering
the Rules in the United States, its territories and Mexico,
and The R&A, operating with the consent of its affiliated
golfing bodies, has the same responsibilities for all other
parts of the world.
The R&A and the USGA reserve the right to amend both
the Rules and their interpretations at any time.
www.RandA.orgwww.USGA.org
Contents
Contents
Foreword to the 2023 Edition of the Rules of Golf 8
3
Contents
4
Contents
IV. Specific Rules for Bunkers and Putting Greens (Rules 12-13) 99
Rule 12 – Bunkers 100
12.1 When Ball Is in Bunker 101
12.2 Playing Ball in Bunker 101
12.3 Specific Rules for Relief for Ball in Bunker 102
Rule 13 – Putting Greens 103
13.1 Actions Allowed or Required on Putting Greens 103
13.2 The Flagstick 108
13.3 Ball Overhanging Hole 112
5
Contents
6
Contents
Index239
7
Foreword
8
timeless
Precision
The
Golf Rules of Golf
is a game have existed
that requires formindset.
a certain over 270Ayears.
game
in which precision
Consistently is metthe
evolving with reward.
Rules is aThe Rulestenet
central of Golf
of
reflectbut
golf, thisthis
mindset – a set
current of precise
iteration is standards to which
a significant and
every golfer
laudable holdsone
change, themselves accountable.
that aspires to make A thecode
gameof
honourinclusive,
more and integrity, they are meant
approachable to be easily accessible
and welcoming to all.
so each golfer can be their own Rules authority.
Passion
Golfers of all abilities are universally passionate
about the game. The continuous efforts to enhance
the Rules of Golf reflect and embrace that passion
among all golfers who play, in every corner of the world.
Precision
Golf is a game that requires a certain mindset. A game
in which precision is met with reward. The Rules of Golf
reflect this mindset – a set of precise standards to which
every golfer holds themselves accountable. A code of
honour and integrity, they are meant to be easily accessible
so each golfer can be their own Rules authority.
Connection
The evolving modernization of the Rules of Golf is the
byproduct of listening to the voices of those who play
the game. As a singular set of Rules, they embody and
reinforce the special connections that exist among the golf
community as a whole.
Evolution
Golf ’s greatest traditions will always reign, and the Rules
will always evolve. Modernizing the Rules is integral to
leading the game of golf into the future.
forever golf
A game universally beloved for its elegance and splendour,
golf will always be a game of honour. Alongside The R&A
and USGA, Rolex is proud to be a part of, and stand
behind, golf ’s rules and all that they represent for the
future of the game, and those who love and play it.
Principal Changes
15
Principal Changes
General Changes
Back-on-the-Line Relief Procedure
The back-on-the-line relief procedure is amended to provide that the player is
required to drop on the line. The spot on the line where the ball first touches the
ground when dropped creates a relief area that is one club-length in any direction
from that point. This amendment is reflected in changes to Rules 14.3b(3), 16.1c(2),
17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3, and the definition of relief area.
16
How to Use the Rule Book
17
How to Use the Rule Book
• What were the player’s intentions (what was the player doing and what did they
want to do).
• The timing of the incident (is the player still on the course, has the player now
returned their scorecard, has the competition closed, etc.).
18
I
Fundamentals
of the Game
RULES 1-4
Rule 1
RULE
The Game, Player Conduct
1 and the Rules
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 1 introduces these central principles of the game for the player:
• Play the course as you find it and play the ball as it lies.
• Play by the Rules and in the spirit of the game.
• You are responsible for applying your own penalties if you breach a Rule, so
that you cannot gain any potential advantage over your opponent in match play
or other players in stroke play.
20
Rule 1
21
Rule 1
1.3c Penalties
(1) Actions Giving Rise to Penalties. A penalty applies when a breach of a Rule
results from a player’s own actions or the actions of their caddie (see Rule 10.3c).
A penalty also applies when:
• Another person takes an action that would breach the Rules if taken by the
player or caddie and that person does so at the player’s request or while
acting with the player’s authority, or
• The player sees another person about to take an action concerning the
player’s ball or equipment that they know would breach the Rules if taken by
the player or caddie and does not take reasonable steps to object or stop it
from happening.
(2) Levels of Penalties. Penalties are meant to cancel out any potential advantage to
the player. There are three main penalty levels:
• One-Stroke Penalty. This penalty applies in both match play and stroke play
under certain Rules where either (a) the potential advantage from a breach is
minor or (b) a player takes penalty relief by playing a ball from a different place
than where the original ball lies.
• General Penalty (Loss of Hole in Match Play, Two-Stroke Penalty in Stroke
Play). This penalty applies for a breach of most Rules, where the potential
advantage is more significant than where only one penalty stroke applies.
• Disqualification. In both match play and stroke play, a player may be
disqualified from the competition for certain actions or Rule breaches
involving serious misconduct (see Rule 1.2) or where the potential advantage
is too significant for the player’s score to be considered valid.
(3) No Discretion to Vary Penalties. Penalties need to be applied only as provided in
the Rules:
• Neither a player nor the Committee has authority to apply penalties in a
different way, and
• A wrong application of a penalty or a failure to apply a penalty may stand only
if it is too late to correct it (see Rules 20.1b(2), 20.1b(3), 20.2d and 20.2e).
In match play, the player and opponent may agree how to decide a Rules issue so
long as they do not agree to ignore any Rule or penalty they know applies (see
Rule 20.1b(1)).
23
Rule 1
(4) Applying Penalties to Multiple Breaches of the Rules. Whether a player gets
multiple penalties for breaching multiple Rules or the same Rule multiple times
depends on whether there has been an intervening event and on what the
player did.
For the purpose of applying this Rule, there are two intervening events:
• The completion of a stroke, and
• Being aware or becoming aware of a breach of a Rule (this includes when a
player knows they breached a Rule, when the player is told of a breach, or
when the player is uncertain whether or not they have breached a Rule).
Penalties are applied as follows:
• Single Penalty Applied for Multiple Breaches Between Intervening Events: If
a player breaches multiple Rules or the same Rule multiple times between
intervening events, the player gets only one penalty.
If the Rules breached have different penalties, the player gets only the higher-
level penalty.
• Multiple Penalties Apply for Breaches Before and After Intervening Event: If a
player breaches a Rule and then breaches the same Rule or another Rule after
an intervening event, the player gets multiple penalties.
Exception – Failure to Replace a Moved Ball: If a player is required to replace a
moved ball under Rule 9.4 but fails to do so and plays from a wrong place, they
get only the general penalty under Rule 14.7a.
But any penalty strokes a player gets for taking penalty relief (such as one
penalty stroke under Rules 17.1, 18.1 and 19.2) are always applied in addition to
any other penalties.
24
Rule 2
RULE
2 The Course
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 2 introduces the basic things every player should know about the course:
• There are five defined areas of the course, and
• There are several types of defined objects and conditions that can
interfere with play.
It is important to know the area of the course where the ball lies and the status
of any interfering objects and conditions, because they often affect the player’s
options for playing the ball or taking relief.
25
Rule 2
2
The general area covers the entire area 3
of the course except for the following:
4
1 The teeing area 3 Bunkers
2 Penalty areas 4 The putting green
26
Rule 2
27
Rule 3
RULE
3 The Competition
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 3 covers the three central elements of all golf competitions:
• Playing either match play or stroke play,
• Playing either as an individual or with a partner as part of a side, and
• Scoring either by gross scores (no handicap strokes applied) or net scores
(handicap strokes applied).
Purpose of Rule:
Match play has specific Rules (particularly about concessions and giving
information about the number of strokes taken) because the player and opponent:
• Compete solely against each other on every hole,
• Can see each other’s play, and
• Can protect their own interests.
3.2b Concessions
(1) Player May Concede Stroke, Hole or Match. A player may concede the opponent’s
next stroke, a hole or the match:
• Conceding Next Stroke. This is allowed any time before the opponent’s next
stroke is made.
» The opponent has then completed the hole with a score that includes that
conceded stroke, and the ball may be removed by anyone.
» A concession made while the opponent’s ball is still in motion after the
previous stroke applies to the opponent’s next stroke, unless the ball is
holed (in which case the concession does not matter).
» The player may concede the opponent’s next stroke by deflecting or
stopping the opponent’s ball in motion only if that is done specifically to
concede the next stroke and only when there is no reasonable chance the
ball can be holed.
• Conceding a Hole. This is allowed any time before the hole is completed
(see Rule 6.5), including before the players start the hole.
30
Rule 3
But a player and opponent are not allowed to agree to concede holes to each
other for the purpose of shortening the match. If they do so knowing this is not
allowed, they are disqualified.
• Conceding the Match. This is allowed any time before the result of the
match is decided (see Rules 3.2a(3) and (4)), including before the players
start the match.
(2) How Concessions Are Made. A concession is made only when clearly
communicated:
• This can be done either verbally or by an action that clearly shows the player’s
intent to concede the stroke, the hole or the match (such as making a gesture).
• If the opponent lifts their ball in breach of a Rule because of a reasonable
misunderstanding that the player’s statement or action was a concession
of the next stroke, a hole or the match, there is no penalty and the ball must
be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see
Rule 14.2).
A concession is final and cannot be declined or withdrawn.
31
Rule 3
32
Rule 3
If the player fails to do so and does not correct that mistake before the opponent
makes another stroke or takes a similar action (such as conceding the player’s
next stroke or the hole), the player gets the general penalty (loss of hole).
Exception – No Penalty When Opponent Knew of Player’s Penalty: If the
opponent knew that the player had a penalty, such as when seeing the player
obviously take penalty relief, the player gets no penalty for failing to tell the
opponent about it.
(3) Knowing Match Score. The players are expected to know the match score — that
is, whether one of them leads by a certain number of holes (“holes up” in the
match) or the match is tied (also known as “all square”).
If the players mistakenly agree on a wrong match score:
• They may correct the match score before either player makes a stroke to begin
another hole or, for the final hole, before the result of the match is final (see
Rule 3.2a(5)).
• If not corrected in that time, that wrong match score becomes the actual
match score.
Exception – When Player Requests Ruling in Time: If the player makes a timely
request for a ruling (see Rule 20.1b), and it is found that the opponent either (1)
gave the wrong number of strokes taken or (2) failed to tell the player about a
penalty, the wrong match score must be corrected.
(4) Protecting Own Rights and Interests. The players in a match should protect their
own rights and interests under the Rules:
• If the player knows or believes that the opponent has breached a Rule that has
a penalty, the player may choose whether or not to act on the breach.
• But if the player and opponent agree not to apply the Rules or a penalty they
know applies, and either of those players has started the round, they are both
disqualified under Rule 1.3b.
• If the player and opponent disagree whether one of them has breached a
Rule, either player may protect their rights by asking for a ruling under Rule
20.1b.
If a referee is assigned to one match for the entire round, the referee is
responsible for acting on any breach of the Rules that they see or are told about
(see Rule 20.1b(1)).
33
Rule 3
Purpose of Rule:
Stroke play has specific Rules (particularly for scorecards and holing out) because:
• Each player competes against all the other players in the competition, and
• All players need to be treated equally under the Rules.
After the round, the player and the marker (who keeps the player’s score) must
certify that the player’s score for each hole is right and the player must return the
scorecard to the Committee.
6
Name: John Smith Date: 0 /04/23
HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Out Responsibilities
PAR 5 4 4 4 4 5 3 4 4 37
Committee
SCORE 5 5 5 4 3 5 4 3 4 38
Player
HOLE 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In Total
Player and
PAR 3 4 5 3 4 5 3 4 4 35 72 marker
SCORE 3 4 4 4 5 5 4 3 4 36 74
Handicap: 5
6
NET: 6
(2) Player’s Responsibility: Certifying Hole Scores and Returning Scorecard. During
the round, the player should keep track of their scores for each hole.
When the round has ended, the player:
• Should carefully check the hole scores entered by the marker and raise any
issues with the Committee,
• Must make sure that the marker certifies the hole scores on the scorecard,
• Must not change a hole score entered by the marker except with the marker’s
agreement or the Committee’s approval (but neither the player nor the marker
is required to make any extra certification of the changed score), and
• Must certify the hole scores on the scorecard and promptly return it to the
Committee, after which the player must not change the scorecard.
If the player breaches any of these requirements in Rule 3.3b, the player
is disqualified.
Exception – No Penalty When Breach Due to Marker Failing to Carry Out
Responsibilities: There is no penalty if the Committee finds that the player’s
breach of Rule 3.3b(2) was caused by the marker’s failure to carry out their
responsibilities (such as the marker leaving with the player’s scorecard or without
certifying the scorecard), so long as this was beyond the player’s control.
35
Rule 3
36
Rule 3
37
Rule 4
RULE
For detailed requirements for clubs, balls and other equipment and the process
for consultation and submission of equipment for conformity review, see the
Equipment Rules.
4.1 Clubs
4.1a Clubs Allowed in Making a Stroke
(1) Conforming Clubs. In making a stroke, a player must use a club that conforms to
the requirements in the Equipment Rules when:
• It is new, or
• Its playing characteristics have been changed in any way (but see Rule 4.1a(2)
when a club is damaged during the round).
But if the playing characteristics of a conforming club change because of wear
through normal use, it is still a conforming club.
The “playing characteristics” of a club are any part, feature, or property that
affects how the club performs or aids in alignment, including but not limited to,
weighting, lie, loft, alignment features and permissible external attachments.
(2) Use, Repair or Replacement of Club Damaged During Round. If a conforming club
is damaged during a round or while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a, except in
cases of abuse, the player may repair it or replace it with another club.
But no matter what the nature or cause of the damage, the damaged club is
treated as conforming for the rest of the round (but not during a play-off in stroke
play, which is a new round).
38
Rule 4
39
Rule 4
40
Rule 4
(4) Restrictions When Adding or Replacing Clubs. When adding or replacing a club
under Rule 4.1a(2) or Rule 4.1b(1), a player must not:
• Unreasonably delay play (see Rule 5.6a),
• Add or borrow any club being carried by or for any other player who is playing
on the course (even if the other player is playing in a different group or
competition), or
• Build a club from parts being carried by or for the player or any other player
who is playing on the course (even if the other player is playing in a different
group or competition).
When the player becomes aware that they have breached this Rule by adding
or replacing a club when not allowed, the player must take that club out of play
before making another stroke using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1).
If the player makes a stroke with a club that is still being carried after being taken
out of play before the round (Rule 4.1c(2)) or during the round (Rule 4.1c(1)), they
are disqualified under Rule 4.1c(1).
Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.1b: The penalty applies based on when the player
becomes aware of the breach:
• Player Becomes Aware of Breach While Playing the Hole. The penalty is applied
at the end of the hole being played. In match play, the player must complete the
hole, apply the result of that hole to the match score and then apply the penalty to
adjust the match score.
• Player Becomes Aware of Breach Between Two Holes. The penalty is applied as of
the end of the hole just completed, not the next hole.
Penalty in Match Play — Match Score Revised by Deducting Hole, Maximum of
Two Holes:
• This is a match adjustment penalty – it is not the same as a loss of hole penalty.
• At the end of the hole being played or just completed, the match score is revised
by deducting one hole for each hole where a breach happened, with a maximum
deduction of two holes in the round.
• For example, if a player who started with 15 clubs becomes aware of the breach
while playing the 3rd hole and then wins that hole to go three up in the match, the
maximum adjustment of two holes applies and the player would now be one up in
the match.
Penalty in Stroke Play — Two Penalty Strokes, Maximum of Four Strokes: The
player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes) for each hole where a breach
happened, with a maximum of four penalty strokes in the round (adding two penalty
strokes at each of the first two holes where a breach happened).
41
Rule 4
42
Rule 4
4.2 Balls
4.2a Balls Allowed in Play of Round
(1) Conforming Ball Must Be Played. In making each stroke, a player must use a ball
that conforms to the requirements in the Equipment Rules.
A player may get a conforming ball to play from anyone else, including another
player on the course.
(2) Deliberately Altered Ball Must Not Be Played. A player must not make a stroke at
a ball whose performance characteristics have been deliberately altered, such
as by scuffing or heating the ball or by applying any substance (other than in
cleaning it).
Penalty for Making Stroke in Breach of Rule 4.2a: Disqualification.
43
Rule 4
(2) When Another Ball May Be Substituted. The player may substitute another
ball only if it can be clearly seen that the original ball is cut or cracked and this
damage happened during the hole being played – but not if it is only scratched or
scraped or its paint is only damaged or discoloured.
• If the original ball is cut or cracked, the player must replace either another ball
or the original ball on the original spot (see Rule 14.2).
• If the original ball is not cut or cracked, the player must replace it on its
original spot (see Rule 14.2).
If a player makes a stroke at an incorrectly substituted ball, the player gets one
penalty stroke under Rule 6.3b.
Nothing in this Rule prohibits a player from substituting another ball under any
other Rule or changing balls between two holes.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 4.2c: General Penalty
Under 14.7a.
44
Rule 4
Common examples of uses of equipment that are allowed and not allowed during a
player’s round under this Rule are:
(1) Distance and Directional Information.
• Allowed. Getting information on distance or direction (such as from a
distance-measuring device or compass).
• Not Allowed.
» Measuring elevation changes,
» Interpreting distance or directional information (such as using a device to
get a recommended line of play or club selection based on the location of
the player’s ball), or
» Using an alignment device (see definition in Equipment Rules) to help align
the ball.
See Committee Procedures, Section 8; Model Local Rule G-5 (the Committee
may adopt a Local Rule prohibiting the use of distance-measuring devices).
(2) Information on Wind and Other Weather Conditions.
• Allowed.
» Getting any type of weather information (including wind speed) that is
available from weather forecasts, or
» Measuring temperature and humidity at the course.
• Not Allowed.
» Measuring wind speed at the course, or
» Using an artificial object to get other wind-related information (such as
using powder, a handkerchief or a ribbon to assess wind direction).
(3) Information Gathered Before or During Round.
• Allowed.
» Using information that was gathered before the round (such as playing
information from previous rounds, swing tips or club recommendations), or
» Recording (for use after the round) playing or physiological information
from the round (such as club distance, playing statistics or heart rate).
