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THE RULES OF GOLF THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION

2008-10-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

THE RULES OF GOLF

as approved by

THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION®

and

R&A Rules Limited

Effective January 1, 2008

THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION

HOW TO USE THE RULES BOOK

UNDERSTAND THE WORDS

The Rules book is written in a very precise and deliberate fashion. You

should be aware of and understand the following differences in word use:

may = optional

should = recommendation

must = instruction (and penalty if not carried out)

a ball = you may substitute another ball (e.g., Rules 26, 27 and 28)

the ball = you may not substitute another ball (e.g., Rules 24-2 and 25-1)

KNOW THE DEFINITIONS

There are over 50 defined terms and these form the foundation on

which the Rules of Play are written. A good knowledge of the defined

terms (which are italicized throughout the book) is very important to

the correct application of the Rules.

WHICH RULE APPLIES?

The Contents pages may help you find the relevant Rule; alternatively,

there is an Index at the back of the book.

WHAT IS THE RULING?

To answer any question on the Rules you must first establish the facts

of the case.

To do so you should identify:

1. The form of play (e.g., match play or stroke play; single, foursome

or four-ball?).

2. Who is involved (e.g., the player, his partner or caddie, an outside

agency?).

3. Where the incident occurred (e.g., on the teeing ground, in a bunker

or water hazard, on the putting green or elsewhere on the course?).

4. The player’s intentions (e.g., what was he doing and what does he

want to do?).

5. Any subsequent events (e.g., the player has returned his score card

or the competition has closed).

REFER TO THE BOOK

It is recommended that you carry a Rules book in your golf bag and

use it whenever a question arises. If in doubt, play the course as

you find it and play the ball as it lies. Once back in the Clubhouse,

reference to “Decisions on the Rules of Golf” should help resolve any

outstanding queries.

Foreword from the chairmen

This book contains the Rules of Golf, which will be effective

worldwide from January 1, 2008. It represents the culmination

of four years of work by the United States Golf Association

(USGA) and R&A Rules Limited following consultation with

other golfing bodies throughout the world.

While it is considered important that the Rules be faithful

to their historical principles, they must be clear, comprehensive

and understandable, and the penalties must be appropriate.

The Rules need regular review to ensure these goals are met,

and this set of Rules is the latest stage of this evolution. The

principal changes are summarized on pages III to VI.

Both the USGA and R&A Rules Limited wish to promote

respect for and adherence to the Rules and to preserve the

integrity of golf at all levels.

We express our grateful thanks not only for the work done

by our respective committees, but also to all those others

whose varied contributions have made this revision possible.

The USGA wishes to thank in particular Jim Reinhart and

Paul Caruso, each of whom served as Rules Chairman during

this revision cycle.

The USGA also wishes to thank Rolex for its generous

funding of this publication.

James T. Bunch W. Michael B. Brown

Chairman Chairman

Rules of Golf Committee Rules of Golf Committee

United States Golf Association R&A Rules Limited

Principal Changes to the Rules

2008-10-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

The USGA publication entitled “A Modification of the Rules

of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities” that contains permissible

modifications to The Rules of Golf to accommodate disabled

golfers is available through the USGA.

Principal Changes

General

The changes to the Rules generally fall into two broad categories:

(1) those that improve the clarity of the Rules and (2)

those that reduce the penalties in certain circumstances to

ensure that they are proportionate.

Definitions

Advice —

Amended to allow the exchange of information on

distance, as it is not considered to be “advice.”

Lost Ball —

Amended to clarify substituted ball issues and to

include the concept of “stroke-and-distance” (see corresponding

changes to Rules 18-1, 24-3, 25-1c, 26 and 27-1).

Matches —

Definition withdrawn and replaced by two new

Definitions, “Forms of Match Play” and “Forms of Stroke Play.”

Rules

Rule 1-2. Exerting Influence on Ball —

Note added to clarify

what constitutes a serious breach of Rule 1-2.

Rule 4-1. Form and Make of Clubs —

Amended to reduce the

penalty for carrying, but not using, a non-conforming club or

a club in breach of Rule 4-2, from disqualification to the same

as carrying more than 14 clubs.

Rule 12-1. Searching for Ball; Seeing Ball —

Amended to

include searching for a ball in an obstruction.

Rule 12-2. Identifying Ball —

Amended to allow a player to

lift his ball for identification in a hazard (see corresponding

change to Rule 15-3, removing the exemption from penalty

for playing a wrong ball in a hazard).

