Rule 22.
Ball Assisting or Interfering with Play
Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in
the Definitions section — see pages 5-18.
22-1. Ball Assisting Play
Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that a
ball might assist any other player, he may:
a. Lift the ball if it is his ball, or
b. Have any other ball lifted.
A ball lifted under this Rule must be replaced (see Rule 20-3).
The ball must not be cleaned, unless it lies on the putting green
(see Rule 21).
In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first
rather than lift the ball.
In stroke play, if the Committee determines that competitors have
agreed not to lift a ball that might assist any competitor, they are
disqualified.
22-2. Ball Interfering with Play
Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that another
ball might interfere with his play, he may have it lifted.
A ball lifted under this Rule must be replaced (see Rule 20-3).
The ball must not be cleaned, unless it lies on the putting green
(see Rule 21).
In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first
rather than lift the ball.
Note: Except on the putting green, a player may not lift his ball
solely because he considers that it might interfere with the play
of another player. If a player lifts his ball without being asked to
do so, he incurs a penalty of one stroke for a breach of Rule 18-
2a, but there is no additional penalty under Rule 22.
Penalty for Breach of Rule :
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.