45
Rule 4
• Not Allowed.
» Processing or interpreting playing information from the round (such as club
recommendations based on current round distances), or
» Using any physiological information recorded during the round.
(4) Audio and Video.
• Allowed.
» Listening to audio or watching video on matters unrelated to the
competition being played (such as a news report or background music).
But in doing so, consideration should be shown to others (see Rule 1.2).
• Not Allowed.
» Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or to help with
swing tempo, or
» Watching video of the competition that helps the player in choosing a club,
making a stroke, or deciding how to play during the round, except that a
player may watch video that is being broadcast to spectators at the course,
such as on a video scoreboard.
See Committee Procedures, Section 8; Model Local Rule G-8 (the Committee may
adopt a Local Rule prohibiting or restricting the use of audio and video devices
during a round).
(5) Gloves and Gripping Agents.
• Allowed.
» Using a plain glove that meets the requirements in the Equipment Rules,
» Using resin, powders and other moisturizing or drying agents, or
» Wrapping a towel or handkerchief around the grip.
• Not Allowed.
» Using a glove that does not meet the requirements in the Equipment Rules,
or
» Using other equipment that gives an unfair advantage with hand position or
grip pressure.
46
Rule 4
47
Rule 4
(2) Tape or Similar Coverings. A player may use adhesive tape or a similar covering
for any medical reason (such as to prevent an injury or help with an existing
injury), but the tape or covering must not:
• Be applied excessively, or
• Help the player more than is necessary for the medical reason (for example, it
must not immobilize a joint to help the player swing the club).
A player who is uncertain about where or how tape or similar coverings may
be applied should ask the Committee for a ruling.
Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.3:
• Penalty for first breach: General Penalty. If the breach happens between two
holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.
• Penalty for second breach: Disqualification. This penalty applies even if the
nature of the breach was entirely different than the breach resulting in the first
penalty. This penalty only applies if there has been an intervening event after the
first breach (see Rule 1.3c(4)).
48
II
RULE
50
Rule 5
51
Rule 5
• Exception 1 – Player Arrives at Starting Point, Ready to Play, No More Than Five
Minutes Late: The player gets the general penalty applied to their first hole.
• Exception 2 – Player Starts No More Than Five Minutes Early: The player gets the
general penalty applied to their first hole.
• Exception 3 – Committee Decides that Exceptional Circumstances Prevented
Player from Starting on Time: There is no breach of this Rule and no penalty.
52
Rule 5
54
Rule 5
55
Rule 5
56
Rule 5
5.7d Lifting Ball When Play Stops; Replacing and Substituting Ball
When Play Resumes
(1) Lifting Ball When Play Stops or Before Play Resumes. When stopping play of a
hole under this Rule, the player may mark the spot of their ball and lift the ball
(see Rule 14.1).
Either before or when play is resumed:
• When Player’s Ball Was Lifted When Play Stopped. The player must replace the
original ball or another ball on the original spot (which if not known must be
estimated) (see Rule 14.2).
• When Player’s Ball Was Not Lifted When Play Stopped. The player may play the
ball as it lies, or may mark the spot of the ball, lift the ball (see Rule 14.1) and
replace that ball or another ball on the original spot (see Rule 14.2).
57
Rule 5
In either case:
• If the lie of the ball is altered as a result of lifting the ball, the player must
replace that ball or another ball as required under Rule 14.2d.
• If the lie of the ball is altered after the ball was lifted and before a ball is
replaced, Rule 14.2d does not apply:
» The original ball or another ball must be replaced on the original spot
(which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).
» But if the lie or other conditions affecting the stroke were worsened during
this time, Rule 8.1d applies.
(2) What to Do If Ball or Ball-Marker Is Moved While Play Stopped. If the player’s
ball or ball-marker is moved in any way before play resumes (including by natural
forces), the player must either:
• Replace the original ball or another ball on the original spot (which if not
known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2), or
• Place a ball-marker to mark that original spot, and then replace the original
ball or another ball on that spot (see Rules 14.1 and 14.2).
If the player’s conditions affecting the stroke were worsened while play was
stopped, see Rule 8.1d.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 5.7d: General Penalty
Under Rule 14.7a.
58
Rule 6
RULE
6 Playing a Hole
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 6 covers how to play a hole – such as the specific Rules for teeing off to
start a hole, the requirement to use the same ball for an entire hole except when
substitution is allowed, the order of play (which matters more in match play than
stroke play) and completing a hole.
59
Rule 6
(2) Stroke Play. The player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes) and must
correct the mistake by playing a ball from inside the teeing area:
• The ball played from outside the teeing area is not in play.
• That stroke and any more strokes before the mistake is corrected
(including strokes made and any penalty strokes solely from playing that ball)
do not count.
• If the player does not correct the mistake before making a stroke to begin
another hole or, for the final hole of the round, before returning their
scorecard, the player is disqualified.
60
Rule 6
Inside
teeing area
Outside
teeing area
Direction of play
Teeing area
The dotted line defines the outside edges of the teeing area (see definition of teeing area).
A ball is in the teeing area when any part of the ball touches or is above part of the teeing area.
(2) Ball May Be Teed or Played from Ground. The ball must be played from either:
• A tee placed in or on the ground, or
• The ground itself.
For purposes of this Rule, the “ground” includes sand or other natural materials
put in place to set the tee or ball on.
The player must not make a stroke at a ball on a non-conforming tee or a ball teed
in a way not allowed by this Rule.
Penalty for Breach of Rule 6.2b(2):
• Penalty for first breach: General Penalty.
• Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.
(3) Certain Conditions in Teeing Area May Be Improved. Before making a stroke,
the player may take these actions in the teeing area to improve the conditions
affecting the stroke (see Rule 8.1b(8)):
• Alter the surface of the ground in the teeing area (such as by making an
indentation with a club or foot),
61
Rule 6
• Move, bend or break grass, weeds and other natural objects that are attached
or growing in the ground in the teeing area,
• Remove or press down sand and soil in the teeing area, and
• Remove dew, frost and water in the teeing area.
But the player gets the general penalty if they take any other action to improve
the conditions affecting the stroke in breach of Rule 8.1a.
(4) Restriction on Moving Tee-Markers, or Tee-Markers Missing, When Playing from
Teeing Area.
• The location of the tee-markers is set by the Committee to define each teeing
area and should remain in that same location for all players who will play from
that teeing area.
• If the player improves the conditions affecting the stroke by moving any such
tee-marker before making a stroke from the teeing area, they get the general
penalty for breach of Rule 8.1a(1).
• If a player finds one or both tee-markers missing, the player should seek help
from the Committee. But if the Committee is not available in a reasonable time,
the player should use their reasonable judgment (Rule 1.3b(2)) to estimate the
location of the teeing area.
In all other situations, the tee-markers are treated as regular movable
obstructions that may be removed as allowed in Rule 15.2.
(5) Ball Is Not in Play Until Stroke Is Made. Whether the ball is teed or on the ground,
when starting a hole or playing again from the teeing area under a Rule:
• The ball is not in play until the player makes a stroke at it, and
• The ball may be lifted or moved without penalty before the stroke is made.
If a teed ball falls off the tee or is knocked off the tee by the player before the
player has made a stroke at it, it may be re-teed anywhere in the teeing area
without penalty.
But if the player makes a stroke at that ball while it is falling or after it has fallen
off, there is no penalty, the stroke counts and the ball is in play.
(6) When Ball in Play Lies in Teeing Area. If the player’s ball in play is in the teeing
area after a stroke (such as a teed ball after a stroke that missed the ball) or after
taking relief, the player may:
• Lift or move the ball without penalty (see Rule 9.4b, Exception 1), and
• Play that ball or another ball from anywhere in the teeing area from a tee or the
ground under (2), including playing the ball as it lies.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 6.2b(6): General
Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.
62
Rule 6
Purpose of Rule:
A hole is played as a progression of strokes made from the teeing area to the
putting green and into the hole. After teeing off, the player is normally required
to play the same ball until the hole is completed. The player gets a penalty for
making a stroke at a wrong ball or a substituted ball when substitution is not
allowed by the Rules.
6.3a Holing Out with Same Ball Played from Teeing Area
A player may play any conforming ball when starting a hole from the teeing area and
may change balls between two holes.
The player must hole out with the same ball played from the teeing area, except
when:
• That ball is lost or comes to rest out of bounds, or
• The player substitutes another ball (whether or not allowed to do so).
The player should put an identifying mark on the ball to be played (see Rule 7.2).
63
Rule 6
» Replaced, dropped or placed the substituted ball (1) in a wrong way, (2) in a
wrong place or (3) by using a procedure that does not apply.
• For how to correct any error before playing the substituted ball, see Rule 14.5.
If the player’s original ball has not been found and the player put another ball in
play to take stroke-and-distance relief (see Rules 17.1d, 18.1, 18.2b and 19.2a)
or as allowed under a Rule that applies when it is known or virtually certain what
happened to the ball (see Rules 6.3c, 9.6, 11.2c, 15.2b, 16.1e and 17.1c):
• The player must continue playing with the substituted ball, and
• The player must not play the original ball even if it is found on the course
before the end of the three-minute search time (see Rule 18.2a(1)).
(3) Making Stroke at Incorrectly Substituted Ball. If a player makes a stroke at an
incorrectly substituted ball, the player gets one penalty stroke and must then
play out the hole with the incorrectly substituted ball.
64
Rule 6
(2) What to Do When Player’s Ball Was Played by Another Player as Wrong Ball. If it
is known or virtually certain that the player’s ball was played by another player
as a wrong ball, the player must replace the original ball or another ball on the
original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).
This applies whether or not the original ball has been found.
6.3d When Player May Play More Than One Ball at a Time
A player may play more than one ball at a time on a hole only when:
• Playing a provisional ball (which will either become the ball in play or be
abandoned, as provided in Rule 18.3c), or
• Playing two balls in stroke play to correct a possible serious breach in playing
from a wrong place (see Rule 14.7b) or when uncertain about the right procedure
to use (see Rule 20.1c(3)).
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 6.4 covers the order of play throughout a hole. The order of play from the
teeing area depends on who has the honour, and after that is based on which ball
is farthest from the hole.
• In match play, the order of play is fundamental; if a player plays out of turn,
the opponent may cancel that stroke and make the player play again.
• In stroke play, there is no penalty for playing out of turn, and players are both
allowed and encouraged to play “ready golf” — that is, to play out of turn in a
safe and responsible way.
65
Rule 6
» If a player makes a timely ruling request (see Rule 20.1b) that has not yet
been decided by the Committee and could affect who has the honour on
the next hole, the honour is decided by agreement or by using a random
method.
• After Both Players Start a Hole.
» The ball that is farther from the hole is to be played first.
» If the balls are the same distance from the hole or their relative distances
are not known, the ball to be played first is decided by agreement or by
using a random method.
(2) Opponent May Cancel Player’s Stroke Made Out of Turn. If the player plays when
it was the opponent’s turn to play, there is no penalty but the opponent may
cancel the stroke:
• This must be done promptly and before either player makes another stroke.
When the opponent cancels the stroke, they cannot withdraw the cancellation.
• If the opponent cancels the stroke, the player must, when it is their turn to
play, play a ball from where that stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).
• If the opponent does not cancel the stroke, the stroke counts and the ball is in
play and must be played as it lies.
Exception – Playing Out of Turn by Agreement to Save Time: To save time:
• The player may invite the opponent to play out of turn or may agree to the
opponent’s request to play out of turn.
• If the opponent then makes the stroke out of turn, the player has given up the
right to cancel the stroke.
See Rule 23.6 (order of play in Four-Ball).
66
Rule 6
» If two or more players have the same score at a hole, they should play in the
same order as at the previous teeing area.
» The honour is based on gross scores, even in a handicap competition.
• After All Players Have Started a Hole.
» The ball that is farthest from the hole should be played first.
» If two or more balls are the same distance from the hole or their relative
distances are not known, the ball to be played first should be decided by
agreement or by using a random method.
There is no penalty if a player plays out of turn, except that if two or more players
agree to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage and one of them then
plays out of turn, each player who made the agreement gets the general penalty
(two penalty strokes).
(2) Playing Out of Turn in a Safe and Responsible Way (“Ready Golf”). Players are
both allowed and encouraged to play out of turn in a safe and responsible way,
such as when:
• Two or more players agree to do so for convenience or to save time,
• A player’s ball comes to rest a very short distance from the hole and the player
wishes to hole out, or
• An individual player is ready and able to play before another player whose turn
it is to play under the normal order of play in (1), so long as in playing out of
turn the player does not endanger, distract or interfere with any other player.
But if the player whose turn it is to play under (1) is ready and able to play and
indicates that they want to play first, other players should generally wait until
that player has played.
A player should not play out of turn to gain an advantage over other players.
6.4c When Player Will Play Provisional Ball or Another Ball from
Teeing Area
The order of play in this case is for all other players in the group to make their first
stroke on the hole before the player plays the provisional ball or another ball from
the teeing area.
If more than one player will play a provisional ball or another ball from the teeing
area, the order of play is the same order as before.
For a provisional ball or another ball played out of turn, see Rules 6.4a(2) and 6.4b.
67
Rule 6
6.4d When Player Takes Relief or Will Play Provisional Ball from
Anywhere Except Teeing Area
The order of play under Rules 6.4a(1) and 6.4b(1) in these two cases is:
(1) Taking Relief to Play Ball from a Different Place Than Where It Lies.
• When Player Becomes Aware That They Are Required to Take Stroke-and-
Distance Relief. The player’s order of play is based on the spot where their
previous stroke was made.
• When Player Has Choice to Play Ball as It Lies or Take Relief.
» The player’s order of play is based on the spot where the original ball lies
(which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).
» This applies even when the player has already decided to take stroke-and-
distance relief or to take relief to play from a different place than where the
original ball lies (such as when the original ball is in a penalty area or will
be treated as unplayable).
(2) Playing Provisional Ball. The order of play is for the player to play the provisional
ball right after making the previous stroke and before anyone else plays a ball,
except:
• When starting a hole from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4c), or
• When the player waits before deciding to play a provisional ball (in which case
the player’s order of play, once they have decided to play a provisional ball, is
based on the spot where the previous stroke was made).
68
III
RULE
Ball Search: Finding and
7 Identifying Ball
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 7 allows the player to take reasonable actions to fairly search for their ball in
play after each stroke.
• But the player still must be careful, as a penalty will apply if the player
acts excessively and causes improvement to the conditions affecting their
next stroke.
• The player gets no penalty if the ball is accidentally moved in trying to find or
identify it, but must then replace the ball on its original spot.
70
Rule 7
71
Rule 7
72
Rule 8
RULE
73
Rule 8
• Tee-marker for the teeing area when playing a ball from that teeing area.
(2) Move a loose impediment or movable obstruction into position (such as to build a
stance or to improve the line of play).
(3) Alter the surface of the ground, including by:
• Replacing divots in a divot hole,
• Removing or pressing down divots that have already been replaced or other
cut turf that is already in place, or
• Creating or eliminating holes, indentations or uneven surfaces.
(4) Remove or press down sand or loose soil.
(5) Remove dew, frost or water.
Penalty for Breach of Rule 8.1a: General Penalty.
74
Rule 8
(7) Make a stroke or the backswing for a stroke that is then made.
But when the ball is in a bunker, touching the sand in the bunker in taking the
backswing is not allowed under Rule 12.2b(1).
(8) In the teeing area:
• Place a tee in or on the ground (see Rule 6.2b(2)),
• Move, bend or break any growing or attached natural object (see Rule 6.2b(3)),
and
• Alter the surface of the ground, remove or press down sand and soil, or
remove dew, frost or water (see Rule 6.2b(3)).
(9) In a bunker, smooth sand to care for the course after a ball played from the
bunker is outside the bunker (see Rule 12.2b(3)).
(10) On the putting green, remove sand and loose soil and repair damage (see
Rule 13.1c).
(11) Move a natural object to see if it is loose.
But if the object is found to be growing or attached, it must stay attached and be
returned as nearly as possible to its original position.
See Rule 25.4g (modification of Rule 8.1b(5) in taking a stance for players who use
an assistive mobility device).
75
Rule 8
76
Rule 8
(2) When Restoration of Worsened Conditions Is Not Allowed. A player must not
improve the conditions affecting the stroke (except as allowed in Rule 8.1c(1),
8.1c(2) and Rule 13.1c) that have been worsened by:
• The player, including the player’s caddie,
• Another person (other than a referee) taking an action authorized by
the player, or
• Natural forces such as wind or water.
If the player improves the worsened conditions when not allowed to do so, the
player gets the general penalty under Rule 8.1a.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 8.1d: General Penalty
Under Rule 14.7a.
See Rules 22.2 (in Foursomes, either partner may act for the side and action of the
partner is treated as action by the player); 23.5 (in Four-Ball, either partner may act
for the side and action by the partner concerning the player’s ball or equipment is
treated as action of the player).
77
Rule 8
the player alters any such other physical conditions to care for the course (such as
smoothing footprints in a bunker or replacing a divot in a divot hole).
Penalty for Breach of Rule 8.2: General Penalty.
See Rule 22.2 (in Foursomes, either partner may act for the side and action by the
partner is treated as action of the player); 23.5 (in Four-Ball, either partner may act
for the side and action by the partner concerning the player’s ball or equipment is
treated as action of the player).
78
Rule 9
RULE
Ball Played as It Lies; Ball
9 at Rest Lifted or Moved
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 9 covers a central principle of the game: “play the ball as it lies”.
• If the player’s ball comes to rest and is then moved by natural forces such as
wind or water, the player normally must play it from its new spot.
• If a ball at rest is lifted or moved by anyone or any outside influence before the
stroke is made, the ball must be replaced on its original spot.
• Players should take care when near any ball at rest, and a player who causes
their own ball or an opponent’s ball to move will normally get a penalty (except
on the putting green).
Rule 9 applies to a ball in play at rest on the course, and applies both during a round
and while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a.