Rule 13-4. Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions —

Exception 1

amended for clarification; Exception 2 amended to refer to

Rule 13-2; Exception 3 added to exempt a player from penalty

under Rule 13-4a (testing the condition of the hazard) in certain

circumstances.

Rule 14-3. Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and

Unusual Use of Equipment —

Amended to refer to the unusual

use of equipment (see also new Exception on use of equipment

in a traditionally accepted manner) and new Exception

added for players with a legitimate medical reason to use an

artificial device or unusual equipment.

Note added to clarify that a Local Rule may be introduced

allowing the use of distance-measuring devices; previously

authorized by Decision only.

Rule 15-2. Substituted Ball —

Exception added to avoid a

“double penalty” when the player incorrectly substitutes a

ball and plays from a wrong place (see corresponding change

to Rule 20-7c).

Rule 15-3. Wrong Ball —

Amended to remove the exemption

from penalty for playing a wrong ball in a hazard (see corresponding

change to Rule 12-2, allowing the player to lift a ball

for identification in a hazard).

Rule 16-1e. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt —

Exception

added to apply no penalty if the act was inadvertent or to

avoid standing on another player’s line of putt; previously

authorized by Decision only.

Rule 18. Ball at Rest Moved —

Penalty statement amended to

avoid a “double penalty” when the player lifts a ball without

authority and incorrectly substitutes a ball (see related changes

to Rules 15-2 and 20-7c).

Rule 18-1. Ball at Rest Moved; By Outside Agency —

Note

added to clarify the procedure when a ball might have been

moved by an outside agency.

Rule 19-2. Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped By Player,

Partner, Caddie or Equipment —

Amended to reduce the penalty

in both match play and stroke play to one stroke.

Rule 20-3a. Placing and Replacing; By Whom and Where Amended

to reduce the penalty for having the wrong person

place or replace a ball to one stroke.

Rule 20-7c. Playing from Wrong Place; Stroke Play —

Note

added to avoid a “double penalty” when the player plays from

a wrong place and incorrectly substitutes a ball (see corresponding

change to Rule 15-2).

Rule 24-1. Movable Obstruction —

Amended to allow a flagstick,

whether attended, removed or held up, to be moved

when a ball is in motion.

Rule 24-3. Ball in Obstruction Not Found;

Rule 25-1c. Ball in Abnormal Ground Condition Not Found;

Rule 26-1. Water Hazards (Including Lateral Water Hazards);

Rule 27-1. Stroke and Distance; Ball Out of Bounds; Ball Not

Found Within Five Minutes The

term “reasonable evidence” has been replaced by “known

or virtually certain” when determining whether a ball that

has not been found may be treated as lost in an obstruction

(Rule 24-3), an abnormal ground condition (Rule 25-1)

or a water hazard (Rule 26-1). See corresponding change to

Definition of “Lost Ball” and Rule 18-1.

Appendix I

Seams of Cut Turf —

New Specimen Local Rule added.

Temporary Immovable Obstruction —

Clause II of the

Specimen Local Rule amended to include an additional

requirement that, for intervention relief to be granted, the

temporary immovable obstruction must be on the player’s

line of play.

Appendix II

Adjustability — Amended to allow forms of adjustability

other than weight adjustment, subject to evaluation by the

USGA.

Clubhead; Plain in Shape — Amended to clarify meaning of

“plain in shape” and list some of the features that are not

permitted; previously detailed in guidelines on equipment

Rules.

Clubhead; Dimensions, Volume and Moment of Inertia

— Sections added on moment of inertia and putter head

dimensions; previously detailed in guidelines on equipment

Rules and test protocols.

Clubhead; Spring Effect and Dynamic Properties — New

section added on spring effect. The limit, as detailed in the

Pendulum Test Protocol, now applies to all clubs (except

putters) and in all forms of the game; previously covered by

condition of competition.

Rules of Amateur Status

Rule 3-2a —

Exception amended to clarify a cash prize for a

hole-in-one made while playing golf is permissible.

Rule 4-2b —

Note added regarding the rules of the National

Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Rule 4-2c —

Note added regarding the rules of the NCAA.

Rule 6-2 —

Exception added for a player promoting (a) his

national, state or county union or association, (b) certain types

of golf competitions or events or (c) a recognized charity.

