• Foreword
• Principal Changes Introduced in the 2023 Rules of Golf
• How to Use the Rules of Golf
• I. Fundamentals of the Game (Rules 1-4)
• Rule 1 - The Game, Player Conduct and the Rules
• 1.1 The Game of Golf
• 1.2 Standards of Player Conduct
• 1.3 Playing by the Rules
• Rule 1 - The Game, Player Conduct and the Rules
• 1.2a/1Determining If a Player Has Committed Serious Misconduct
• 1.3b(1)/1 Disqualifying Players Who Know a Rule but Agree to Ignore It
• 1.3b(1)/2 In Order to Agree to Ignore a Rule or Penalty, Players Must Be Aware the Rule Exists
• 1.3c/1 Player Is Not Disqualified from a Competition When That Round Does Not Count
• 1.3c/2 Applying Disqualification Penalties, Concessions and Wrong Number of Strokes in a Stroke-Play Play-Off
• 1.3c(1)/1 Action of Another Person Breaches a Rule For Player
• 1.3c(4)/1 Player Gets Two One-Stroke Penalties When There Is an Intervening Event
• 1.3c(4)/2 Player Breaches Rule Then Breaches Antoher Rule as Part of Their Next Stroke
• Rule 2 - The Course
• 2.1 Course Boundaries and Out of Bounds
• 2.2 Defined Areas of the Course
• 2.3 Objects or Conditions That Can Interfere with Play
• 2.4 No Play Zones
• Rule 3 - The Competition
• 3.1 Central Elements of Every Competition
• 3.2 Match Play
• 3.3 Stroke Play
• Rule 3 - The Competition
• 3.2b(1)/1 Players Must Not Concede Holes to Shorten a Match
• 3.2b(1)/2 Concessions Not Vaild When Result of Hole Has Already Been Decided
• 3.2b(2)/1 Concessions Is Not Vaild When Caddie Attempts to Make Concession
• 3.2c(1)/1 Declaring Higher Handicap Is a Breach Even If Affected Hole Has Not Been Played
• 3.2c(1)/2 Player Gives Opponent Incorrect Handicap Information Before Handicap Match
• 3.2d(1)/1 Meaning of the "No Penalty If No Effect on Result of Hole" Exception
• 3.2d(1)/2 Wrong Number of Strokes Given by Player After Hole Completed and the Mistake Is Discovered Several Holes Later
• 3.2d(1)/3 Wrong Number of Strokes Given by Player After Hole Completed and the Mistake Is Discovered After Result of the Match Is Final
• 3.2d(1)/4 Changing Mind About Taking Penalty Relief Is Not Giving Wrong Number of Strokes Taken
• 3.2d(2)/1 "As Soon as Reasonably Possible" Is Not Always Before the Opponent's Next Stroke
• 3.2d(3)/1 Deliberately Giving Incorrect Match Score or Failing to Correct Opponent's Misunderstanding of Match Score May Result in Disqualification
• 3.2d(4)/1 Meaning of "Agree" in Rule 3.2d(4)
• 3.3b/1 Players Must Be Accompanied by a Marker for the Entire Round
• 3.3b/2 Information Put in Wrong Location on Scorecard May Still Be Acceptable
• 3.3b/3 Another Scorecard May Be Used If Official Scorecard Is Damaged or Misplaced
• 3.3b(2)/1 Players Are Required to Enter Only Scores on a Scorecard
• 3.3b(2)/2 Application of the Exception for Marker Failing to Carry Out Their Responsibilities
• 3.3b(3)/1 Scores on Scorecard Must Be Identifiable to Correct Hole
• 3.3b(4)/1 Penalty for Player Who Deliberately Fails to Alert Committee to an Administrative Mistake
• Rule 4 - The Player's Equipment
• 4.1 Clubs
• 4.2 Balls
• 4.3 Use of Equipment
• Rule 4 - The Player's Equipment
• 4.1a(1)/1 Wear Through Normal Use Does Not Change Conformity
• 4.1a(1)/2 No Penalty for Stroke with Non-Conforming Club When Stroke Disregarded
• 4.1a(2)/1 Meaning of "Repair"
• 4.1b/1 How to Apply Adjustment Penalty Once Any Player Starts Hole During Match
• 4.1b(1)/1 Clubs Carried for Player Count Towards the 14-Club Limit
• 4.1b(2)/1 Multiple Players May Carry Clubs in One Bag
• 4.1b(2)/2 Sharing Clubs Is Not Allowed for Strokes That Count in a Player's Score
• 4.1b(4)/1 Club Components May Be Assembled When Not Carried by or for Player
• 4.2a(1)/1 Status of Ball Not on List of Conforming Golf Balls
• 4.2a(1)/2 Status of "X-Out", "Refurbished" and "Practice" Balls
• 4.2a(1)/3 No Penalty for Playing Non-Conforming Ball When Stroke Is Disregarded
• 4.3a/1 Limitations on Using Green-Reading Materials
• 4.3a/2 When Use of Alignment Device Results in Breach
• 4.3a(1)/1 Restrictions on Using Equipment to Gauge Slope
• II. Playing the Round and Hole (Rules 5-6)
• Rule 5 - Playing the Round
• 5.1 Meaning of Round
• 5.2 Practising on Course Before or Between Rounds
• 5.3 Starting and Ending Round
• 5.4 Playing in Groups
• 5.5 Practising During Round or While Play Is Stopped
• 5.6 Unreasonable Delay; Prompt Pace of Play
• 5.7 Stopping Play; Resuming Play
• Rule 5 - Playing the Round
• 5.2/1 Meaning of "Course" in Rule 5.2
• 5.2b/1 Meaning of "Completing Play of Their Final Round for That Day" in Stroke Play