79
Rule 9
80
Rule 9
• Allows the ball to be lifted and then replaced on its original spot,
• Requires a moved ball to be replaced on its original spot, or
• Requires or allows the player to drop or place a ball again or to play a ball from a
different place.
Exception 2 – Accidental Movement in Trying to Find or Identify Ball: There is no
penalty when the player accidentally causes the ball to move while trying to find or
identify it (see Rule 7.4).
Exception 3 – Accidental Movement on Putting Green: There is no penalty when the
player accidentally causes the ball to move on the putting green (see Rule 13.1d), no
matter how that happens.
Exception 4 – Accidental Movement Anywhere Except on Putting Green While
Applying Rule: There is no penalty when the player accidentally causes the ball to
move anywhere except on the putting green while taking reasonable actions to:
• Mark the spot of the ball or lift or replace the ball, when allowed to do so (see
Rules 14.1 and 14.2),
• Remove a movable obstruction (see Rule 15.2),
• Restore worsened conditions, when allowed to do so (see Rule 8.1d),
• Take relief under a Rule, including in determining whether relief is available under
a Rule (such as swinging a club to see if there is interference from a condition), or
where to take relief (such as determining the nearest point of complete relief ), or
• Measure under a Rule (such as to decide the order of play under Rule 6.4).
Exception 5 – Ball Moves After Coming to Rest Against Player or Equipment: There is
no penalty if, after the player’s ball comes to rest against the player or their equipment
as a result of a stroke (Rule 11.1) or dropping the ball (Rule 14.3c(1)), the player
causes the ball to move when they move or when they remove their equipment.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 9.4: General Penalty
Under Rule 14.7a.
If a player is required to replace a moved ball under Rule 9.4 but fails to do so and
plays from a wrong place, they get only the general penalty under Rule 14.7a (see
Rule 1.3c(4) Exception).
82
Rule 9
83
Rule 9
If the player’s ball is played as a wrong ball by another player, that is covered by
Rule 6.3c(2), not by this Rule.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 9.6: General Penalty
Under Rule 14.7a.
84
Rule 10
RULE
Preparing for and Making a
10 Stroke; Advice and Help; Caddies
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 10 covers how to prepare for and make a stroke, including advice and other
help the player may get from others (including caddies). The underlying principle
is that golf is a game of skill and personal challenge.
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 10.1 covers how to make a stroke and several acts that are prohibited in
doing so. A stroke is made by fairly striking at a ball with the head of a club. The
fundamental challenge is to direct and control the movement of the entire club by
freely swinging the club without anchoring it.
85
Rule 10
Club held
Grip resting against
against forearm stomach
See Rules 25.3b and 25.4h (modification of Rule 10.1b for players who are amputees
and players who use assistive mobility devices).
Purpose of Rule:
A fundamental challenge for the player is deciding the strategy and tactics for
their play. So there are limits to the advice and other help the player may get
during a round.
10.2a Advice
During a round, a player must not:
• Give advice to anyone in the competition who is playing on the course,
• Ask anyone for advice, other than the player’s caddie, or
• Touch another player’s equipment to learn information that would be advice if
given by or asked of the other player (such as touching the other player’s clubs or
bag to see what club is being used).
This does not apply before a round, while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a or between
rounds in a competition.
Penalty for Breach of Rule 10.2a: General Penalty.
In both match play and stroke play, the penalty is applied in this way:
• Player Asks for or Gives Advice When Either Player Is Playing Hole. The player gets
the general penalty on the hole being played or just completed.
87
Rule 10
• Player Asks for or Gives Advice When Both Players Are Between Play of Two Holes.
The player gets the general penalty on the next hole.
See Rules 22, 23 and 24 (in forms of play involving partners, a player may give
advice to their partner or partner’s caddie and may ask their partner or partner’s
caddie for advice).
88
Rule 10
(3) No Setting Down Object to Help With Aiming, Taking Stance or Swinging. A
player must not set an object down to help with aiming or to help in taking a
stance for the stroke to be made (such as a club set down on the ground to show
where the player should aim or position their feet).
“Set an object down” means that the object is in contact with the ground and the
player is not touching the object.
If the player breaches this Rule, they cannot avoid penalty by removing the object
before the stroke is made.
This Rule also applies to taking an action for a similar purpose, such as a player
putting a mark in sand or dew to help with their swing.
This Rule does not apply to a ball-marker when used to mark the spot of a ball or
to the ball when it is placed on a spot. But a ball-marker that meets the definition
of alignment device in the Equipment Rules is covered under Rule 4.3.
See Rule 25.2c (modification of Rule 10.2b(3) for players who are blind).
(4) Restricted Area for Caddie Before Player Makes Stroke. When a player begins
taking a stance for the stroke (which means they have at least one foot in position
for that stance) and until the stroke is made, there are limitations relating to when
and why a player’s caddie may deliberately stand on or close to an extension of
the line of play behind the ball (that is, the “restricted area”) as follows:
• Aiming. The caddie must not stand in the restricted area to help the player
with aiming. This help includes when the caddie moves away without saying
anything but, by doing so, is giving a signal to the player that they are correctly
aimed at the intended target. But there is no penalty if the player backs away
before making the stroke and the caddie moves away from the restricted area
before the player again begins to take a stance for the stroke.
• Help Other Than Aiming. If the caddie is helping the player with something
specific other than aiming (such as checking to see if the player’s club will hit
a nearby tree during the backswing), the caddie may stand in the restricted
area but only if the caddie moves away before the stroke is made and provided
this positioning is not part of a regular routine.
There is no penalty if the caddie was inadvertently standing in the restricted area.
This Rule does not prohibit the player from getting help by having a person other
than the player’s caddie stand in the restricted area to help track the flight of a ball.
See Rules 22, 23 and 24 (in forms of play involving partners and advice givers, a
player’s partner, the partner’s caddie and any advice giver are restricted in these
same ways).
See Rule 25.2d (modification of Rule 10.2b(4) for players who are blind).
89
Rule 10
(5) Physical Help, Eliminating Distractions, and Protection from Elements. A player
must not make a stroke:
• While getting physical help from their caddie or any other person, or
• With their caddie or any other person or object deliberately positioned to:
» Eliminate distractions, or
» Give protection from sunlight, rain, wind or other elements.
This Rule does not prohibit the player from:
• Taking their own actions to protect against the elements while making a
stroke, such as by wearing protective clothing or holding an umbrella over
their own head, or
• Asking any other person who was not deliberately positioned by the player to
remain in position or move out of the way (such as when a spectator is casting
a shadow over the player’s ball).
Penalty for Breach of Rule 10.2b: General Penalty.
10.3 Caddies
Purpose of Rule:
The player may have a caddie to carry the player’s clubs and give advice and other
help during the round, but there are limits to what the caddie is allowed to do.
The player is responsible for the caddie’s actions during the round and will get a
penalty if the caddie breaches the Rules.
90
Rule 10
Whether or not the player has a caddie, any other person who walks or rides
along with the player or who carries other things for the player (such as a
rainsuit, umbrella or food and drink) is not the player’s caddie unless they
are named as such by the player or also carries, transports or handles
the player’s clubs.
(2) Two or More Players May Share a Caddie. When there is a Rules issue involving
a specific action of a shared caddie and it needs to be decided which player the
action was taken for:
• If the caddie’s action was taken at the specific direction of one of the players
sharing the caddie, the action was taken for that player.
• If none of those players specifically directed that action, the action is treated
as taken for the player sharing the caddie whose ball was involved.
• If none of the players sharing the caddie specifically directed the caddie’s
action and none of those players’ balls were involved, all players sharing the
caddie get the penalty.
See Rules 25.2, 25.4 and 25.5 (players with certain disabilities may also get help
from an aide).
See Committee Procedures, Section 8; Model Local Rule H-1 (the Committee may
adopt a Local Rule prohibiting or requiring the use of caddies or restricting a player’s
choice of caddie).
Penalty for Breach of Rule 10.3a:
• The player gets the general penalty for each hole during which they are helped by
more than one caddie at any one time.
• If the breach happens or continues between two holes, the player gets the
general penalty for the next hole.
91
Rule 10
92
Rule 10
• Decide to take relief under a Rule (such as treating a ball as unplayable under
Rule 19 or taking relief from an abnormal course condition or penalty area
under Rule 16.1 or 17); the caddie may advise the player to do so, but the
player must decide.
93
Rule 11
This Rule applies any time a ball in play is in motion (whether after a stroke or
otherwise), except when a ball has been dropped in a relief area and has not yet
come to rest. That situation is covered by Rule 14.3.
94
Rule 11
» Reference Point: The estimated point right under where the ball first came
to rest on the person, animal or moving outside influence.
» Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: One club-length, but
with these limits:
» Limits on Location of Relief Area:
– Must be in the same area of the course as the reference point, and
– Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point.
• When Ball Comes to Rest on Any Person, Animal or Moving Outside Influence
Located on Putting Green. The player must place the original ball or another
ball on the estimated spot right under where the ball first came to rest on the
person, animal or moving outside influence, using the procedures for replacing
a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.
Penalty for Playing from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 11.1b(1): General
Penalty Under Rule 14.7.
(2) When Ball Is Played from Putting Green. If a player’s ball in motion played from
the putting green accidentally hits the player or an outside influence, the ball
must normally be played as it lies. But if it is known or virtually certain that the
ball in motion hit any of the following on the putting green, the player must replay
the stroke by playing the original ball or another ball from the spot where that
stroke was made (see Rule 14.6):
• Any person other than:
» the player, or
» a person attending the flagstick (this is covered by Rule 13.2b(2), not by this
Rule).
• A movable obstruction other than:
» the club used to make the stroke,
» a ball-marker,
» a ball at rest (see Rule 11.1a for whether a penalty applies in stroke play), or
» a flagstick (this is covered by Rule 13.2b(2), not by this Rule).
• An animal other than those defined as a loose impediment (such as an insect).
If the player replays the stroke but does so from a wrong place, they get the
general penalty under Rule 14.7.
If the player does not replay the stroke, they get the general penalty and the
stroke counts, but the player has not played from a wrong place.
See Rule 25.4k (for players who use an assistive mobility device, Rule 11.1b(2) is
modified so that a ball hitting the device is played as it lies).
95
Rule 11
96
Rule 11
(1) Stroke Made from Anywhere Except Putting Green. The player must take relief
based on the estimated spot where the ball would have come to rest if not
deflected or stopped:
• When Ball Would Have Come to Rest Anywhere on Course Except on Putting
Green. The player must drop the original ball or another ball in this relief area
(see Rule 14.3):
» Reference Point: The estimated spot where the ball would have come to
rest.
» Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: One club-length, but
with these limits:
» Limits on Location of Relief Area:
– Must be in the same area of the course as the reference point, and
– Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point.
97
Rule 11
98
IV
RULE
12 Bunkers
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 12 is a specific Rule for bunkers, which are specially prepared areas intended
to test the player’s ability to play a ball from the sand. To make sure the player
confronts this challenge, there are some restrictions on touching the sand before
the stroke is made and on where relief may be taken for a ball in a bunker.
Ball in bunker
Ball not in bunker
Wall or face
In line with the definition of bunker and Rule 12.1, the diagram provides examples of when a ball
is in and not in a bunker.
100
Rule 12
See Rule 25.2f (modification of Rule 12.2b(1) for players who are blind); Rules 25.4l
(application of Rule 12.2b(1) for players who use an assistive mobility device).
101
Rule 12
(2) When Touching Sand Does Not Result in Penalty. Except as covered by (1), this
Rule does not prohibit the player from touching sand in the bunker in any other
way, including:
• Digging in with the feet to take a stance for a practice swing or the stroke,
• Smoothing the bunker to care for the course,
• Placing clubs, equipment or other objects in the bunker (whether by throwing
or setting them down),
• Measuring, marking, lifting, replacing or taking other actions under a Rule,
• Leaning on a club to rest, stay balanced or prevent a fall, or
• Striking the sand in frustration or anger.
But the player gets the general penalty if their actions in touching the sand
improve the conditions affecting the stroke in breach of Rule 8.1a. (See also Rules
8.2 and 8.3 for limitations on improving or worsening other physical conditions to
affect play.)
(3) No Restrictions After Ball Is Played Out of Bunker. After a ball in a bunker is
played and it is outside the bunker, or a player has taken or intends to take relief
outside the bunker, the player may:
• Touch sand in the bunker without penalty under Rule 12.2b(1), and
• Smooth sand in the bunker to care for the course without penalty under Rule 8.1a.
This is true even if the ball comes to rest outside the bunker and:
• The player is required or allowed by the Rules to take stroke-and-distance
relief by dropping a ball in the bunker, or
• The sand in the bunker is on the player’s line of play for the next stroke from
outside the bunker.
But if the ball played from the bunker comes back into the bunker, the player
takes relief by dropping a ball in the bunker, or the player decides not to take
relief outside the bunker, the restrictions in Rules 12.2b(1) and 8.1a again apply
to that ball in play in the bunker.
Penalty for Breach of Rule 12.2: General Penalty.
102
Rule 13
RULE
13 Putting Greens
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 13 is a specific Rule for putting greens. Putting greens are specially prepared
for playing the ball along the ground and there is a flagstick for the hole on each
putting green, so certain different Rules apply than for other areas of the course.
Purpose of Rule:
This Rule allows the player to do things on the putting green that are normally
not allowed off the putting green, such as being allowed to mark, lift, clean and
replace a ball and to repair damage and remove sand and loose soil on the putting
green. There is no penalty for accidentally causing a ball or ball-marker to move
on the putting green.
103
Rule 13
(1) Removal of Sand and Loose Soil. Sand and loose soil on the putting green may
be removed without penalty.
(2) Repair of Damage. A player may repair damage on the putting green without
penalty by taking reasonable actions to restore the putting green as nearly as
possible to its original condition, but only:
• By using their hand, foot or other part of the body or a normal ball-mark repair
tool, tee, club or similar item of normal equipment, and
• Without unreasonably delaying play (see Rule 5.6a).
But if the player improves the putting green by taking actions that exceed what
is reasonable to restore the putting green to its original condition (such as by
creating a pathway to the hole or by using an object that is not allowed), the
player gets the general penalty for breach of Rule 8.1a.
“Damage on the putting green” means any damage caused by any person
(including the player) or outside influence, such as:
• Ball marks, shoe damage (such as spike marks) and scrapes or indentations
caused by equipment or a flagstick,
• Old hole plugs, turf plugs, seams of cut turf and scrapes or indentations from
maintenance tools or vehicles,
• Animal tracks or hoof indentations, and
• Embedded objects (such as a stone, acorn, hail or tee) and indentations
caused by them.
But “damage on the putting green” does not include any damage or conditions
that result from:
• Normal practices for maintaining the overall condition of the putting green
(such as aeration holes and grooves from vertical mowing),
• Irrigation or rain or other natural forces,
• Natural surface imperfections (such as weeds or areas of bare, diseased or
uneven growth), or
• Natural wear of the hole.
104
Rule 13
105
Rule 13
See Committee Procedures, Section 8; Model Local Rule I-2 (the Committee may
adopt a Local Rule prohibiting a player from rolling a ball on the putting green of the
hole just completed.)
106
Rule 13
A P1
• When there is interference by a wrong green, free relief must be taken and the player must
take complete relief.
• The diagram assumes a right-hand player.
• Ball A lies on the wrong green, and the nearest point of complete relief for Ball A is at P1,
which must be in the same area of the course where the original ball came to rest (in this
case, the general area).
• The relief area is one club-length from the reference point, is not nearer to the hole than the
reference point and must be in the same area of the course as the reference point, P1.
107
Rule 13
Purpose of Rule:
This Rule covers the player’s choices for dealing with the flagstick. The player may
leave the flagstick in the hole or have it removed (which includes having someone
attend the flagstick and remove it after the ball is played), but must decide before
making a stroke. There is normally no penalty if a ball in motion hits the flagstick.
This Rule applies to a ball played from anywhere on the course, whether on or off the
putting green.
108
Rule 13
109
Rule 13
110
Rule 13
For purposes of this Rule, “deliberately deflected or stopped” means the same
thing as in Rule 11.2a, and includes when the player’s ball in motion hits:
• A removed flagstick that was deliberately positioned or left in a particular
place on the ground so that it might deflect or stop the ball,
• An attended flagstick that the person deliberately failed to remove from the
hole or to move out of the way of the ball, or
• The person who attended or removed the flagstick (or anything the person was
holding), when they deliberately failed to move out of the way of the ball.
Exception — Restrictions on Deliberately Moving Flagstick to Affect a Ball in Motion
(see Rule 11.3).
See Rule 22.2 (in Foursomes, either partner may act for the side and action by the
partner is treated as action of the player); 23.5 (in Four-Ball, either partner may act
for the side and action by the partner concerning the player’s ball or equipment is
treated as action of the player).
111
Rule 13
112
V
114
Rule 14
• The player, or
• Anyone the player authorizes, but such authorization must be given each time
before the ball is lifted rather than given generally for the round.
Exception – When Caddie May Lift Player’s Ball Without Authorization: The caddie
may lift the player’s ball without authorization when:
• The player’s ball is on the putting green, or
• It is reasonable to conclude (such as from an action or statement) that the player
will take relief under a Rule.
If the caddie lifts the ball when not allowed to do so, the player gets one penalty
stroke (see Rule 9.4).
See Rules 25.2g, 25.4a and 25.5d (for players with certain disabilities, Rule 14.1b
is modified to allow an aide to lift the player’s ball on the putting green without
authorization).
• The original ball cannot be recovered with reasonable effort and in a few seconds,
so long as the player did not deliberately cause the ball to become unrecoverable,
• The original ball is cut or cracked (see Rule 4.2c),
• Play resumes after it had been stopped (see Rule 5.7d), or
• The original ball was played by another player as a wrong ball (see Rule 6.3c(2)).
116
Rule 14
See Rule 22.2 (in Foursomes, either partner may act for the side and action by the
partner is treated as action of the player); 23.5 (in Four-Ball, either partner may act
for the side and action by the partner concerning the player’s ball or equipment is
treated as action of the player).
If the player improves the relief area before or when dropping a ball, see Rule 8.1.