CONTENTS

SECTION I ETIQUETTE.................................................................... 1

SECTION II DEFINITIONS................................................................ 5

SECTION III THE RULES OF PLAY................................................. 19

The Game

Rule 1 The Game......................................................................... 19

Rule 2 M atch Play....................................................................... 20

Rule 3 Stroke Play....................................................................... 22

Clubs and the Ball

Rule 4 Clubs................................................................................. 24

Rule 5 The Ball............................................................................. 27

Player’s Responsibilities

Rule 6 The Player........................................................................ 29

Rule 7 Practice............................................................................. 35

Rule 8 Advice; Indicating Line of Play.................................. 36

Rule 9 Information as to Strokes Taken.............................. 37

Order of Play

Rule 10 Order of Play................................................................... 39

Teeing Ground

Rule 11 Teeing Ground............................................................... 41

Playing the Ball

Rule 12 Searching for and Identifying Ball........................... 43

Rule 13 Ball Played as It Lies..................................................... 45

Rule 14 Striking the Ball............................................................ 47

Rule 15 Substituted Ball; Wrong Ball..................................... 50

The Putting Green

Rule 16 The Putting Green......................................................... 52

Rule 17 The Flagstick................................................................... 54

Ball Moved, Deflected or Stopped

Rule 18 Ball at Rest Moved......................................................... 56

Rule 19 Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped....................... 58

Relief Situations and Procedure

Rule 20 Lifting, Dropping and Placing;

Playing from Wrong Place.......................................... 61

Rule 21 Cleaning Ball.................................................................. 68

Rule 22 Ball Assisting or Interfering with Play.................... 68

Rule 23 Loose Impediments....................................................... 69

Rule 24 Obstructions................................................................... 70

Rule 25 Abnormal Ground Conditions,

Embedded Ball and Wrong Putting Green............ 74

Rule 26 Water Hazards

(Including Lateral Water Hazards)........................... 78

Rule 27 Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball......... 80

Rule 28 Ball Unplayable.............................................................. 83

Other Forms of Play

Rule 29 Threesomes and Foursomes....................................... 84

Rule 30 Three-Ball, Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play..... 84

Rule 31 Four-Ball Stroke Play.................................................... 87

Rule 32 Bogey, Par and Stableford Competitions............... 90

Administration

Rule 33 The Committee.............................................................. 93

Rule 34 Disputes and Decisions............................................... 96

Appendix I: Local Rules; Conditions of the Competition

Contents ................................................................................................. 98

Part A: Local Rules.............................................................................. 100

Part B: Specimen Local Rules.......................................................... 102

Part C: Conditions of the Competition........................................ 117

Appendix II: Design of Clubs 126

Appendix III: The Ball 138

Rules of Amateur Status 139

Policy on Gambling 153

Index to The Rules of Golf 155

Section I ETIQUETTE Behavior on the CourseSection I ETIQUETTE Behavior on the Course

2008-10-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

Etiquette

In the Rules of Golf, the gender used in relation to any person

is understood to include both genders.

Section I ETIQUETTE;

Behavior on the Course

Introduction

This Section provides guidelines on the manner in which the

game of golf should be played. If they are followed, all players

will gain maximum enjoyment from the game. The overriding

principle is that consideration should be shown to others on

the course at all times.

The Spirit of the Game

Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of

a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the

individual to show consideration for other players and to abide

by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined

manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at

all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is

the spirit of the game of golf.

Safety

Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a

position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles,

twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.

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

range.

Players should always alert greenstaff nearby or ahead when

they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them.

If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of

hitting someone, he should immediately shout a warning. The

traditional word of warning in such situations is “fore.”

Etiquette

Consideration for Other Players

No Disturbance or Distraction

Players should always show consideration for other players on

the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking

or making unnecessary noise.

Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the

course does not distract other players.

On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it

is his turn to play.

Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or

directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another

player’s line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a

shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all

other players in the group have holed out.

Scoring

In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if

necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the

player concerned and record it.

Pace of Play

Play at Good Pace and Keep Up

Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish

pace of play guidelines that all players should follow.

It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front.

If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it

should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective

of the number of players in that group. Where a group has not

lost a clear hole, but it is apparent that the group behind can

play faster, it should invite the faster moving group to play

through.

Etiquette

Be Ready to Play

Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to

play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should

leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick

movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the

play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately

leave the putting green.

Lost Ball

If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard

or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional

ball.

Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the

group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes

apparent that the ball will not easily be found. They should

not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the

group behind to play through, they should not continue play

until that group has passed and is out of range.