118
Rule 14
Knee height
Knee height
A ball must be dropped straight down from knee height. “Knee height” means the height of
a player’s knee when in a standing position. But the player does not have to be in a standing
position when the ball is dropped.
119
Rule 14
(3) Ball Must Be Dropped in Relief Area (or on Line). The ball must be dropped in
the relief area. The player may stand either inside or outside the relief area when
dropping the ball. But when taking back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2),
17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3b), the ball must be dropped on the line in a location
allowed by that Rule, and the spot on which the ball is dropped creates a relief
area.
(4) What to Do If Ball Dropped in Wrong Way. If a ball is dropped in a wrong way in
breach of one or more of the requirements in (1), (2) or (3):
• The player must drop a ball again in the right way, and there is no limit to the
number of times the player must do so.
• A ball dropped in the wrong way does not count as one of the two drops
required before a ball must be placed under Rule 14.3c(2).
If the player does not drop again and instead makes a stroke at the ball from
where it came to rest after being dropped in a wrong way:
• If the ball was played from the relief area, the player gets one penalty stroke
(but has not played from a wrong place under Rule 14.7a).
• But if the ball was played from outside the relief area, or after it was placed
when required to be dropped (no matter where it was played from), the player
gets the general penalty.
14.3c Ball Dropped in Right Way Must Come to Rest in Relief Area
This Rule applies only when a ball is dropped in the right way under Rule 14.3b.
(1) Player Has Completed Taking Relief When Ball Dropped in Right Way Comes to
Rest in Relief Area. The ball must come to rest in the relief area.
It does not matter whether the ball, after hitting the ground, touches any person
(including the player), equipment or other outside influence before coming to rest:
• If the ball comes to rest in the relief area, the player has completed taking
relief and must play the ball as it lies.
• If the ball comes to rest outside the relief area, the player must use the
procedures in Rule 14.3c(2).
In either case, there is no penalty to any player if a ball dropped in the right way
accidentally hits any person (including the player), equipment or other outside
influence before coming to rest.
Exception – When Ball Dropped in Right Way Is Deliberately Deflected or
Stopped by Any Person: For what to do when the dropped ball is deliberately
deflected or stopped by any person before it comes to rest, see Rule 14.3d.
120
Rule 14
(2) What to Do if Ball Dropped in Right Way Comes to Rest Outside Relief Area. If the
ball comes to rest outside the relief area, the player must drop a ball in the right
way a second time.
If that ball also comes to rest outside the relief area, the player must then
complete taking relief by placing a ball using the procedures for replacing a ball
in Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e:
• The player must place a ball on the spot where the ball dropped the second
time first touched the ground.
• If the placed ball does not stay at rest on that spot, the player must place a
ball on that spot a second time.
• If the ball placed a second time also does not stay on that spot, the player
must place a ball on the nearest spot where the ball will stay at rest, subject to
the limits in Rule 14.2e. This might result in the ball being placed outside the
relief area.
The ball is dropped in the The ball is dropped in the The ball is dropped in the
right way under Rule 14.3b right way under Rule 14.3b, wrong way as it is dropped
and the ball comes to rest in but comes to rest outside the outside the relief area, and
the relief area, so the relief relief area, and so the ball so the ball must be dropped
procedure is complete. must be dropped the right again in the right way.
way a second time.
121
Rule 14
The spot on the line where The ball is dropped in the The ball is dropped in a
the ball first touches the right way under Rule 14.3b, wrong way as it has not been
ground when dropped creates but comes to rest outside the dropped on the line, and so
a relief area that is one club- relief area, and so the ball the ball must be dropped
length in any direction from must be dropped the right again in the right way.
that point. The ball is dropped way a second time.
in the right way under Rule
14.3b and the ball comes to
rest in the relief area, so the
relief procedure is complete.
122
Rule 14
14.4 When Player’s Ball Is Back in Play After Original Ball Was
Out of Play
When a player’s ball in play is lifted from the course or is lost or out of bounds, the
ball is no longer in play.
The player has a ball in play again only when:
• The player plays the original ball or another ball from the teeing area, or
• The original ball or another ball is replaced, dropped or placed on the course with
the intent for that ball to be in play.
If a ball is returned to the course in any way with the intent for it to be in play, the ball
is in play even if it was:
• Substituted for the original ball when not allowed under the Rules, or
• Replaced, dropped or placed (1) in a wrong place, (2) in a wrong way or (3) by
using a procedure that did not apply.
A replaced ball is in play even if the ball-marker marking its spot has not been
removed.
123
Rule 14
14.5b When Player May Change to a Different Rule or Relief Option When
Correcting Mistake in Taking Relief
When correcting a mistake in taking relief, whether the player must use the same
Rule and relief option originally used or may change to a different Rule or relief
option depends on the nature of the mistake:
(1) When Ball Was Put in Play Under Rule That Applied and Was Dropped or Placed
in Right Place, but Rule Requires Ball to Be Dropped or Placed Again.
• In correcting this mistake, the player must go on to take relief using the same
Rule and same relief option under that Rule.
• For example, if when taking relief for an unplayable ball, the player used the
lateral relief option (Rule 19.2c) and the ball was dropped in the right relief
area but (1) was dropped in a wrong way (see Rule 14.3b) or (2) came to rest
outside the relief area (see Rule 14.3c), in correcting the mistake the player
must go on to take relief under Rule 19.2 and must use the same relief option
(lateral relief under Rule 19.2c).
(2) When Ball Was Put in Play Under Rule That Applied but Ball Was Dropped or
Placed in Wrong Place.
• In correcting this mistake, the player must go on to take relief under the
same Rule but may use any relief option under that Rule that applies to their
situation.
• For example, if when taking relief for an unplayable ball, the player used the
lateral relief option Rule (19.2c) and mistakenly dropped the ball outside the
required relief area, in correcting the mistake the player must go on to take relief
under Rule 19.2 and may use any of the relief options under that Rule.
(3) When Ball Was Put in Play Under Rule That Did Not Apply.
• In correcting this mistake, the player may use any Rule that applies to their
situation.
124
Rule 14
• For example, if the player mistakenly took unplayable ball relief for their ball
in a penalty area (which Rule 19.1 does not allow), the player must correct the
mistake by either replacing the ball (if it had been lifted) under Rule 9.4, or
taking penalty relief under Rule 17 and may use any relief option under that
Rule that applies to their situation.
14.6b Previous Stroke Made from General Area, Penalty Area or Bunker
The original ball or another ball must be dropped in this relief area (see Rule 14.3):
• Reference Point: The spot where the previous stroke was made (which if not
known must be estimated).
125
Rule 14
• Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: One club-length, but with
these limits:
• Limits on Location of Relief Area:
» Must be in the same area of the course as the reference point, and
» Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point.
The previous stroke The previous stroke was made from the The previous stroke
was made from the general area, a bunker or a penalty area, was made from the
teeing area, so a ball so the reference point is the spot where putting green, so
must be played from the previous stroke was made. A ball is a ball is placed on
anywhere inside the dropped within one club-length of that the spot where the
teeing area. reference point, but in the same area of previous stroke was
the course as the reference point and not made.
nearer the hole than the reference point.
126
Rule 14
127
Rule 14
(2) Player Who Plays Two Balls Must Report to Committee. If the player is uncertain
whether playing from the wrong place was a serious breach and decides to play a
second ball in trying to correct the mistake:
• The player must report the facts to the Committee before returning
the scorecard.
• This applies even if the player believes they scored the same with both balls
as well as when the player, having decided to play a second ball, chooses not
to complete the hole with both balls.
If the player does not report the facts to the Committee, they are disqualified.
(3) When Player Played Two Balls, Committee Will Decide Player’s Score for Hole.
The player’s score for the hole depends on whether the Committee decides that
there was a serious breach in playing the original ball from a wrong place:
• No Serious Breach.
» The score with the ball played from a wrong place counts, and the player
gets the general penalty under Rule 14.7a (which means that two penalty
strokes are added to the score with that ball).
» All strokes with the other ball (including strokes made and any penalty
strokes solely from playing that ball) do not count.
• Serious Breach.
» The score with the ball played to correct the mistake of playing from a
wrong place counts, and the player gets the general penalty under Rule
14.7a (which means that two penalty strokes are added to the score with
that ball).
» The stroke made in playing the original ball from a wrong place and any
more strokes with that ball (including strokes made and any penalty strokes
solely from playing that ball) do not count.
» If the ball played to correct the mistake was also played from a wrong
place:
– If the Committee decides that this was not a serious breach, the player
gets the general penalty (two more penalty strokes) under Rule 14.7a,
making a total of four penalty strokes that are added to the score with
that ball (two for playing the original ball from a wrong place and two for
playing the other ball from a wrong place).
– If the Committee decides that this was a serious breach, the player
is disqualified.
128
VI
Free Relief
RULES 15-16
Rule 15
130
Rule 15
131
Rule 15
Ball moves
132
Rule 15
Relief area
• When a ball is in or on a movable obstruction (such as a towel) anywhere on the course, free
relief may be taken by lifting the ball, removing the movable obstruction and dropping a ball,
except on the putting green where the ball is placed.
• The reference point for taking relief is the estimated point right under where the ball was at
rest in or on the movable obstruction.
• The relief area is one club-length from the reference point, is not nearer to the hole than the
reference point and must be in the same area of the course as the reference point.
(3) Relief When Ball Is in or on Movable Obstruction on Putting Green. The player
may take free relief by:
• Lifting the ball and removing the movable obstruction, and
• Placing the original ball or another ball on the estimated spot right under
where the ball was at rest in or on the movable obstruction, using the
procedures for replacing a ball under Rule 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.
133
Rule 15
• The player may take free relief under Rule 15.2a(2) or 15.2a(3), using the
estimated point right under where the ball last crossed the edge of the movable
obstruction on the course as the reference point.
• Once the player puts another ball in play to take relief in this way:
» The original ball is no longer in play and must not be played.
» This is true even if it is then found on the course before the end of the three-
minute search time (see Rule 6.3b).
But if it is not known or virtually certain that the ball came to rest in or on a movable
obstruction and the ball is lost, the player must take stroke-and-distance relief under
Rule 18.2.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 15.2: General Penalty
Under Rule 14.7a.
134
Rule 15
135
Rule 15
The ball-marker must be moved out of the way to a new spot measured from its
original spot, such as by using one or more clubhead-lengths.
When moving the ball-marker back, the player should do so by measuring from the
new spot and reversing the steps used to move the ball-marker out of the way.
The same process should be applied if a player moved an interfering ball out of the
way by measuring from the ball.
Penalty for Breach of Rule 15.3: General Penalty.
This penalty also applies if the player:
• Makes a stroke without waiting for a helping ball or ball-marker to be lifted or
moved after becoming aware that another player (1) intended to lift or move it
under this Rule or (2) had required someone else to do so, or
• Refuses to lift their ball or move their ball-marker when required to do so and a
stroke is then made by the other player whose play might have been helped or
interfered with.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 15.3: General Penalty
Under Rule 14.7a.
136
Rule 16
137
Rule 16
See Committee Procedures, Section 8; Model Local Rule F-6 (the Committee may
adopt a Local Rule denying relief from an abnormal course condition that only
interferes with the area of intended stance).
P1 B1 Direction of play
Relief
area
P2
B2
Relief
area
Abnormal
course
condition
138
Rule 16
(2) Relief Allowed Anywhere on Course Except When Ball Is in Penalty Area. Relief
from interference by an abnormal course condition is allowed under Rule 16.1
only when both:
• The abnormal course condition is on the course (not out of bounds), and
• The ball is anywhere on the course, except in a penalty area (where the
player’s only relief is under Rule 17).
(3) No Relief When Clearly Unreasonable. There is no relief under Rule 16.1:
• When playing the ball as it lies is clearly unreasonable because of something
from which the player is not allowed to take free relief (such as when a player
is unable to make a stroke because of where the ball lies in a bush), or
• When interference exists only because a player chooses a club, type of
stance or swing or direction of play that is clearly unreasonable under the
circumstances.
See Committee Procedures, Section 8; Model Local Rule F-23 (the Committee may
adopt a Local Rule allowing free relief from interference by temporary immovable
obstructions on or off the course).
139
Rule 16
Abnormal
course Spot of original ball
condition
Reference point
Relief area
• Free relief is allowed when the ball is in the general area and there is interference by an
abnormal course condition.
• The nearest point of complete relief should be identified and a ball must be dropped in and
come to rest in the relief area.
• The relief area is one club-length from the reference point, is not nearer to the hole than the
reference point and must be in the general area.
• When taking relief, the player must take complete relief from all interference by the abnormal
course condition.
140
Rule 16
Abnormal course
condition
Relief
Spot dropped ball area
first touches line
Relief
area
Spot of original ball
(2) Penalty Relief: Playing from Outside Bunker (Back-on-the-Line Relief). For one
penalty stroke, the player may drop the original ball or another ball (see Rule
14.3) outside that bunker, keeping the spot of the original ball between the hole
and the spot where the ball is dropped (with no limit on how far back the ball may
be dropped). The spot on the line where the ball first touches the ground when
dropped creates a relief area that is one club-length in any direction from that
point, but with these limits:
• Limits on Location of Relief Area:
» Must not be nearer the hole than the spot of the original ball, and
» May be in any area of the course except the same bunker, but
» Must be in the same area of the course that the ball first touched when dropped.
141
Rule 16
16.1e Relief for Ball Not Found but in or on Abnormal Course Condition
If a player’s ball has not been found and it is known or virtually certain that the ball
came to rest in or on an abnormal course condition on the course, the player may use
this relief option instead of taking stroke-and-distance relief:
• The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b, c or d, using the estimated point
where the ball last crossed the edge of the abnormal course condition on
the course as the spot of the ball for purposes of finding the nearest point of
complete relief.
• Once the player puts another ball in play to take relief in this way:
» The original ball is no longer in play and must not be played.
» This is true even if it is then found on the course before the end of the three-
minute search time (see Rule 6.3b).
But if it is not known or virtually certain that the ball came to rest in or on
an abnormal course condition and the ball is lost, the player must take
stroke-and-distance relief under Rule 18.2.
142
Rule 16
Abnormal
course
condition
Nearest point of
Spot of original ball complete relief
143
Rule 16
(2) Relief When No Play Zone Interferes with Stance or Swing for Ball Anywhere on
Course Except Penalty Area. If a player’s ball is outside a no play zone and is in
the general area, in a bunker or on the putting green, and a no play zone (whether
in an abnormal course condition or in a penalty area) interferes with the player’s
area of intended stance or area of intended swing, the player must either:
• Take relief if allowed under Rule 16.1b, c or d, depending on whether the ball is
in the general area, in a bunker or on the putting green, or
• Take unplayable ball relief under Rule 19.
For what to do when there is interference by a no play zone for a ball in a penalty
area, see Rule 17.1e.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 16.1: General Penalty
Under Rule 14.7a.
144
Rule 16
145
Rule 16
(2) Determining Whether Ball Is Embedded. A player’s ball is embedded only if:
• It is in its own pitch-mark made as a result of the player’s previous
stroke, and
• Part of the ball is below the level of the ground.
If the player cannot tell for sure whether the ball is in its own pitch-mark or a
pitch-mark made by another ball, the player may treat the ball as embedded if
it is reasonable to conclude from the available information that the ball is in its
own pitch-mark.
A ball is not embedded if it is below the level of the ground as a result of anything
other than the player’s previous stroke, such as when:
• The ball is pushed into the ground by someone stepping on it,
• The ball is driven straight into the ground without becoming airborne, or
• The ball was dropped in taking relief under a Rule.
Ball is embedded
Part of the ball (embedded in its own pitch-mark)
is below the level of the ground.
Level of Ground
Ball is embedded
Despite the fact that the ball is not touching the
soil, part of the ball (embedded in its own pitch-mark)
is below the level of the ground.
146
Rule 16
• Reference Point: The spot in the general area right behind where the ball is
embedded.
• Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: One club-length, but with
these limits:
• Limits on Location of Relief Area:
» Must be in the general area, and
» Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point.
See Committee Procedures, Section 8; Model Local Rule F-2 (the Committee may
adopt a Local Rule allowing relief only for a ball embedded in an area cut to fairway
height or less).
Penalty for Playing a Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 16.3: General
Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.
Direction to hole
Spot right
behind where
the ball is
embedded Relief area
• When a ball is embedded in the general area, free relief may be taken.
• The reference point for taking relief is the spot in the general area right behind where the ball
is embedded.
• The relief area is one club-length from the reference point, is not nearer to the hole than the
reference point and must be in the general area.
• A ball must be dropped in and come to rest in the relief area.
147
Rule 16
148
VII
Penalty Relief
RULES 17-19
Rule 17
RULE
17 Penalty Areas
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 17 is a specific Rule for penalty areas, which are bodies of water or other
areas defined by the Committee where a ball is often lost or unable to be played.
For one penalty stroke, players may use specific relief options to play a ball from
outside the penalty area.
17.1b Player May Play Ball as It Lies in Penalty Area or Take Penalty Relief
The player may either:
• Play the ball as it lies without penalty, under the same Rules that apply to a ball in
the general area (which means there are no special Rules limiting how a ball may
be played from a penalty area), or
• Play a ball from outside the penalty area by taking penalty relief under Rule 17.1d
or 17.2.
Exception – Relief Must Be Taken from Interference by No Play Zone in Penalty Area
(see Rule 17.1e).
150
Rule 17
151
Rule 17
O
STR KE
PE
N A LT Y
1
2
When it is known or virtually certain that a ball is in a yellow penalty area and the player wishes
to take relief, the player has two options, each for one penalty stroke. The player may:
(1) Take stroke-and-distance relief by playing a ball from a relief area based on where the
previous stroke was made.
(2) Take back-on-the-line relief by dropping a ball outside the penalty area, keeping point X
between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped.
152
Rule 17
When it is known or virtually certain that a ball is in a red penalty area and the player wishes
to take relief, the player has three options, each for one penalty stroke. The player may:
(1) Take stroke-and-distance relief by playing a ball from a relief area based on where the
previous stroke was made.
(2) Take back-on-the-line relief by dropping a ball outside the penalty area, keeping point X
between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped.
(3) Take lateral relief (red penalty area only). The reference point for taking relief is point X, and a
ball must be dropped in and played from the two club-length relief area, which is no nearer the
hole than point X.
(3) Lateral Relief (Only for Red Penalty Area). When the ball last crossed the edge
of a red penalty area, the player may drop the original ball or another ball in this
lateral relief area (see Rule 14.3):
• Reference Point: The estimated point where the original ball last crossed the
edge of the red penalty area.
• Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: Two club-lengths, but with
these limits:
153
Rule 17
154
Rule 17
(3) No Relief When Clearly Unreasonable. There is no free relief from interference by
the no play zone under (2):
• When playing the ball as it lies is clearly unreasonable because of something
from which the player is not allowed to take free relief (such as when a player
is unable to make a stroke because of where the ball lies in a bush), or
• When interference exists only because the player chooses a club, type of
stance or swing, or direction of play that is clearly unreasonable under the
circumstances.
For what to do when there is interference by a no play zone for a ball anywhere except
in a penalty area, see Rule 16.1f.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 17.1: General Penalty
Under Rule 14.7a.
155
Rule 17
B
A
1
2
3 X
4
A player plays from the teeing area to point A in the penalty area. The player plays the ball
from point A to point B. If the player chooses to take relief, for one penalty stroke there are
four options. The player may:
(1) Take stroke-and-distance relief by playing a ball from a relief area based on where the
previous stroke was made at point A, and is playing their 4th shot.
(2) Take back-on-the-line relief by dropping a ball outside the penalty area, keeping point X
between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, and is playing their 4th shot.
(3) Take lateral relief (red penalty area only). The reference point for taking relief is point X, and
a ball must be dropped in and played from the two club-length relief area, which is no nearer
the hole than point X, and is playing their 4th shot.
(4) Play a ball from the teeing area as that was where they made the last stroke from outside
the penalty area, and is playing their 4th shot.
If the player chooses option (1) and then decides not to play the dropped ball, the player may
take back-on-the-line relief or lateral relief in relation to point X, or play again from the teeing
area, adding an additional penalty stroke for a total of two penalty strokes, and would be playing
their 5th shot.
156
Rule 17
2 B
A
1 3 X
A player plays from the teeing area to point A in the penalty area. The player plays the ball from
point A to point B, with the ball exiting the penalty area but crossing back into the penalty area
at point X. If the player chooses to take relief, for one penalty stroke there are four options.
The player may:
(1) Take stroke-and-distance relief by playing a ball from a relief area based on where the
previous stroke was made at point A, and is playing their 4th shot.
(2) Take back-on-the-line relief by dropping a ball outside the penalty area, keeping point X (the
point where the ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area) between the hole and the
spot on which the ball is dropped, and is playing their 4th shot.
(3) Take lateral relief (red penalty area only). The reference point for taking relief is point X, and
a ball must be dropped in and played from the two club-length relief area, which is no nearer
the hole than point X, and is playing their 4th shot.
(4) Play a ball from the teeing area as that was where they made the last stroke from outside
the penalty area, and is playing their 4th shot.
If the player chooses option (1) and then decides not to play the dropped ball, the player may
take back-on-the-line relief or lateral relief in relation to point X, or play again from the teeing
area, adding an additional penalty stroke for a total of two penalty strokes, and would be playing
their 5th shot.
157
Rule 17
17.2b When Ball Played from Penalty Area Is Lost, Out of Bounds or
Unplayable Outside Penalty Area
After playing a ball from a penalty area, a player may sometimes be required or
choose to take stroke-and-distance relief because the original ball is either:
• Out of bounds or lost outside the penalty area (see Rule 18.2), or
• Unplayable outside the penalty area (see Rule 19.2a).
If the player takes stroke-and-distance relief by dropping a ball in the penalty area
(see Rule 14.6) and then decides not to play the dropped ball from where it comes
to rest:
• The player may take further relief outside the penalty area under Rule 17.1d(2) or
(3) (for a red penalty area) or under Rule 17.2a(2).
• If the player does so, they get one more penalty stroke, for a total of two penalty
strokes: one stroke for taking stroke-and-distance relief, and one stroke for taking
relief outside the penalty area.
The player may directly take such relief outside the penalty area without first
dropping a ball in the penalty area, but still gets a total of two penalty strokes.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 17.2: General Penalty
Under Rule 14.7a.
158
Rule 18
RULE
Stroke-and-Distance Relief; Ball Lost
18 or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 18 covers taking relief under penalty of stroke and distance. When a ball
is lost outside a penalty area or comes to rest out of bounds, the required
progression of playing from the teeing area to the hole is broken; the player
must resume that progression by playing again from where the previous stroke
was made.
This Rule also covers how and when a provisional ball may be played to save
time when the ball in play might have gone out of bounds or be lost outside a
penalty area.
159
Rule 18
160
Rule 18
Course Course
Ball in bounds
Ball out of bounds
The boundary edge is defined by the line The boundary edge is the course-side edge of
between the course-side points of the stakes at the line, and the line itself is out of bounds.
ground level, and the stakes are out of bounds.
161
Rule 18
162
Rule 18
163
Rule 18
Original
ball
Provisional
ball A
• A player’s original ball played from the teeing area may be lost in a bush, so the player
announces and plays a provisional ball, and it comes to rest at point A.
• As point A is farther from the hole than where the original ball is estimated to be, the player
may play the provisional ball from point A without it losing its status as a provisional ball.
• The player plays the provisional ball from point A to point B.
• As point B is nearer the hole than where the original ball is estimated to be, if the player plays
the provisional ball from point B, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play under penalty of
stroke and distance.
Exception – Player May Substitute Another Ball Under Other Rule When It Is
Known or Virtually Certain What Happened to Ball: The player has an extra
option when their ball has not been found and it is known or virtually certain that
the ball:
• Came to rest on the course and was moved by an outside influence
(see Rule 9.6),
• Came to rest on the course in or on a movable obstruction (see Rule 15.2b) or
an abnormal course condition (see Rule 16.1e), or
• Was deliberately deflected or stopped by any person (see Rule 11.2c).
164
Rule 18
165
Rule 19
RULE
19 Unplayable Ball
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 19 covers the player’s several relief options for an unplayable ball. This
allows the player to choose which option to use – normally with one penalty
stroke – to get out of a difficult situation anywhere on the course (except in a
penalty area).
166
Rule 19
167
Rule 19
O
STR KE
PE
N A LT Y
A player decides that their ball in a bush is unplayable. The player has three options, in each case
adding one penalty stroke. The player may:
(1) Take stroke-and-distance relief by playing a ball from a relief area based on where the
previous stroke was made.
(2) Take back-on-the-line relief by dropping a ball behind the spot of the original ball, keeping the
spot of the original ball between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped.
(3) Take lateral relief. The reference point for taking relief is the spot of the original ball and a ball
must be dropped in and played from the two club-length relief area, which is no nearer the
hole than the reference point.
168
Rule 19
2
O
STR KE
4 O
STR KE
PE
N A LT Y
PE
O
STR KE N A LT Y
PE
N A LT Y
A player decides that their ball in a bunker is unplayable. The player has four options:
(1) For one penalty stroke, the player may take stroke-and-distance relief.
(2) For one penalty stroke, the player may take back-on-the-line relief in the bunker.
(3) For one penalty stroke, the player may take lateral relief in the bunker.
(4) For a total of two penalty strokes, the player may take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker.
169
Rule 19
170
VIII
RULE
Resolving Rules Issues During Round;
20 Rulings by Referee and Committee
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 20 covers what players should do when they have questions about the Rules
during a round, including the procedures (which differ in match play and stroke
play) allowing a player to protect the right to get a ruling at a later time.
The Rule also covers the role of referees who are authorized to decide questions
of fact and apply the Rules. Rulings from a referee or the Committee are binding
on all players.
172
Rule 20
(2) Ruling Request Made Before Result of Match Is Final. When a player wants a
referee or the Committee to decide how to apply the Rules to their own play or the
opponent’s play, the player may make a request for a ruling.
If a referee or the Committee is not available in a reasonable time, the player may
make the request for a ruling by notifying the opponent that a later ruling will be
sought when a referee or the Committee becomes available.
If a player makes a request for a ruling before the result of the match is final:
• A ruling will be given only if the request is made in time, which depends on
when the player becomes aware of the facts creating the Rules issue:
» When Player Becomes Aware of the Facts Before Either Player Starts the
Final Hole of the Match. When the player becomes aware of the facts, the
ruling request must be made before either player makes a stroke to begin
another hole.
» When Player Becomes Aware of the Facts During or After Completion of the
Final Hole of the Match. The ruling request must be made before the result
of the match is final (see Rule 3.2a(5)).
• If the player does not make the request in this time, a ruling will not be given
by a referee or the Committee and the result of the hole(s) in question will
stand even if the Rules were applied in the wrong way.
If the player requests a ruling about an earlier hole, a ruling will be given only if
all three of these apply:
• The opponent breached Rule 3.2d(1) (giving wrong number of strokes taken) or
Rule 3.2d(2) (failing to tell the player about a penalty),
• The request is based on facts the player was not aware of before either player
made a stroke to begin the hole being played or, if between holes, the hole
just completed, and
• After becoming aware of these facts, the player makes a request for a ruling in
time (as set out above).
173
Rule 20
(3) Ruling Request Made After Result of Match Is Final. When a player makes a
request for a ruling after the result of the match is final:
• The Committee will give the player a ruling only if both of these apply:
» The request is based on facts the player was not aware of before the result
of the match was final, and
» The opponent breached Rule 3.2d(1) (giving wrong number of strokes
taken) or Rule 3.2d(2) (failing to tell the player about a penalty) and knew of
the breach before the result of the match was final.
• There is no time limit on giving such a ruling.
(4) No Right to Play Two Balls. A player who is uncertain about the right procedure in
a match is not allowed to play out the hole with two balls. That procedure applies
only in stroke play (see Rule 20.1c).
174
Rule 20
• The player must decide to play two balls after the uncertain situation arises
and before making a stroke.
• The player should choose which ball will count if the Rules allow the procedure
used for that ball, by announcing that choice to their marker or to another
player before making a stroke.
• If the player does not choose in time, the ball played first is treated as the ball
chosen by default.
• The player must report the facts of the situation to the Committee before
returning the scorecard, even if the player scores the same with both balls.
The player is disqualified if they fail to do so.
• If the player made a stroke before deciding to play a second ball:
» This Rule does not apply at all and the score that counts is the score with
the ball played before the player decided to play the second ball.
» But the player gets no penalty for playing the second ball.
A second ball played under this Rule is not the same as a provisional ball under
Rule 18.3.
(4) Committee Decision on Score for Hole. When a player plays two balls under (3),
the Committee will decide the player’s score for the hole in this way:
• The score with the ball chosen (whether by the player or by default) counts
if the Rules allow the procedure used for that ball.
• If the Rules do not allow the procedure used for that ball, the score with
the other ball played counts if the Rules allow the procedure used for that
other ball.
• If the Rules do not allow the procedures used for each of the two balls, the
score with the ball chosen (whether by the player or by default) counts unless
there was a serious breach in playing that ball from a wrong place, in which
case the score with the other ball counts.
• If there was a serious breach in playing each ball from a wrong place, the
player is disqualified.
• All strokes with the ball that does not count (including strokes made and any
penalty strokes solely from playing that ball) do not count in the player’s score
for the hole.
“Rules allow the procedure used” means that either: (a) the original ball was
played as it lies and play was allowed from there, or (b) the ball that was played
was put in play under the right procedure, in the right way and in the right place
under the Rules.
175
Rule 20
176
Rule 20
177
Rule 20
(2) Stroke Play. Normally, a penalty must not be added or corrected after a
stroke-play competition has closed, which is:
• When the result becomes final in the way set by the Committee, or
• In stroke-play qualifying followed by match play, when the player has teed off
to start their first match.
But a player must be disqualified even after the competition is closed if they:
• Returned a score for any hole lower than actually taken. Except the player
is not disqualified if the reason for the lower score is the exclusion of one or
more penalty strokes that they did not know about before the competition
closed (see Rule 3.3b(3)),
• Knew before the competition had closed that they were in breach of any other
Rule with a penalty of disqualification, or
• Agreed with another player to ignore any Rule or penalty they knew applied
(see Rule 1.3b(1)).
The Committee may also disqualify a player under Rule 1.2 (serious misconduct)
after the competition has closed.
178
IX
RULE
Other Forms of Individual Stroke Play
21 and Match Play
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 21 covers four other forms of individual play, including three forms of stroke
play where scoring is different than in regular stroke play: Stableford (scoring by
points awarded on each hole); Maximum Score (the score for each hole is capped
at a maximum); and Par/Bogey (match play scoring used on a hole-by-hole basis).
21.1 Stableford
21.1a Overview of Stableford
Stableford is a form of stroke play where:
• A player’s or side’s score for a hole is based on points awarded by comparing the
player’s or side’s number of strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes)
on the hole to a fixed target score for the hole set by the Committee, and
• The competition is won by the player or side who completes all rounds with the
most points.
The Rules for stroke play in Rules 1-20 apply, as modified by these specific Rules.
Rule 21.1 is written for:
• Scratch competitions, but can be adapted for handicap competitions, and
• Individual play, but can be adapted for competitions involving partners, as
modified by Rules 22 (Foursomes) and 23 (Four-Ball), and for team competitions,
as modified by Rule 24.
180
Rule 21
181
Rule 21
182
Rule 21
(2) Score Entered for Each Hole. To meet the requirements in Rule 3.3b for entering
hole scores on the scorecard:
• If Hole Is Completed by Holing Out:
» When Score Is Lower Than Maximum. The scorecard must show the
actual score.
» When Score Is Same as or Higher Than Maximum. The scorecard must show
either no score or any score at or above the maximum.
• If Hole Is Completed Without Holing Out. If the player does not hole out under
the Rules, the scorecard must show either no score or any score at or above
the maximum.
The Committee is responsible for adjusting the player’s score to the maximum
for any hole where the scorecard shows either no score or any score above the
maximum and, in a handicap competition, for applying handicap strokes.
184
Rule 21
21.3 Par/Bogey
21.3a Overview of Par/Bogey
Par/Bogey is a form of stroke play that uses scoring as in match play where:
• A player or side wins or loses a hole by completing the hole in fewer strokes or
more strokes than a fixed target score for that hole set by the Committee, and
• The competition is won by the player or side with the highest total of holes won
versus holes lost (that is, adding up the holes won and deducting the holes lost).
The Rules for stroke play in Rules 1-20 apply, as modified by these specific Rules.
Rule 21.3 is written for:
• Scratch competitions, but can be adapted for handicap competitions as well, and
• Individual play, but can be adapted for competitions involving partners, as
modified by Rules 22 (Foursomes) and 23 (Four-Ball), and for team competitions,
as modified by Rule 24.
(2) Score Entered for Each Hole. To meet the requirements in Rule 3.3b for entering
hole scores on the scorecard:
• If Hole Is Completed by Holing Out:
» When Score Results in Hole Being Won or Tied. The scorecard must show
the actual score.
» When Score Results in Hole Being Lost. The scorecard must show either no
score or any score that results in the hole being lost.
• If Hole Is Completed Without Holing Out. If the player does not hole out under
the Rules, the scorecard must show either no score or any score that results in
the hole being lost.
The Committee is responsible for deciding whether the player won, lost or tied
each hole and, in a handicap competition, for applying handicap strokes to the
score entered for each hole before deciding the result of the hole.
Exception – No Penalty If No Effect on Result of Hole: If the player returns a
scorecard with a hole score lower than the actual score but this does not affect
whether the hole was won, lost or tied, there is no penalty under Rule 3.3b.
See Committee Procedures, Section 5A(5) (the Terms of the Competition
may encourage but not require players to enter the result of the hole on the
scorecard).
186
Rule 21
187
Rule 21
188
Rule 22
RULE
Foursomes (Also Known
22 as Alternate Shot)
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 22 covers Foursomes (played either in match play or stroke play), where two
partners compete together as a side by alternating in making strokes at a single
ball. The Rules for this form of play are essentially the same as for individual play,
except for requiring the partners to alternate in teeing off to start a hole and to
play out each hole with alternate shots.
189
Rule 22
190
Rule 22
191
Rule 23
RULE
23 Four-Ball
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 23 covers Four-Ball (played either in match play or stroke play), where
partners compete as a side with each playing a separate ball. The side’s score for
a hole is the lower score of the partners on that hole.
192
Rule 23
193
Rule 23
» One partner has holed out or had their next stroke conceded and the other partner
either chooses not to hole out or has a score that cannot count for the side, or
» The result of the hole is decided (such as when the other side’s score for the
hole is lower than the side could possibly make).
(2) Stroke Play. A side has completed a hole when one of the partners has holed out
and the other partner has holed out, chooses not to do so or is disqualified for
the hole.
196
Rule 23
197
Rule 23
198
Rule 24
RULE
24 Team Competitions
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 24 covers team competitions (played in either match play or stroke play),
where multiple players or sides compete as a team with the results of their rounds
or matches combined to produce an overall team score.
199
Rule 24
• The advice giver may be the team captain, a team coach or other person (including
a team member playing in the competition).
• The advice giver must be identified to the Committee before giving advice.
• The Committee may allow a team’s advice giver to change during a round or during
the competition.
See Committee Procedures, Section 8; Model Local Rule H-2 (the Committee may
adopt a Local Rule allowing each team to name two advice givers).
200
X
Modifications for
Players with Disabilities
RULE 25
Rule 25
RULE
Modifications for Players
25 with Disabilities
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 25 provides modifications to certain Rules of Golf to allow players with
specific disabilities to play fairly with players who have no disabilities, the same
disability or a different type of disability.
25.1 Overview
Rule 25 applies to all competitions, including all forms of play. It is a player’s
category of disability and eligibility that determine whether they can use the specific
modified Rules in Rule 25.