Priority on the Course

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on

the course is determined by a group’s pace of play. Any group

playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a

shorter round. The term “group” includes a single player.

Care of the Course

Bunkers

Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and

smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any

nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity

of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.

Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes

Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them

and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a

ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On completion

of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting

green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.

Etiquette

Preventing Unnecessary Damage

Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing

divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a

club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.

Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting

green when putting down bags or the flagstick.

In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies

should not stand too close to the hole and should take care

during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball

from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove

a ball from the hole.

Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting

green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.

The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before

the players leave the putting green.

Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be

strictly observed.

Conclusion; Penalties for Breach

If players follow the guidelines in this Section, it will make the

game more enjoyable for everyone.

If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a

round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is

recommended that the Committee consider taking appropriate

disciplinary action against the offending player. Such action

may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time

on the course or in a certain number of competitions. This is

considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interests

of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with

these guidelines.

In the case of a serious breach of etiquette, the Committee may

disqualify a player under Rule 33-7.

Section II DEFINITIONS to Ground Under Repair

2008-10-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

Section II DEFINITIONS

The Definitions are listed alphabetically and, in the Rules

themselves, defined terms are in italics.

Abnormal Ground Conditions

An “abnormal ground condition” is any casual water, ground under

repair or hole, cast or runway on the course made by a burrowing

animal, a reptile or a bird.

Addressing the Ball

A player has “addressed the ball” when he has taken his stance

and has also grounded his club, except that in a hazard a player

has addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.

Advice

“Advice” is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a

player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the

method of making a stroke.

Information on the Rules, distance or matters of public information,

such as the position of hazards or the flagstick on the putting

green, is not advice.

Ball Deemed to Move

See “Move or Moved.”

Ball Holed

See “Holed.”

Ball Lost

See “Lost Ball.”

Ball in Play

A ball is “in play” as soon as the player has made a stroke on

the teeing ground. It remains in play until it is holed, except

when it is lost, out of bounds or lifted, or another ball has been

substituted, whether or not the substitution is permitted; a ball

so substituted becomes the ball in play.

If a ball is played from outside the teeing ground when the

player is starting play of a hole, or when attempting to

correct this mistake, the ball is not in play and Rule 11-4 or

11-5 applies. Otherwise, ball in play includes a ball played

from outside the teeing ground when the player elects or is

required to play his next stroke from the teeing ground.

Exception in match play: Ball in play includes a ball played by

the player from outside the teeing ground when starting play

of a hole if the opponent does not require the stroke to be canceled

in accordance with Rule 11-4a.

Best-Ball

See “Forms of Match Play.”

Bunker

A “bunker” is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground,

often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and

replaced with sand or the like.

Grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker, including a

stacked turf face (whether grass-covered or earthen), is not part

of the bunker. A wall or lip of the bunker not covered with grass

is part of the bunker. The margin of a bunker extends vertically

downwards, but not upwards.

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

bunker.

Burrowing Animal

A “burrowing animal” is an animal (other than a worm, insect or

the like) that makes a hole for habitation or shelter, such as a

rabbit, mole, groundhog, gopher or salamander.

Note: A hole made by a non-burrowing animal, such as a dog,

is not an abnormal ground condition unless marked or declared

as ground under repair.

Caddie

A “caddie” is one who assists the player in accordance with the

Rules, which may include carrying or handling the player’s

clubs during play.

When one caddie is employed by more than one player, he is

always deemed to be the caddie of the player sharing the caddie

whose ball (or whose partner’s ball) is involved, and equipment

carried by him is deemed to be that player’s equipment, except

when the caddie acts upon specific directions of another player

Definitions

(or the partner of another player) sharing the caddie, in which

case he is considered to be that other player’s caddie.

Casual Water

“Casual water” is any temporary accumulation of water on the

course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after

the player takes his stance. Snow and natural ice, other than

frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option

of the player. Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Dew and frost

are not casual water.

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

the casual water.

Committee

The “Committee” is the committee in charge of the competition

or, if the matter does not arise in a competition, the committee

in charge of the course.

Competitor

A “competitor” is a player in a stroke-play competition. A “fellow-

competitor” is any person with whom the competitor plays.

Neither is partner of the other.

In stroke-play foursome and four-ball competitions, where the

context so admits, the word “competitor” or “fellow-competitor”

includes his partner.

Course

The “course” is the whole area within any boundaries established

by the Committee (see Rule 33-2).

Equipment

“Equipment” is anything used, worn or carried by the player or

anything carried for the player by his partner or either of their

caddies, except any ball he has played at the hole being played

and any small object, such as a coin or a tee, when used to

mark the position of a ball or the extent of an area in which a

ball is to be dropped. Equipment includes a golf cart, whether or

not motorized.

Note 1: A ball played at the hole being played is equipment

when it has been lifted and not put back into play.

Definitions

Note 2: When a golf cart is shared by two or more players, the

cart and everything in it are deemed to be the equipment of one

of the players sharing the cart.

If the cart is being moved by one of the players (or the partner of

one of the players) sharing it, the cart and everything in it are

deemed to be that player’s equipment. Otherwise, the cart and

everything in it are deemed to be the equipment of the player

sharing the cart whose ball (or whose partner’s ball) is involved.

Fellow-Competitor

See “Competitor.”

Flagstick

The “flagstick” is a movable straight indicator, with or without

bunting or other material attached, centered in the hole to

show its position. It must be circular in cross-section. Padding

or shock absorbent material that might unduly influence the

movement of the ball is prohibited.

Forecaddie

A “forecaddie” is one who is employed by the Committee to

indicate to players the position of balls during play. He is an

outside agency.

Forms of Match Play

Single: A match in which one player plays against another

player.

Threesome: A match in which one player plays against two

other players, and each side plays one ball.

Foursome: A match in which two players play against two

other players, and each side plays one ball.

Three-Ball: Three players play a match against one another,

each playing his own ball. Each player is playing two distinct

matches.

Best-Ball: A match in which one player plays against the better

ball of two other players or the best ball of three other players.

Four-Ball: A match in which two players play their better ball

against the better ball of two other players.

Definitions

Forms of Stroke Play

Individual: A competition in which each competitor plays as an

individual.

Foursome: A competition in which two competitors play as partners

and play one ball.

Four-Ball: A competition in which two competitors play as partners,

each playing his own ball. The lower score of the partners is the

score for the hole. If one partner fails to complete the play of the

hole, there is no penalty.

Note: For bogey, par and Stableford competitions, see Rule 32-1.

Four-Ball

See “Forms of Match Play” and “Forms of Stroke Play.”

Foursome

See “Forms of Match Play” and “Forms of Stroke Play.”

Ground Under Repair

“Ground under repair” is any part of the course so marked by order

of the Committee or so declared by its authorized representative.

All ground and any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing

within the ground under repair are part of the ground under repair.

Ground under repair includes material piled for removal and a hole

made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked. Grass cuttings and

other material left on the course that have been abandoned and

are not intended to be removed are not ground under repair unless

so marked.

When the margin of ground under repair is defined by stakes, the

stakes are inside the ground under repair, and the margin of the

ground under repair is defined by the nearest outside points of the

stakes at ground level. When both stakes and lines are used to

indicate ground under repair, the stakes identify the ground under

repair and the lines define the margin of the ground under repair.

When the margin of ground under repair is defined by a line on the

ground, the line itself is in the ground under repair. The margin of

ground under repair extends vertically downwards but not upwards.

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

touches the ground under repair.

Definitions Stakes to Wrong Putting Green

2008-10-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Stakes used to define the margin of or identify ground under

repair are obstructions.

Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting play

from ground under repair or an environmentally-sensitive area

defined as ground under repair.

Hazards

A “hazard” is any bunker or water hazard.

Hole

The “hole” must be 41⁄4 inches (108 mm) in diameter and at least

4 inches (101.6 mm) deep. If a lining is used, it must be sunk

at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) below the putting green surface, unless

the nature of the soil makes it impracticable to do so; its outer

diameter must not exceed 41⁄4 inches (108 mm).

Holed

A ball is “holed” when it is at rest within the circumference of

the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole.

Honor

The player who is to play first from the teeing ground is said to

have the “honor.”

Lateral Water Hazard

A “lateral water hazard” is a water hazard or that part of a water

hazard so situated that it is not possible, or is deemed by the

Committee to be impracticable, to drop a ball behind the water

hazard in accordance with Rule 26-1b. All ground and water

within the margin of a lateral water hazard are part of the lateral

water hazard.

When the margin of a lateral water hazard is defined by stakes,

the stakes are inside the lateral water hazard, and the margin of

the hazard is defined by the nearest outside points of the stakes

at ground level. When both stakes and lines are used to indicate

a lateral water hazard, the stakes identify the hazard and the

lines define the hazard margin. When the margin of a lateral

water hazard is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is

in the lateral water hazard. The margin of a lateral water hazard

extends vertically upwards and downwards.