Rule 25 modifies certain Rules for players in the following categories of disability:
• Players who are blind (which includes certain levels of vision impairment),
• Players who are amputees (which means both those with limb deficiencies and
those who have lost a limb),
• Players who use assistive mobility devices, and
• Players with intellectual disabilities.
It is recognized that there are many players with other types of disabilities (such as
players with neurological conditions, players with orthopaedic conditions, players
of short stature and players who are deaf). These additional categories of disability
are not covered in Rule 25 as, to date, no requirement has been identified for
modification of the Rules of Golf for these players.
The Equipment Rules apply without modification, except as provided in Section 7 of
the Equipment Rules. For information on the use of equipment (other than a club or a
ball) for medical reasons, see Rule 4.3b.
See Committee Procedures, Section 5D (for guidance on player eligibility, and for
additional guidance on Rule 25 and competitions involving players with disabilities).
202
Rule 25
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 25.2 allows a player who is blind (which includes certain levels of visual
impairment) to be assisted by both an aide and a caddie at the same time, allows
help with aiming, gives the player a limited exception to the prohibitions on
touching sand in a bunker with a club and allows help with lifting, dropping,
placing and replacing a ball.
203
Rule 25
204
Rule 25
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 25.3 allows a player who is an amputee (which means both those with limb
deficiencies and those who have lost a limb) to use a prosthetic device and make
a stroke while anchoring the club, and allows help with dropping, placing and
replacing a ball.
205
Rule 25
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 25.4 allows a player who uses an assistive mobility device to be assisted
by both an aide and a caddie at the same time, explains how a player may use an
assistive mobility device (such as a wheelchair or other wheeled mobility device
or a cane or a crutch) to help in taking a stance and making a stroke, and modifies
certain relief procedures.
Rules 25.4a to 25.4l apply to all assistive mobility devices, including canes,
crutches, wheelchairs and other wheeled mobility devices.
Rules 25.4m and 25.4n apply only to wheelchairs and other wheeled mobility
devices.
206
Rule 25
207
Rule 25
But this modification does not allow the player to go beyond that by building a
stance so that the assistive mobility device will not slip during the swing, such as by
creating a raised mound of soil or sand against which to brace the device.
If the player does so, they get the general penalty for altering the surface of the
ground to build a stance in breach of Rule 8.1a(3).
208
Rule 25
209
Rule 25
Purpose of Rule:
Rule 25.5 allows a player with intellectual disability to be assisted by both an aide
and a caddie at the same time, and clarifies the role of a supervisor, who is not
assigned to a specific player and is not allowed to give advice.
210
Rule 25
211
Rule 25
25.6b Dropping
In applying Rule 14.3b (Ball Must Be Dropped in Right Way), because physical
limitations may make it difficult or impossible for players with certain disabilities
to know whether they have dropped the ball from knee height, the Committee
should accept the player’s reasonable judgment that they have done so. Also, the
Committee should accept all reasonable efforts to drop the ball from knee height,
taking into account the player’s physical limitations.
See Committee Procedures, Section 5D (providing additional guidance on Rule 25
and competitions involving players with disabilities).
212
XI
Definitions
Rule 12
Definitions
Advice
Any verbal comment or action (such as showing what club was just used to make a
stroke) that is intended to influence a player in:
• Choosing a club,
• Making a stroke, or
• Deciding how to play during a hole or round.
But advice does not include public information, such as:
• The location of things on the course such as the hole, the putting green, the
fairway, penalty areas, bunkers, or another player’s ball,
• The distance from one point to another,
• Wind direction, or
• The Rules.
Animal
Any living member of the animal kingdom (other than humans), including mammals,
birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates (such as worms, insects, spiders and
crustaceans).
Animal Hole
Any hole dug in the ground by an animal, except for holes dug by animals that are
also defined as loose impediments (such as worms or insects).
The term animal hole includes:
• The loose material the animal dug out of the hole,
• Any worn-down track or trail leading into the hole, and
• Any area on the ground pushed up or altered as a result of the animal digging the
hole underground.
An animal hole does not include animal footprints that are not part of a worn down
track or trail leading into an animal hole.
214
Definitions
Rule x
Ball-Marker
An artificial object when used to mark the spot of a ball to be lifted, such as a tee, a
coin, an object made to be a ball-marker or another small piece of equipment.
When a Rule refers to a ball-marker being moved, this means a ball-marker in place
on the course to mark the spot of a ball that has been lifted and not yet replaced.
Boundary Object
Artificial objects defining or showing out of bounds, such as walls, fences, stakes
and railings, from which free relief is not allowed.
This includes any base and post of a boundary fence, but does not include:
• Angled supports or guy wires that are attached to a wall or fence, or
• Any gate, steps, bridge or similar construction used for getting over or through the
wall or fence.
Boundary objects are treated as immovable even if they are movable or any part of
them is movable (see Rule 8.1a).
Boundary objects are not obstructions or integral objects.
Bunker
A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil was
removed.
These are not part of a bunker:
• A lip, wall or face at the edge of a prepared area and consisting of soil, grass,
stacked turf or artificial materials,
• Soil or any growing or attached natural object inside the edge of a prepared
area (such as grass, bushes or trees),
215
Rule 12
Definitions
• Sand that has spilled over or is outside the edge of a prepared area, and
• All other areas of sand on the course that are not inside the edge of a prepared
area (such as deserts and other natural sand areas or areas sometimes referred to
as waste areas).
Bunkers are one of the five defined areas of the course.
A Committee may define a prepared area of sand as part of the general area (which
means it is not a bunker) or may define a non-prepared area of sand as a bunker.
When a bunker is being repaired and the Committee defines the entire bunker as
ground under repair, it is treated as part of the general area (which means it is not a
bunker).
The word “sand” as used in this definition and Rule 12 includes any material similar
to sand that is used as bunker material (such as crushed shells), as well as any soil
that is mixed in with the sand.
Caddie
Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:
• Carrying, Transporting or Handling Clubs: A person who carries, transports (such
as by cart or trolley) or handles a player’s clubs during play is the player’s caddie
even if not named as a caddie by the player, except when done to move the
player’s clubs, bag or cart out of the way or as a courtesy (such as getting a club
the player left behind).
• Giving Advice: A player’s caddie is the only person (other than a partner or
partner’s caddie) a player may ask for advice.
A caddie may also help the player in other ways allowed by the Rules (see
Rule 10.3b).
Club-Length
The length of the longest club of the 14 (or fewer) clubs the player has during the
round (as allowed by Rule 4.1b(1)), other than a putter.
A club-length is a unit of measurement used in defining the player’s teeing area on
each hole and in determining the size of the player’s relief area when taking relief
under a Rule.
For the purpose of measuring these areas, the length of the entire club is used,
starting at the toe of the club and ending at the butt end of the grip. But any
attachment to the end of the grip is not part of the club-length.
Committee
The person or group in charge of the competition or the course.
216
Definitions
Rule x
Course
The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:
• All areas inside the boundary edge are in bounds and part of the course.
• All areas outside the boundary edge are out of bounds and not part of the course.
• The boundary edge extends both up above the ground and down below the ground.
The course is made up of the five defined areas of the course.
Drop
To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the
ball to be in play.
If the player lets go of a ball without intending it to be in play, the ball has not been
dropped and is not in play (see Rule 14.4).
Each relief Rule identifies a specific relief area where the ball must be dropped and
come to rest.
In taking relief, the player must let go of the ball from a location at knee height so
that the ball:
• Falls straight down, without the player throwing, spinning or rolling it or using any
other motion that might affect where the ball will come to rest, and
• Does not touch any part of the player’s body or equipment before it hits the
ground (see Rule 14.3b).
Embedded
When a player’s ball is in its own pitch-mark made as a result of the player’s previous
stroke and where part of the ball is below the level of the ground.
A ball does not necessarily have to touch soil to be embedded (for example, grass
and loose impediments may be between the ball and the soil).
217
Rule 12
Definitions
Equipment
Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.
Objects used for the care of the course, such as rakes, are equipment only while they
are being held or carried by the player or caddie.
Objects, other than clubs, carried by someone else for the player are not equipment,
even if they belong to the player.
Equipment Rules
The specifications and other regulations for clubs, balls and other equipment
that players are allowed to use during a round. The Equipment Rules are found at
RandA.org/EquipmentStandards.
Flagstick
A movable pole provided by the Committee that is placed in the hole to show players
where the hole is. The flagstick includes the flag and any other material or objects
attached to the pole.
When an artificial or natural object, such as a club or a stick, is being used to show
the position of the hole, that object is treated as if it is the flagstick for the purpose of
applying the Rules.
The requirements for a flagstick are stated in the Equipment Rules.
Four-Ball
A form of play where sides of two partners compete, with each player playing their
own ball. A side’s score for a hole is the lower score of the two partners on that hole.
Four-Ball may be played as a match-play competition between one side of two
partners and another side of two partners or a stroke-play competition among
multiple sides of two partners.
218
Definitions
Rule x
General Area
The area of the course that covers all of the course except for the other four defined
areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are
playing, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the
player is playing.
The general area includes:
• All teeing locations on the course other than the teeing area, and
• All wrong greens.
General Penalty
Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play.
219
Rule 12
Definitions
Hole
The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:
• The hole must be 4 ¼ inches (108 mm) in diameter and at least 4 inches (101.6
mm) deep.
• If a lining is used, its outer diameter must not exceed 4 ¼ inches (108 mm). The
lining must be sunk at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) below the putting green surface,
unless the nature of the soil requires that it be closer to the surface.
The word “hole” (when not used as a definition in italics) is used throughout the
Rules to mean the part of the course associated with a particular teeing area, putting
green and hole. Play of a hole begins from the teeing area and ends when the ball is
holed on the putting green (or when the Rules otherwise say the hole is completed).
Holed
When a ball is at rest in the hole after a stroke and the entire ball is below the surface
of the putting green.
When the Rules refer to “holing out” or “hole out”, it means when the player’s ball is
holed.
For the special case of a ball resting against the flagstick in the hole, see Rule 13.2c
(ball is treated as holed if any part of the ball is below the surface of the putting
green).
220
Definitions
Rule x
Honour
The right of a player to play first from the teeing area (see Rule 6.4).
Immovable Obstruction
Any obstruction that:
• Cannot be moved without unreasonable effort or without damaging the
obstruction or the course, and
• Otherwise does not meet the definition of a movable obstruction.
The Committee may define any obstruction to be an immovable obstruction, even if it
meets the definition of movable obstruction.
Improve
To alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke or other physical conditions
affecting play so that a player gains a potential advantage for a stroke.
In Play
The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of
a hole:
• A ball first becomes in play on a hole:
» When the player makes a stroke at it from inside the teeing area, or
» In match play, when the player makes a stroke at it from outside the teeing area
and the opponent does not cancel the stroke under Rule 6.1b.
• That ball remains in play until it is holed, except that it is no longer in play:
» When it is lifted from the course,
» When it is lost (even if it is at rest on the course) or comes to rest out of bounds,
or
» When another ball has been substituted for it, even if not allowed by a Rule.
A ball that is not in play is a wrong ball.
The player cannot have more than one ball in play at any time. (See Rule 6.3d for the
limited cases when a player may play more than one ball at the same time on a hole.)
When the Rules refer to a ball at rest or in motion, this means a ball that is in play.
When a ball-marker is in place to mark the spot of a ball in play:
• If the ball has not been lifted, it is still in play, and
• If the ball has been lifted and replaced, it is in play even if the ball-marker has not
been removed.
221
Rule 12
Definitions
Integral Object
An artificial object defined by the Committee as part of the challenge of playing the
course from which free relief is not allowed.
Integral objects are treated as immovable (see Rule 8.1a). But if part of an integral
object (such as a gate or door or part of an attached cable) meets the definition of
movable obstruction, that part is treated as a movable obstruction.
Artificial objects defined by the Committee as integral objects are not obstructions or
boundary objects.
Lie
The spot on which a ball is at rest and any growing or attached natural object,
immovable obstruction, integral object, or boundary object touching the ball or right
next to it.
Loose impediments and movable obstructions are not part of the lie of a ball.
Line of Play
The line where the player intends their ball to go after a stroke, including the area
on that line that is a reasonable distance up above the ground and on either side of
that line.
The line of play is not necessarily a straight line between two points (for example, it
may be a curved line based on where the player intends the ball to go).
222
Definitions
Rule x
Loose Impediment
Any unattached natural object such as:
• Stones, loose grass, leaves, branches and sticks,
• Dead animals and animal waste,
• Worms, insects and similar animals that can be removed easily, and the mounds
or webs they build (such as worm casts and ant hills), and
• Clumps of compacted soil (including aeration plugs).
Such natural objects are not loose if they are:
• Attached or growing,
• Solidly embedded in the ground (that is, cannot be picked out easily), or
• Sticking to the ball.
Special cases:
• Sand and Loose Soil are not loose impediments (this does not include a mound
built by a worm, insect or similar animal).
• Dew, Frost and Water are not loose impediments.
• Snow and Natural Ice (other than frost) are either loose impediments or, when on
the ground, temporary water, at the player’s option.
• Spider Webs are loose impediments even though they are attached to another object.
• Live Insect on a Ball is a loose impediment.
Lost
The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie
(or the player’s partner or partner’s caddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not
become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.
If a player deliberately delays the start of the search in order to allow other people to
search on their behalf, the search time starts when the player would have been in a
position to search had they not delayed getting to the area.
If the search begins and is then temporarily interrupted for a good reason (such as
when the player stops searching when play is suspended or needs to stand aside
to wait for another player to play) or when the player has mistakenly identified a
wrong ball:
• The time between the interruption and when the search resumes does not
count, and
• The time allowed for search is three minutes in total, counting the search time
both before the interruption and after the search resumes.
223
Rule 12
Definitions
Mark
To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:
• Placing a ball-marker right behind or right next to the ball, or
• Holding a club on the ground right behind or right next to the ball.
This is done to show the spot where the ball must be replaced after it is lifted.
Marker
In stroke play, the person responsible for entering a player’s score on the player’s
scorecard and for certifying that scorecard. The marker may be another player, but
not a partner.
The Committee may identify who will be the player’s marker or tell the players how
they may choose a marker.
Match Play
A form of play where a player or side plays directly against an opponent or opposing
side in a head-to-head match of one or more rounds:
• A player or side wins a hole in the match by completing the hole in fewer strokes
(including strokes made and penalty strokes), and
• The match is won when a player or side leads the opponent or opposing side by
more holes than remain to be played.
Match play can be played as a singles match (where one player plays directly against
one opponent), a Three-Ball match or a Foursomes or Four-Ball match between sides
of two partners.
Maximum Score
A form of stroke play where a player’s or side’s score for a hole is capped at a
maximum number of strokes (including strokes made and any penalty strokes) set by
the Committee, such as two times par, a fixed number or net double bogey.
Movable Obstruction
An obstruction that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the
obstruction or the course.
If part of an immovable obstruction or integral object (such as a gate or door or part
of an attached cable) meets these two standards, that part is treated as a movable
obstruction.
224
Definitions
Rule x
But this does not apply if the movable part of an immovable obstruction or integral
object is not meant to be moved (such as a loose stone that is part of a stone wall).
Even when an obstruction is movable, the Committee may define it to be an
immovable obstruction.
Moved
When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and
this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).
This applies whether the ball has gone up, down or horizontally in any direction away
from its original spot.
If the ball at rest only wobbles (sometimes referred to as oscillating) and stays on or
returns to its original spot, the ball has not moved.
Natural Forces
The effects of nature such as wind, water or when something happens for no
apparent reason because of the effects of gravity.
225
Rule 12
Definitions
• Relief must be taken separately for each condition, except that the player
may take relief from both conditions at the same time (based on determining
the nearest point of complete relief from both) when, having already taken
relief separately from each condition, it becomes reasonable to conclude that
continuing to do so will result in continued interference by one or the other.
No Play Zone
A part of the course where the Committee has prohibited play. A no play zone must
be defined as part of either an abnormal course condition or a penalty area.
The Committee may use no play zones for any reason, such as:
• Protecting wildlife, animal habitats, and environmentally sensitive areas,
• Preventing damage to young trees, flower beds, turf nurseries, re-turfed areas or
other planted areas,
• Protecting players from danger, and
• Preserving sites of historical or cultural interest.
The Committee should define the edge of a no play zone with a line or stakes, and
the line or stakes (or the tops of those stakes) should identify the no play zone as
different than a regular abnormal course condition or penalty area that does not
contain a no play zone.
Obstruction
Any artificial object except for integral objects and boundary objects.
Examples of obstructions:
• Artificially surfaced roads and paths, including their artificial borders,
• Buildings and rain shelters,
• Sprinkler heads, drains and irrigation or control boxes,
• Stakes, walls, railings and fences (but not when they are boundary objects that
define or show the boundary edge of the course),
• Golf carts, mowers, cars and other vehicles,
• Waste containers, signposts and benches, and
• Player equipment, flagsticks and rakes,
An obstruction is either a movable obstruction or an immovable obstruction. If part of
an immovable obstruction (such as a gate or door or part of an attached cable) meets
the definition of movable obstruction, that part is treated as a movable obstruction.
Paint dots and lines, such as those used to define boundaries and penalty areas, are
not obstructions.
226
Definitions
Rule x
See Committee Procedures, Section 8; Model Local Rule F-23 (Committee may adopt
a Local Rule defining certain obstructions as temporary immovable obstructions for
which special relief procedures apply).
Opponent
The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in
match play.
Outside Influence
Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or
equipment or to the course:
• Any person (including another player), except the player or their caddie or the
player’s partner or opponent or any of their caddies,
• Any animal,
• Any natural or artificial object or anything else (including another ball in motion),
except for natural forces, and
• Artificially propelled air and water, such as from a fan or irrigation system.
Out of Bounds
All areas outside the boundary edge of the course as defined by the Committee. All
areas inside that edge are in bounds.
The boundary edge of the course extends both up above the ground and down below
the ground:
• This means that all ground and anything else (such as any natural or artificial
object) inside the boundary edge is in bounds, whether on, above or below the
surface of the ground.