10 Definitions

A ball is in a lateral water hazard when it lies in or any part of it

touches the lateral water hazard.

Stakes used to define the margin of or identify a lateral water

hazard are obstructions.

Note 1: That part of a water hazard to be played as a lateral water

hazard must be distinctively marked. Stakes or lines used to

define the margin of or identify a lateral water hazard must be

red.

Note 2: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting play

from an environmentally-sensitive area defined as a lateral

water hazard.

Note 3: The Committee may define a lateral water hazard as a

water hazard.

Line of Play

The “line of play” is the direction that the player wishes his ball

to take after a stroke, plus a reasonable distance on either side

of the intended direction. The line of play extends vertically

upwards from the ground, but does not extend beyond the hole.

Line of Putt

The “line of putt” is the line that the player wishes his ball to

take after a stroke on the putting green. Except with respect to

Rule 16-1e, the line of putt includes a reasonable distance on

either side of the intended line. The line of putt does not extend

beyond the hole.

Loose Impediments

“Loose impediments” are natural objects including:

• stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like,

• dung, and

• worms, insects and the like, and the casts and heaps made

by them,

provided they are not:

• fixed or growing,

• solidly embedded, or

• adhering to the ball.

Definitions 11

12 Definitions

Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green,

but not elsewhere.

Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water

or loose impediments, at the option of the player.

Dew and frost are not loose impediments.

Lost Ball

A ball is deemed “lost” if:

a. It is not found or identified as his by the player within

five minutes after the player’s side or his or their caddies

have begun to search for it; or

b. The player has made a stroke at a provisional ball from the

place where the original ball is likely to be or from a

point nearer the hole than that place (see Rule 27-2b); or

c. The player has put another ball into play under penalty of

stroke and distance (see Rule 27-1a); or

d. The player has put another ball into play because it is

known or virtually certain that the ball, which has not

been found, has been moved by an outside agency (see Rule

18-1), is in an obstruction (see Rule 24-3), is in an abnormal

ground condition (see Rule 25-1c) or is in a water hazard (see

Rule 26-1); or

e. The player has made a stroke at a substituted ball.

Time spent in playing a wrong ball is not counted in the

five-minute period allowed for search.

Marker

A “marker” is one who is appointed by the Committee to record a

competitor’s score in stroke play. He may be a fellow-competitor. He

is not a referee.

Move or Moved

A ball is deemed to have “moved” if it leaves its position and

comes to rest in any other place.

Nearest Point of Relief

The “nearest point of relief” is the reference point for taking

relief without penalty from interference by an immovable

obstruction (Rule 24-2), an abnormal ground condition (Rule 25-1)

or a wrong putting green (Rule 25-3).

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

(i) that is not nearer the hole, and

(ii) where, if the ball were so positioned, no interference by

the condition from which relief is sought would exist

for the stroke the player would have made from the original

position if the condition were not there.

Note: In order to determine the nearest point of relief accurately,

the player should use the club with which he would have made

his next stroke if the condition were not there to simulate the

address position, direction of play and swing for such a stroke.

Observer

An “observer” is one who is appointed by the Committee to assist

a referee to decide questions of fact and to report to him any

breach of a Rule. An observer should not attend the flagstick,

stand at or mark the position of the hole, or lift the ball or

mark its position.

Obstructions

An “obstruction” is anything artificial, including the artificial

surfaces and sides of roads and paths and manufactured

ice, except:

a. Objects defining out of bounds, such as walls, fences,

stakes and railings;

b. Any part of an immovable artificial object that is out of

bounds; and

c. Any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral

part of the course.

An obstruction is a movable obstruction if it may be moved

without unreasonable effort, without unduly delaying play

and without causing damage. Otherwise, it is an immovable

obstruction.

Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule declaring a movable

obstruction to be an immovable obstruction.

Definitions 13

14 Definitions

Out of Bounds

“Out of bounds” is beyond the boundaries of the course or any

part of the course so marked by the Committee.

When out of bounds is defined by reference to stakes or a fence

or as being beyond stakes or a fence, the out of bounds line is

determined by the nearest inside points at ground level of the

stakes or fence posts (excluding angled supports). When both

stakes and lines are used to indicate out of bounds, the stakes

identify out of bounds and the lines define out of bounds. When

out of bounds is defined by a line on the ground, the line itself is

out of bounds. The out of bounds line extends vertically upwards

and downwards.