• If an object is both inside and outside the boundary edge (such as steps attached
to a boundary fence, or a tree rooted outside the edge with branches extending
inside the edge or vice versa), only the part of the object that is outside the edge
is out of bounds.
The boundary edge should be defined by boundary objects or lines:
• Boundary Objects: When defined by stakes or a fence, the boundary edge is
defined by the line between the course-side points of the stakes or fence posts at
ground level (excluding angled supports), and those stakes or fence posts are out
of bounds.
When defined by other objects such as a wall or when the Committee wishes
to treat a boundary fence in a different way, the Committee should define the
boundary edge.
227
Rule 12
Definitions
• Lines: When defined by a painted line on the ground, the boundary edge is the
course-side edge of the line, and the line itself is out of bounds.
When a line on the ground defines the boundary edge, stakes may be used to
show where the boundary edge is located.
When stakes are used to define or show the boundary edge, they are boundary
objects.
Boundary stakes or lines should be white.
Par/Bogey
A form of stroke play that uses scoring as in match play where:
• A player or side wins or loses a hole by completing the hole in fewer strokes or
more strokes (including strokes made and any penalty strokes) than a fixed target
score for that hole set by the Committee, and
• The competition is won by the player or side with the highest total of holes won
versus holes lost (that is, adding up the holes won and subtracting the holes lost).
Partner
A player who competes together with another player as a side, in either match play or
stroke play.
Penalty Area
An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball
comes to rest there.
A penalty area is:
• Any body of water on the course (whether or not marked by the Committee),
including a sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open
watercourse (even if not containing water), and
• Any other part of the course the Committee defines as a penalty area.
A penalty area is one of the five defined areas of the course.
There are two different types of penalty areas, distinguished by the colour used to
mark them:
• Yellow penalty areas (marked with yellow lines or yellow stakes) give the player
two relief options (Rules 17.1d(1) and (2)).
• Red penalty areas (marked with red lines or red stakes) give the player an extra
lateral relief option (Rule 17.1d(3)), in addition to the two relief options available
for yellow penalty areas.
228
Definitions
Rule x
If the colour of a penalty area has not been marked or indicated by the Committee, it
is treated as a red penalty area.
The edge of a penalty area extends both up above the ground and down below
the ground:
• This means that all ground and anything else (such as any natural or artificial
object) inside the edge is part of the penalty area, whether on, above or below the
surface of the ground.
• If an object is both inside and outside the edge (such as a bridge over the penalty
area, or a tree rooted inside the edge with branches extending outside the edge or
vice versa), only the part of the object that is inside the edge is part of the penalty
area.
The edge of a penalty area should be defined by stakes, lines or physical features:
• Stakes: When defined by stakes, the edge of the penalty area is defined by the
line between the outside points of the stakes at ground level, and the stakes are
inside the penalty area.
• Lines: When defined by a painted line on the ground, the edge of the penalty area
is the outside edge of the line, and the line itself is in the penalty area.
• Physical Features: When defined by physical features (such as a beach or desert
area or a retaining wall), the Committee should say how the edge of the penalty
area is defined.
When the edge of a penalty area is defined by lines or by physical features, stakes
may be used to show where the penalty area is located.
When stakes are used to define or show the edge of a penalty area, they are
obstructions.
If a Committee has mistakenly excluded an area of water that is clearly part of a
penalty area when defining its edge (such as by placing stakes in a location that
means there is a portion of water from the penalty area that appears to be in the
general area), that area is part of the penalty area.
When the edge of a body of water is not defined by the Committee, the edge of that
penalty area is defined by its natural boundaries (that is, where the ground slopes
down to form the depression that can hold the water).
If an open watercourse usually does not contain water (such as a drainage ditch or
run-off area that is dry except during a rainy season), the Committee may define that
area as part of the general area (which means it is not a penalty area).
It is the estimated point where the ball would lie that is:
• Nearest to the ball’s original spot, but not nearer the hole than that spot,
• In the required area of the course, and
• Where that abnormal course condition least interferes with the stroke the player
would have made from the original spot if the condition was not there.
Estimating this reference point requires the player to identify the choice of club,
stance, swing and line of play the player would have used for that stroke.
The player does not need to simulate that stroke by taking an actual stance and
swinging with the chosen club (but it is recommended that the player normally do
this to help in making an accurate estimate).
The point of maximum available relief is found by comparing the relative amount
of interference with the lie of the ball and the player’s area of intended stance and
swing and, on the putting green only, the line of play. For example, when taking relief
from temporary water:
• The point of maximum available relief may be where the ball will be in shallower
water than where the player will stand (affecting the stance more than the lie
and swing), or where the ball is in deeper water than where the player will stand
(affecting the lie and swing more than the stance).
• On the putting green, the point of maximum available relief may be based on
the line of play where the ball will need to go through the shallowest or shortest
stretch of temporary water.
Provisional Ball
Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:
• Out of bounds, or
• Lost outside a penalty area.
A provisional ball is not the player’s ball in play, unless it becomes the ball in play
under Rule 18.3c.
Putting Green
The area on the hole the player is playing that:
• Is specially prepared for putting, or
• The Committee has defined as the putting green (such as when a temporary green
is used).
The putting green for a hole contains the hole into which the player tries to play a ball.
230
Definitions
Rule x
The putting green is one of the five defined areas of the course. The putting greens
for all other holes (which the player is not playing at the time) are wrong greens and
part of the general area.
The edge of a putting green is defined by where it can be seen that the specially
prepared area starts (such as where the grass has been distinctly cut to show the
edge), unless the Committee defines the edge in a different way (such as by using a
line or dots).
If a double green is used for two different holes:
• The entire prepared area containing both holes is treated as the putting green
when playing each hole.
• But the Committee may define an edge that divides the double green into two
different putting greens, so that when a player is playing one of the holes, the
part of the double green on the side of the edge that is used for the other hole is a
wrong green.
Referee
An official named by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules.
In match play, a referee’s duties and authority depend on their assigned role:
• When a referee is assigned to one match for the entire round, the referee is
responsible for acting on any breach of the Rules that they see or are told about
(see Rule 20.1b(1)).
• When a referee is assigned to multiple matches or to certain holes or sections of
the course, they have no authority to become involved in a match unless:
» A player in a match asks for help with the Rules or requests a ruling (see Rule
20.1b(2)).
» A player or players in a match may be in breach of Rule 1.2 (Standards of Player
Conduct), Rule 1.3b(1) (Two or More Players Agree to Ignore any Rule or Penalty
they Know Applies), Rule 5.6a (Unreasonable Delay of Play) or Rule 5.6b
(Prompt Pace of Play).
» A player arrives late to their starting point (see Rule 5.3), or
» A player’s search for a ball reaches three minutes (see Rule 5.6a and definition
of lost).
In stroke play, a referee is responsible for acting on any breach of the Rules they see
or are told about. This applies whether the referee is assigned to one group for the
entire round or to monitor multiple groups, certain holes or parts of the course.
A referee’s duties may be limited by the Committee in match play and stroke play.
231
Rule 12
Definitions
Relief Area
The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the
exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3),
each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and
location are based on these three factors:
• Reference Point: The point from which the size of a relief area is measured.
• Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: The relief area is either one or
two club-lengths from the reference point, but with certain limits:
• Limits on Location of Relief Area: The location of the relief area may be limited in
one or more ways so that, for example:
» It is only in certain defined areas of the course, such as only in the general area,
or not in a bunker or a penalty area,
» It is not nearer the hole than the reference point or must be outside a penalty
area or a bunker from which relief is being taken, or
» It is where there is no interference (as defined in the particular Rule) from the
condition from which relief is being taken.
With back-on-the-line relief, the player must drop on the line in a location allowed
by the Rule being used and the spot where the ball first touches the ground when
dropped creates a relief area that is one club-length in any direction from that point.
When a player is required to drop again or for a second time using back-on-the-line
relief, the player may:
• Change the spot on which the ball is dropped (such as dropping nearer to or
farther from the hole), and the relief area changes based on that point, and
• Drop in a different area of the course.
But doing so does not change how Rule 14.3c applies.
In using club-lengths to determine the size of a relief area, the player may measure
directly across a ditch, hole or similar thing, and directly across or through an object
(such as a tree, fence, wall, tunnel, drain or sprinkler head), but is not allowed to
measure through ground that naturally slopes up and down.
See Committee Procedures, Section 2I (Committee may choose to allow or require
the player to use a dropping zone as a relief area when taking certain relief).
232
Definitions
Rule x
Replace
To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to
be in play.
If the player sets a ball down without intending it to be in play, the ball has not been
replaced and is not in play (see Rule 14.4).
Whenever a Rule requires a ball to be replaced, the Rule involved identifies a specific
spot where the ball must be replaced.
See Rules 25.3d and 25.4e (for players who are amputees or use an assistive mobility
device, the definition is modified to allow replacing the ball by using equipment).
Round
18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee.
Scorecard
The document where a player’s score for each hole is entered in stroke play.
The scorecard may be in any paper or electronic form approved by the Committee
that allows:
• The player’s score to be entered for each hole, and
• The marker and the player to certify the scores either by physical signature or by a
method of electronic certification approved by the Committee.
A scorecard is not required in match play but may be used by the players to help keep
the match score.
Serious Breach
In stroke play, when playing from a wrong place could give the player a significant
advantage compared to the stroke to be made from the right place.
In making this comparison to decide if there was a serious breach, the factors to be
taken into account include:
• The difficulty of the stroke,
• The distance of the ball from the hole,
• The effect of obstacles on the line of play, and
• The conditions affecting the stroke.
The concept of a serious breach does not apply in match play, because a player loses
the hole if they play from a wrong place.
233
Rule 12
Definitions
Side
Two or more partners competing as a single unit in a round in match play or stroke
play.
Each set of partners is a side, whether each partner plays their own ball (Four-Ball)
or the partners play one ball (Foursomes).
A side is not the same as a team. In a team competition, each team consists of
players competing as individuals or as sides.
Stableford
A form of stroke play where:
• A player’s or side’s score for a hole is based on points awarded by comparing the
player’s or side’s number of strokes on the hole (including strokes made and any
penalty strokes) to a fixed target score for the hole set by the Committee, and
• The competition is won by the player or side who completes all rounds with the
most points.
Stance
The position of a player’s feet and body in preparing for and making a stroke.
See Rule 25.4d (for players who use an assistive mobility device, the definition is
modified to include the position of the assistive mobility device in preparing for and
making a stroke).
Stroke
The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.
But a stroke has not been made if the player:
• Decides during the downswing not to strike the ball and avoids doing so by
deliberately stopping the clubhead before it reaches the ball or, if unable to stop,
by deliberately missing the ball.
• Accidentally strikes the ball when making a practice swing or while preparing to
make a stroke.
When the Rules refer to “playing a ball”, it means the same as making a stroke.
The player’s score for a hole or a round is described as a number of “strokes” or
“strokes taken”, which means both all strokes made and any penalty strokes (see
Rule 3.1c).
234
Definitions
Rule x
Stroke Play
A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in
the competition.
In the regular form of stroke play (see Rule 3.3):
• A player’s or side’s score for a round is the total number of strokes (including
strokes made and any penalty strokes) to hole out on each hole, and
• The winner is the player or side who completes all rounds in the fewest
total strokes.
Other forms of stroke play with different scoring methods are Stableford, Maximum
Score and Par/Bogey (see Rule 21).
All forms of stroke play can be played either in individual competitions (each player
competing on their own) or in competitions involving sides of partners (Foursomes or
Four-Ball).
Substitute
To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become
the ball in play.
Another ball has been substituted when that ball has been put in play in any way (see
Rule 14.4) to take the place of the original ball, whether the original ball was:
• In play, or
• No longer in play because it had been lifted from the course or was lost or out of
bounds.
A substituted ball is the player’s ball in play even if:
• It was replaced, dropped or placed in a wrong way or wrong place, or
• The player was required under the Rules to put the original ball back in play rather
than to substitute another ball.
235
Rule 12
Definitions
Tee
An object used to raise a ball above the ground to play it from the teeing area. It
must be no longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm) and conform with the Equipment Rules.
Teeing Area
The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.
The teeing area is a rectangle that is two club-lengths deep where:
• The front edge is defined by the line between the forward-most points of two tee-
markers set by the Committee, and
• The side edges are defined by the lines back from the outside points of the tee-
markers.
The teeing area is one of the five defined areas of the course.
All other teeing locations on the course (whether on the same hole or any other hole)
are part of the general area.
Temporary Water
Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles
from rain or irrigation or an overflow from a body of water) that:
• Is not in a penalty area, and
• Can be seen before or after the player takes a stance (without pressing down
excessively with their feet).
It is not enough for the ground to be merely wet, muddy or soft or for the water to
be momentarily visible as the player steps on the ground; an accumulation of water
must remain present either before or after the stance is taken.
Special cases:
• Dew and Frost are not temporary water.
• Snow and Natural Ice (other than frost), are either loose impediments or, when on
the ground, temporary water, at the player’s option.
• Manufactured Ice is an obstruction.
236
Definitions
Rule x
Three-Ball
A form of match play where:
• Each of three players plays an individual match against the other two players at
the same time, and
• Each player plays one ball that is used in both of their matches.
Wrong Ball
Any ball other than the player’s:
• Ball in play (whether the original ball or a substituted ball),
• Provisional ball (before it is abandoned under Rule 18.3c), or
• Second ball in stroke play played under Rule 14.7b or 20.1c.
Examples of a wrong ball are:
• Another player’s ball in play,
• A stray ball, and
• The player’s own ball that is out of bounds, has become lost or has been lifted and
not yet put back in play.
Wrong Green
Any green on the course other than the putting green for the hole the player is
playing. Wrong greens include:
• The putting greens for all other holes that the player is not playing at
the time,
• The normal putting green for a hole where a temporary green is being
used, and
• All practice greens for putting, chipping or pitching, unless the Committee
excludes them by Local Rule.
Wrong greens are part of the general area.
237
Rule 12
Definitions
Wrong Place
Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play
their ball under the Rules.
Examples of playing from a wrong place are:
• Playing a ball after replacing it on the wrong spot or without replacing it when
required by the Rules,
• Playing a dropped ball from outside the required relief area,
• Taking relief under a wrong Rule, so that the ball is dropped in and played from a
place not allowed under the Rules, and
• Playing a ball from a no play zone or when a no play zone interferes with the
player’s area of intended stance or swing.
A player has not played from a wrong place in the following situations:
• When a ball has been played from outside the teeing area in starting play of a
hole or in trying to correct that mistake (see Rule 6.1b), or
• When a ball has been played from where it comes to rest after the player has
failed to replay a stroke when required to do so.
238
Index
Index
Index
Rule Page
Abnormal Course Conditions
- Ball Not Found 16.1e 142
- Bunker 16.1c 140
- General Area 16.1b 139
- Ground Under Repair 16.1 137
- Lifting to Determine If Relief Allowed 16.4 148
- No Play Zone 16.1f 143
- Penalty Area 16.1a(2) 139
- Putting Green 16.1d 142
- Stroke Clearly Unreasonable 16.1a(3) 139
- When Relief Allowed 16.1a(1) 137
Advice and Other Help
- Advice 10.2a 87
- Help from an Aide, Other Person or Supervisor - Players 25.2a, 25.4a, 25.5a 203, 206,
with Disabilities 210
- Line of Play 10.2b 88
- Objects to Help with Alignment 10.2b(3) 89
- Objects to Help with Alignment for Players Who Are Blind 25.2c 203
- Physical Help and Protection from Elements 10.2b(5) 90
Aides
- Help from an Aide, Other Person or Supervisor - Players 25.2a, 25.4a, 203, 206,
with Disabilities 25.4b, 25.5a 206, 210
- Player Allowed Only One Aide - Players with Disabilities 25.2b, 25.4c, 25.5b 203, 207,
210
Alternate Shot See Foursomes
Animal Holes See Abnormal
Course Conditions
Artificial Paths See Abnormal
Course Conditions
Ball
- Breaks into Pieces 4.2b, 4.2c 43
- Conforming Balls 4.2a 43
- Cut or Cracked 4.2c 43
- Helping with Play - On the Putting Green 15.3a 134
- Interfering with Play - Anywhere 15.3b 135
- Substituting Ball 4.2c(2), 14.2 44, 115
240
Index
Rule Page
Ball in Motion
- Deliberately Altering Conditions to Affect Ball in Motion 11.3 98
- Deliberately Deflected or Stopped by Person 11.2 96
- Hits Assistive Mobility Device 25.4k 208
- Hits Outside Influence (Including Equipment) 11.1 94
- Hits Person 11.1 94
- Lifting Ball from Putting Green 11.3 98
- Moving Flagstick 11.3 98
Ball in Play 14.4 123
Ball Moved
- By Animal 9.6 83
- By Another Player in Stroke Play 9.6 83
- By Any Other Person 9.6 83
- By Caddie 9.4 81
- By Opponent in Match Play 9.5 82
- By Opponent in Match Play, When Penalty Applies 9.5b 83
- By Opponent's Caddie in Match Play 9.5 82
- By Outside Influence 9.6 83
- By Partner 22.2, 23.5b 189, 196
- By Player 9.4 81
- By Player, When Penalty Applies 9.4b 81
- By Wind, Water or Other Natural Forces 9.3 80
- Deciding What Caused the Ball to Move 9.2b 80
- Deciding Whether Ball Moved 9.2a 80
- During Backswing or Stroke 9.1b 79
- Helping with Play - On the Putting Green 15.3a 134
Ball Played as It Lies 9.1a 79
Ball-Marker
- Helping or Interfering with Play 15.3c 135
- Lifted or Moved 9.7a 84
- Penalty for Opponent Lifting or Moving 9.7b 84
Bunker 12 100
- Abnormal Course Condition 16.1c 140
- Dangerous Animal Condition 16.2 144
- Loose Impediments 12.2a, 15.1 101, 130
- Movable Obstructions 12.2a, 15.2 101, 131
- Unplayable Ball 19.3 169
- Unplayable Ball for Players Using a Wheeled 25.4n 209
Mobility Device
241
Index
Rule Page
- When Ball Is in Bunker 12.1 101
- When Touching Sand Does Not Result in Penalty 12.2b(2) 102
- When Touching Sand Does Not Result in Penalty - 25.4l 209
Players with Disabilities
- When Touching Sand Results in Penalty 12.2b(1) 101
Caddie
- Actions Allowed with Player Authority 10.3b(2) 92
- Actions Always Allowed 10.3b, 10.2b(1) 92, 88
- Actions Not Allowed 10.3b(3) 92
- Breach of Rules 10.3c 93
- Modification for Players with Disabilities 25.2e, 25.4j, 25.5d 204, 208,
211
- One Caddie Allowed at a Time 10.3a(1) 90
- Restricted Area for Caddie Before Player Makes Stroke 10.2b(4) 89
- Restricted Area for Caddie for Players Who Are Blind 25.2d 204
- Sharing a Caddie 10.3a(2) 91
Cleaning Ball 14.1c 115
Clubs
- Adding or Replacing Clubs 4.1b(3),(4) 40, 41
- Changing Playing Characteristics 4.1a(3) 39
- Conforming Clubs 4.1a(1) 38
- Limit of 14 Clubs 4.1b(1) 40
- Sharing Clubs 4.1b(2), 22.5, 23.7 40, 191, 196
- Taking Clubs Out of Play 4.1c 42
- Use or Repair of Club Damaged During Round 4.1a(2) 38
Completing a Hole 6.5 68
Conditions Deliberately Altered
- Affecting Another Player’s Ball 8.3 78
- Affecting Other Physical Conditions 8.2b 77
- Affecting the Lie of the Ball 8.2, 22.2, 23.5b 77, 189, 196
- Prohibited Actions 8.3b 78
Conditions Worsened 8.1d 76
Conduct
- Code of Conduct 1.2b 21
- Expected Player Conduct 1.2a 20
Correcting Mistake
- When Changing Option Allowed 14.5b 124
- When Corrections May Be Made 14.5a 124
- When Penalty Applies 14.5c 125
242
Index
Rule Page
Course
- Specific Areas 2.2b 26
- When Ball Touches Two Areas 2.2c 27
Dangerous Animal
- How to Take Relief 16.2b 144
- When Relief Is Allowed 16.2a 144
Dropping Ball
- Accidentally Deflected After Ball Strikes Ground 14.3c 120
- Ball Comes to Rest Outside Relief Area 14.3c(2) 121
- Ball Must Be Dropped in and Come to Rest in Relief Area 14.3c(1) 120
- Deliberately Deflected 14.3d 122
- How Ball Must Be Dropped 14.3b 118
- How Ball Must Be Dropped - Players with Disabilities 25.2h, 25.3c, 205, 205
25.4a, 25.6b 206, 212
- Original Ball or Another Ball May Be Used 14.3a 118
Embedded Ball
- How to Take Relief 16.3b 146
- When Relief Is Allowed 16.3a 145
Ending a Round 5.3b 52
Equipment
- Assistive Mobility Devices 25.4f 207
- Audio and Video 4.3a(4) 46
- Distance and Directional Information 4.3a(1) 45
- Gloves and Gripping Agents 4.3a(5) 46
- Information Gathered Before or During Round 4.3a(3) 45
- Information on Wind and Weather 4.3a(2) 45
- Medical Exceptions 4.3b(1) 47
- Status of Prosthetic Devices 25.3a 205
- Stretching Devices and Training Aids 4.3a(6) 47
- Tape or Similar Coverings 4.3b(2) 48
Flagstick 13.2 108
- Ball Hits Flagstick or Person When Flagstick Attended 13.2b(2) 110
- Ball Resting Against Flagstick in Hole 13.2c 111
- Leaving Flagstick in Hole 13.2a 108
- Removing Flagstick from Hole 13.2b(1) 110
Forms of Play: Match Play or Stroke Play 3.1a 28
Forms of Play: Other 21.5 188
243
Index
Rule Page
Four-Ball 23.1 192
- Order of Play 23.6 196
- Ball Deliberately Deflected 23.2c 193
- One or Both Partners May Represent Side 23.4 195
- Parters Sharing Clubs 23.7 196
- Partner Standing Behind Player During Stroke 23.8 196
- Penalties 23.9 197
- Player Responsible for Partner's Actions 23.5b 196
- Player's Actions Affecting Partner's Play 23.5a 195
- Scorecard in Stroke Play 23.2b 193
- Side’s Score - Match Play and Stroke Play 23.2a 192
- When Absent Partner May Join Group 23.4 195
- When Round Ends 23.3b 194
- When Round Starts 23.3a 194
- Whether Conceded Stroke May Be Played 23.6 196
Foursomes 22.1 189
- Either Partner May Act for Side 22.2 189
- Partner to Play First 22.4a 190
- Partners Sharing Clubs 22.5 191
- Partner Standing Behind Player During Stroke 22.6 191
- Side Must Alternate in Making Strokes 22.3 190
- Starting Round 22.4b 191
- When Wrong Partner Plays 22.3 190
Game of Golf 1.1 20
General Area 2.2a 25
Gross Scores 3.1c(1) 29
Ground Under Repair See Abnormal
Course Conditions
Groups
- Match Play 5.4a 52
- Stroke Play 5.4b 52
Identifying Ball
- Ball Accidentally Moved When Identifying 7.4 72
- How to Identify Ball 7.2 71
- Lifting Ball to Identify It 7.3 71
Immovable Obstructions See Abnormal
Course Conditions
244
Index
Rule Page
Improving Conditions
- Actions That Are Allowed 8.1b 74
- Actions That Are Not Allowed 8.1a 73
- Conditions Affecting the Stroke 8.1 73
- Restoring Conditions Improved 8.1c 75
Lifting and Replacing Ball See Replacing Ball
- Cleaning Ball 14.1c 115
- How to Replace Ball 14.2b(2) 116
- How to Replace Ball - Players With Disabilities 25.3d, 25.4e 205, 207
- Original Ball Must Be Used 14.2a 115
- Spot Must Be Marked 14.1a 114
- Who May Lift 14.1b 114
- Who May Lift - Players With Disabilities 25.2g, 25.4a, 25.5d 204, 206,
211
- Who Must Replace 14.2b 116
- Who Must Replace - Players With Disabilities 25.2h, 25.3c, 25.4a 205, 205,
206
Loose Impediments 15.1 130
- Ball Moved During Removal 15.1b 131
- Removal of Loose Impediments 15.1a 130
Lost Ball
- What to Do When Ball Is Lost 18.2b 161
- When a Ball Is Lost 18.2a(1) 160
Making Stroke
- Anchoring the Club 10.1b 85
- Anchoring the Club - Players with Disabilites 25.3b, 25.4h 205, 208
- Ball Falling Off Tee 10.1d 86
- Ball Moves After Backswing Begun 10.1d 86
- Ball Moving in Water 10.1d 86
- Fairly Striking the Ball 10.1a 85
- Standing Across or on Line of Play 10.1c 86
- Standing Across or on Line of Play for Players Using an 25.4i 208
Assistive Mobility Device
Match Play
- Applying Handicaps 3.2c 31
- Concessions 3.2b 30
- Extending a Tied Match 3.2a(4) 30
- Knowing Match Score 3.2d(3) 33
- Protecting Own Rights and Interests 3.2d(4) 33
245
Index
Rule Page
- Telling Opponent About Number of Strokes Taken 3.2d(1) 32
- Telling Opponent About Penalty 3.2d(2) 32
- Tying a Hole 3.2a(2) 29
- When Result Is Final 3.2a(5) 30
- Winning a Hole 3.2a(1) 29
- Winning a Match 3.2a(3) 30
Maximum Score 21.2 183
- Ball Deliberately Deflected 21.2d 184
- Penalties 21.2c 184
- Scoring 21.2b 183
- When Round Ends 21.2e 185
Modifications for Players with Disabilities 25 202
- Anchoring the Club 25.3b, 25.4h 205, 208
- Dropping Ball 25.2h, 25.3c, 205, 205
25.4a, 25.6b 206, 212
- For Players Who Are Amputees 25.3 205
- For Players Who Are Blind 25.2 203
- For Players with Intellectual Disabilities 25.5 210
- For Players Who Use an Assistive Mobility Device 25.4 206
- General Provisions for All Categories of Disability 25.6 211
- Help from One Aide Only 25.2b, 25.4c, 25.5b 203, 207,
210
- Help from an Aide, Other Person or Supervisor 25.2a, 25.4a, 25.5a 203, 206,
210
- Lateral Relief Option for Players Using Wheeled 25.4m 209
Mobility Device
- Lifting and Replacing Ball 25.2g, 25.2h, 204, 205
25.3c, 25.3d, 25.4a, 205, 205,
25.4e, 25.5d 206
207, 211
- Players with Both Intellectual and Physical Disabilities 25.5e 211
- Restricted Area for Caddie for Player Who Is Blind 25.2d 204
- Setting Down Object to Help with Alignment for Players 25.2c 203
Who Are Blind
- Status of Prosthetic Devices 25.3a 205
- When Touching Sand Does Not Result in Penalty 25.2f, 25.4l 204, 209
Movable Obstructions 15.2 131
- Ball Not Found 15.2b 133
- Relief Anywhere Except Putting Green 15.2a(2) 132
246
Index
Rule Page
- Relief on Putting Green 15.2a(3) 133
- Removal 15.2a(1) 131
Net Scores 3.1c(2) 29
No Play Zones 16.1f, 17.1e 143, 154
Order of Play
- Four-Ball 23.6 196
- Foursomes 22.4 190
- Match Play 6.4a(1) 65
- Match Play - Playing Out of Turn 6.4a(2) 66
- Playing Again from Teeing Area 6.4c 67
- Playing Provisional Ball Anywhere Except Teeing Area 6.4d(2) 68
- Playing Provisional Ball from Teeing Area 6.4c 67
- Ready Golf 6.4b(2) 67
- Stroke Play 6.4b(1) 66
- When Taking Relief 6.4d(1) 68
Out of Bounds 2.1 25
- What to Do When Ball Is Out of Bounds 18.2b 161
- When a Ball Is Out of Bounds 18.2a(2) 160
Pace of Play
- Pace of Play Policy 5.6b(3) 55
- Playing Out of Turn 5.6b(2) 55
- Ready Golf 5.6b, 6.4b(2) 54, 67
- Recommendations 5.6b(1) 54
- Unreasonable Delay of Play 5.6a 54
- Unreasonable Delay of Play - Players with Disabilities 25.6a 211
Par/Bogey 21.3 185
- Ball Deliberately Deflected 21.3d 187
- Penalties 21.3c 186
- Scoring 21.3b 185
- When Round Ends 21.3e 187
Penalties 1.3c 23
Penalty Area 17 150
- Ball Not Found 17.1c 151
- Ball Played from Penalty Area Comes to Rest in Penalty 17.2a 155
Area
- Ball Played from Penalty Area Is Lost, Out of Bounds or 17.2b 158
Unplayable
- How to Take Relief 17.1d 151
247
Index
Rule Page
- No Play Zone 17.1e 154
- No Relief Under Other Rules 17.3 158
- Play Ball as It Lies 17.1b 150
- Relief Options for Red Penalty Area 17.1d 151
- Relief Options for Red Penalty Area for Player Using 25.4m 209
Wheeled Mobility Device
- Relief Options for Yellow Penalty Area 17.1d 151
- When a Ball Is in a Penalty Area 17.1a 150
Practice
- Before or Between Rounds - Match Play 5.2a 51
- Before or Between Rounds - Stroke Play 5.2b 51
- Practising Between Two Holes 5.5b 53
- Practising When Play Is Suspended 5.5c 53
- Practising While Playing Hole 5.5a 53
Provisional Ball
- Announcing Play of Provisional Ball 18.3b 162
- Playing Provisional Ball More Than Once 18.3c(1) 163
- When Allowed 18.3a 162
- When Provisional Ball Must Be Abandoned 18.3c(3) 165
- When Provisional Ball Becomes the Ball in Play 18.3c(2) 163
Putting Green 13 103
- Ball or Ball-Marker Moved - Accidentally 13.1d(1) 105
- Ball or Ball-Marker Moved - By Natural Forces 13.1d(2) 105
- Ball Overhanging Hole 13.3 112
- Deliberate Testing 13.1e 105
- Marking, Lifting and Cleaning 13.1b 103
- Removing Sand and Loose Soil 13.1c(1) 104
- Repair of Damage 13.1c(2) 104
- When Ball Is on Putting Green 13.1a 103
- Wrong Green 13.1f 106
Reasonable Judgment 1.3b(2) 22
Replacing Ball
- How Ball Must Be Replaced 14.2b(2) 116
- Original Lie Altered Except in Sand 14.2d(2) 117
- Original Lie Altered in Sand 14.2d(1) 117
- Replaced Ball Does Not Stay on Original Spot 14.2e 117
- Spot Where Ball Is Replaced 14.2c 116
248
Index
Rule Page
- Who Must Replace a Ball 14.2b(1) 116
- Who Must Replace a Ball - Players with Disabilities 25.2h, 25.3c, 25.4a 205, 205,
206
Rules
- Applying the Rules 1.3b(1) 22
- Meaning of Rules 1.3a 21
Rules Issues
- Administrative Mistakes 20.2d 177
- Applying “Naked Eye” Standard When Using Video 20.2c 176
Evidence
- Avoiding Unreasonable Delay 20.1a 172
- Correcting Wrong Ruling 20.2d 177
- Disqualifying Players After Result of Match Final 20.2e(1) 177
- Disqualifying Players After Stroke-Play Competition 20.2e(2) 178
Closed
- Ineligible Player 20.2f 178
- Match Play 20.1b 172
- Rulings by Committee 20.2b 176
- Rulings by Referee 20.2a 176
- Situations Not Covered by the Rules 20.3 178
- Stroke Play 20.1c 174
Searching for Ball
- Ball Accidentally Moved During Search 7.4 72
- Fairly Searching for Ball 7.1a 70
- Sand Moved When Searching 7.1b 71
Stableford 21.1 180
- Ball Deliberately Deflected 21.1d 183
- Penalties 21.1c 182
- Scoring 21.1b 180
- When Round Ends 21.1e 183
Starting a Hole
- Playing from Inside Teeing Area - Match Play 6.1b(1) 59
- Playing from Inside Teeing Area - Stroke Play 6.1b(2) 60
- When Hole Starts 6.1a 59
Starting a Round 5.3a 51
Stopping Play
- Ball or Ball-Marker Moved While Play Stopped 5.7d(2) 58
- By Agreement in Match Play 5.7a 55
- Immediate Suspension by Committee 5.7b(1) 56
249
Index
Rule Page
- Lifting Ball 5.7d(1) 57
- Lightning 5.7a 55
- Normal Suspension by Committee 5.7b(2) 56
- Resuming Play 5.7c 57
- Suspension by Committee 5.7a 55
- When Players May or Must Stop Play 5.7a 55
Stroke and Distance
- Playing Again from General Area, Penalty Area or Bunker 14.6b 125
- Playing Again from Putting Green 14.6c 127
- Playing Again from Teeing Area 14.6a 125
Stroke-and-Distance Relief 18.1 159
Stroke Cancelled 14.6 125
Stroke Play
- Determining a Winner 3.3a 34
- Holing Out 3.3c 37
- Scorecard - Handicap on Scorecard 3.3b(4) 36
- Scorecard - Marker Responsibilities 3.3b(1) 34
- Scorecard - Player Responsibilities 3.3b(2) 35
- Scorecard - Wrong Score for Hole 3.3b(3) 36
Substituting Ball 6.3b 63
Team Competitions 24.1 199
- Advice 24.4 199
- Team Captain 24.3 199
- Terms 24.2 199
Teeing Area 6.2 60
- Ball May Be Teed 6.2b(2) 61
- Improvements Allowed 6.2b(3) 61
- Moving Tee-Markers 6.2b(4) 62
- When Ball in Teeing Area 6.2b(1) 60
- When Teeing Area Rules Apply 6.2a 60
Temporary Water See Abnormal
Course Conditions
Three-Ball Match Play 21.4 187
- Ball or Ball-Marker Lifted or Moved by Opponent 21.4c 188
- Playing Out of Turn 21.4b 187
Unplayable Ball 19 166
- Back-on-the-Line Relief 19.2b 167
- Bunker - Relief in Bunker 19.3a 169
- Bunker - Relief Outside Bunker 19.3b 170
250
Index
Rule Page
- Bunker - Relief Outside Bunker for Player Using Wheeled 25.4n 209
Mobility Device
- General Area 19.2 166
- Lateral Relief 19.2c 167
- Lateral Relief for Player Using Wheeled Mobility Device 25.4m 209
- Penalty Area 19.1 166
- Putting Green 19.2 166
- Stroke-and-Distance Relief 19.2a 166
- When Relief May Be Taken 19.1 166
Wrong Ball 6.3c 64
- Making Stroke at Wrong Ball 6.3c(1) 64
- Player's Ball Played by Another Player 6.3c(2) 65
Wrong Place
- Correction or Not 14.7b(1) 127
- Not a Serious Breach 14.7b 127
- Place from Where Ball Must Be Played 14.7a 127
- Serious Breach 14.7b 127
251
Notes
252
Notes
253
Notes
254
Notes
255
Other Publications
Equipment Rules
The Equipment Rules contain the comprehensive Rules, specifications and guidelines
to assist equipment manufacturers and designers, tournament officials and players
in understanding and applying the Rules relating to the design and manufacture
of golf clubs, balls and other equipment. It is the player’s responsibility to ensure
that the equipment they use conforms to the Rules. An interactive version of the
Equipment Rules is accessible from RandA.org, which includes links to official test
protocols and/or video demonstrations relevant to the specific Rule, specification or
measurement technique being covered.
256
THE DAY-DATE
Introduced in 1956, and chosen by visionaries and world leaders, the Day-Date,
with its iconic day display, continues to be the symbol of prestige and achievement.
#Perpetual
Golf is a global game and
The R&A and the USGA
have issued a single set of
Rules to apply worldwide
to all golfers