A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds. A player

may stand out of bounds to play a ball lying within bounds.

Objects defining out of bounds such as walls, fences, stakes and

railings, are not obstructions and are deemed to be fixed. Stakes

identifying out of bounds are not obstructions and are deemed to

be fixed.

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

white.

Note 2: A Committee may make a Local Rule declaring stakes

identifying but not defining out of bounds to be movable obstructions.

Outside Agency

In match play, an “outside agency” is any agency other than

either the player’s or opponent’s side, any caddie of either side,

any ball played by either side at the hole being played or any

equipment of either side.

In stroke play, an outside agency is any agency other than the

competitor’s side, any caddie of the side, any ball played by the side

at the hole being played or any equipment of the side.

An outside agency includes a referee, a marker, an observer and a

forecaddie. Neither wind nor water is an outside agency.

Partner

A “partner” is a player associated with another player on the

same side.

In threesome, foursome, best-ball or four-ball play, where the context

so admits, the word “player” includes his partner or partners.

Penalty Stroke

A “penalty stroke” is one added to the score of a player or side

under certain Rules. In a threesome or foursome, penalty strokes do

not affect the order of play.

Provisional Ball

A “provisional ball” is a ball played under Rule 27-2 for a ball that

may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds.

Putting Green

The “putting green” is all ground of the hole being played that is

specially prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such by

the Committee. A ball is on the putting green when any part of it

touches the putting green.

Referee

A “referee” is one who is appointed by the Committee to accompany

players to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules.

He must act on any breach of a Rule that he observes or is

reported to him.

A referee should not attend the flagstick, stand at or mark the

position of the hole, or lift the ball or mark its position.

Rub of the Green

A “rub of the green” occurs when a ball in motion is accidentally

deflected or stopped by any outside agency (see Rule 19-1).

Rule or Rules

The term “Rule” includes:

a. The Rules of Golf and their interpretations as contained

in “Decisions on the Rules of Golf ”;

b. Any Conditions of Competition established by the

Committee under Rule 33-1 and Appendix I;

Definitions 15

c. Any Local Rules established by the Committee under Rule

33-8a and Appendix I; and

d. The specifications on clubs and the ball in Appendices

II and III and their interpretations as contained in “A

Guide to the Rules on Clubs and Balls.”

Side

A “side” is a player, or two or more players who are partners.

Single

See “Forms of Match Play” and “Forms of Stroke Play.”

Stance

Taking the “stance” consists in a player placing his feet in position

for and preparatory to making a stroke.

Stipulated Round

The “stipulated round” consists of playing the holes of the course

in their correct sequence, unless otherwise authorized by the

Committee. The number of holes in a stipulated round is 18 unless

a smaller number is authorized by the Committee. As to extension

of stipulated round in match play, see Rule 2-3.

Stroke

A “stroke” is the forward movement of the club made with the

intention of striking at and moving the ball, but if a player

checks his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches

the ball he has not made a stroke.

Substituted Ball

A “substituted ball” is a ball put into play for the original ball

that was either in play, lost, out of bounds or lifted.

Tee

A “tee” is a device designed to raise the ball off the ground. It

must not be longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm), and it must not

be designed or manufactured in such a way that it could indicate

the line of play or influence the movement of the ball.

Teeing Ground

The “teeing ground” is the starting place for the hole to be

played. It is a rectangular area two club-lengths in depth, the

front and the sides of which are defined by the outside limits

16 Definitions

Definitions 17

of two tee-markers. A ball is outside the teeing ground when all

of it lies outside the teeing ground.

Three-Ball

See “Forms of Match Play.”

Threesome

See “Forms of Match Play.”

Through the Green

“Through the green” is the whole area of the course except:

a. The teeing ground and putting green of the hole being

played; and

b. All hazards on the course.

Water Hazard

A “water hazard” is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage

ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing

water) and anything of a similar nature on the course. All

ground and water within the margin of a water hazard are part

of the water hazard.

When the margin of a water hazard is defined by stakes, the

stakes are inside the water hazard, and the margin of the hazard

is defined by the nearest outside points of the stakes at ground

level. When both stakes and lines are used to indicate a water

hazard, the stakes identify the hazard and the lines define the

hazard margin. When the margin of a water hazard is defined

by a line on the ground, the line itself is in the water hazard.

The margin of a water hazard extends vertically upwards and

downwards.

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

the water hazard.

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

are obstructions.

Note 1: Stakes or lines used to define the margin of or identify

a water hazard must be yellow.

Note 2: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting

play from an environmentally-sensitive area defined as a

water hazard.

18 Definitions

Wrong Ball

A “wrong ball” is any ball other than the player’s:

• ball in play;

• provisional ball; or

• second ball played under Rule 3-3 or Rule 20-7c

in stroke play;

and includes:

• another player’s ball;

• an abandoned ball; and

• the player’s original ball when it is no longer in play.

Note: Ball in play includes a ball substituted for the ball in play,

whether or not the substitution is permitted.

Wrong Putting Green

A “wrong putting green” is any putting green other than that

of the hole being played. Unless otherwise prescribed by the

Committee, this term includes a practice putting green or pitching

green on the course.

Rule 1. The Game

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Section III THE RULES OF PLAY

THE GAME

Rule 1. The Game

Definitions

All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in

the Definitions section — see pages 5-18.

1-1. General

The Game of Golf consists of playing a ball with a club from

the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in

accordance with the Rules.

1-2. Exerting Influence on Ball

A player or caddie must not take any action to influence the position

or the movement of a ball except in accordance with the Rules.

(Removal of loose impediment — see Rule 23-1.)

(Removal of movable obstruction — see Rule 24-1.)

*Penalty for Breach of Rule 1-2:

Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.

*In the case of a serious breach of Rule 1-2, the Committee may

impose a penalty of disqualification.

Note: A player is deemed to have committed a serious breach

of Rule 1-2 if the Committee considers that his act of influencing

the position or movement of the ball has allowed him or another

player to gain a significant advantage or has placed another

player, other than his partner, at a significant disadvantage.

1-3. Agreement to Waive Rules

Players must not agree to exclude the operation of any Rule or

to waive any penalty incurred.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 1-3:

Match play — Disqualification of both sides;

Stroke play — Disqualification of competitors concerned.

(Agreeing to play out of turn in stroke play — see Rule 10-2c.)

Rule 1 19

1-4. Points Not Covered by Rules

If any point in dispute is not covered by the Rules, the decision

should be made in accordance with equity.

Rule 2. Match Play

2008-10-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

Rule 2. Match Play

Definitions

All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in

the Definitions section — see pages 5-18.

2-1. General

A match consists of one side playing against another over a

stipulated round unless otherwise decreed by the Committee.

In match play the game is played by holes.

Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, a hole is won by the

side that holes its ball in the fewer strokes. In a handicap match,

the lower net score wins the hole.

The state of the match is expressed by the terms: so many

“holes up” or “all square,” and so many “to play.”

A side is “dormie” when it is as many holes up as there are

holes remaining to be played.

2-2. Halved Hole

A hole is halved if each side holes out in the same number of

strokes.

When a player has holed out and his opponent has been left

with a stroke for the half, if the player subsequently incurs a

penalty, the hole is halved.

2-3. Winner of Match

A match is won when one side leads by a number of holes

greater than the number remaining to be played.

If there is a tie, the Committee may extend the stipulated round by

as many holes as are required for a match to be won.

20 Rule 2

Rule 2 21

2-4. Concession of Match, Hole or Next Stroke

A player may concede a match at any time prior to the start or

conclusion of that match.

A player may concede a hole at any time prior to the start or

conclusion of that hole.

A player may concede his opponent’s next stroke at any time,

provided the opponent’s ball is at rest. The opponent is considered

to have holed out with his next stroke, and the ball may be

removed by either side.

A concession may not be declined or withdrawn.

(Ball overhanging hole — see Rule 16-2.)

2-5. Doubt as to Procedure; Disputes and Claims

In match play, if a doubt or dispute arises between the players,

a player may make a claim. If no duly authorized representative

of the Committee is available within a reasonable time, the players

must continue the match without delay. The Committee may

consider a claim only if the player making the claim notifies his

opponent (i) that he is making a claim, (ii) of the facts of the situation

and (iii) that he wants a ruling. The claim must be made

before any player in the match plays from the next teeing ground

or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players in

the match leave the putting green.

A later claim may not be considered by the Committee, unless it

is based on facts previously unknown to the player making the

claim and he had been given wrong information (Rules 6-2a

and 9) by an opponent.

Once the result of the match has been officially announced,

a later claim may not be considered by the Committee, unless

it is satisfied that the opponent knew he was giving wrong

information.

2-6. General Penalty

The penalty for a breach of a Rule in match play is loss of hole

except when otherwise provided.