• 5.2b/2 Practising May Be Allowed on Course Before a Round in a Competition That Covers Consecutive Days
• 5.3a/1 Exceptional Circumstances That Warrant Waiving Starting Time Penalty
• 5.3a/2 Meaning of "Starting Point"
• 5.3a/3 Meaning of "Ready to Play"
• 5.3a/4 Player at Starting Point but Then Leaves Starting Point
• 5.3a/5 Match Starts on Second Hole When Both Players Late
• 5.5a/1 Practice Stroke with Ball of Similar Size to Conforming Ball is Breach
• 5.5c/1 Extra Practice Permissions No Longer Apply When Stroke-Play Round Resumed
• 5.6a/1 Examples of Delays That Are Considered Reasonable or Unreasonable
• 5.6a/2 Player Who Gets Sudden Illness or Injury Is Normally Allowed 15 Minutes to Recover
• 5.7a/1 When a Player Has Stopped Play
• 5.7b/1 Dropping a Ball After Play Has Been Suspended Is Not Failing to Stop Play
• 5.7b(1)/1 Circumstances That Justify a Player's Failure to Stop Play
• 5.7c/1 Players Must Resume When Committee Concludes There Is No Danger from Lightning
• 5.7d(1)/1 Whether Player Must Accept Improved or Worsened Lie in Bunker During a Suspension
• Rule 6 - Playing a Hole
• 6.1 Starting Play of a Hole
• 6.2 Playing Ball from Teeing Area
• 6.3 Ball Used in Play of Hole
• 6.4 Order of Play When Playing Hole
• 6.5 Completing Play of a Hole
• Rule 6 - Playing a Hole
• 6.1b(1)/1 Ball Played from Outside Teeing Area in Match Play and Stroke Not Cancelled by Opponent
• 6.2b(4)/1 Tee-Marker Moved by Player Should Be Replaced
• 6.3a/1 What to Do When Balls Exchanged at Unknown Place
• 6.3c(1)/1 Meaning of "Penalty Strokes Solely From Playing That Ball"
• 6.4b(1)/1 Meaning of "Same Order" in Rule 6.4b(1) When Players Played Out of Turn at Previous Teeing Area
• 6.4c/1 Stroke Cannot Be Cancelled When Provisional Ball Played Out of Turn from Teeing Area
• 6.5/1 When a Player or Side Has Completed a Hole
• III. Playing the Ball (Rules 7-11)
• Rule 7 - Ball Search: Finding and Identifying Ball
• 7.1 How to Fairly Search for Ball
• 7.2 How to Identify Ball
• 7.3 Lifting Ball to Identify It
• 7.4 Ball Accidentally Moved in Trying to Find or Identify It
• Rule 7 - Ball Search: Finding and Identifying Ball
• 7.1a/1 Examples of Actions Unlikely to Be Part of a Fair Search
• 7.2/1 Identifying Ball That Cannot Be Retrieved
• 7.4/1 Estimating Original Spot on Which to Replace Ball Moved During Search
• 7.4/2 Meaning of "Trying to Find"
• 7.4/3 Ball Moved When Search Temporarily Stopped
• Rule 8 - Course Played as It Is Found
• 8.1 Player's Actions That Improve Conditions Affecting the Stroke
• 8.2 Player's Deliberate Actions to Alter Other Physical Conditions to Affect the Player's Own Ball at Rest or Stroke to Be Made
• 8.3 Player's Deliberate Actions to Alter Physical Conditions to Affect Another Player's Ball at Rest or Stroke to Be Made
• Rule 8 - Course Played as It Is Found
• 8.1a/1 Examples of Actions That Are Likely to Create Potential Advantage
• 8.1a/2 Examples of Actions Unlikely to Create Potential Advantage
• 8.1a/3 Player Who Improves Conditions for Intended Stroke in Breach Even if Different Stroke Is Made
• 8.1a/4 Example of Moving, Bending or Breaking an Immovable Obstruction
• 8.1a/5 Building Stance by Positioning Object Such as Towel Is Not Permitted
• 8.1a/6 Altering Surface of Ground to Build Stance Is Not Permitted
• 8.1a/7 Player May Probe Near Ball to Determine if Tree Roots, Rocks or Obstructions Are Below Surface of Ground, but Only if This Does Not Improve Conditions
• 8.1a/8 Altering Surface of Ground in Relief Area Is Not Allowed
• 8.1a/9 When Divot Is Replaced and Must Not Be Removed or Pressed Down
• 8.1b/1 Player Allowed to Dig in Firmly with Feet More Than Once in Taking Stance
• 8.1b/2 Examples of "Fairly Taking a Stance"
• 8.1b/3 Examples of Not "Fairly Taking a Stance"
• 8.1b/4 Improving Conditions in Teeing Area Is Limited to Ground
• 8.1b/5 Player Smooths Bunker to "Care for the Course" After Playing Out of Bunker
• 8.1b/6 When Damage That Is Partially On and Partially Off Putting Green May Be Repaired
• 8.1d(1)/1 Examples Where Player Is Allowed to Restore Conditions Altered by the Actions of Another Person or Outside Influence
• 8.1d(1)/2 Player Is Entitled to Have Loose Impediments or Movable Obstructions Left Where They Were When Ball Came to Rest
• 8.1d(2)/1 Examples of Conditions Altered by a Natural Object or Natural Forces Where Player Is Not Allowed to Restore Worsened Conditions
• 8.1d(2)/2 Player Is Not Allowed to Restore Conditions Affecting the Stroke When Worsened by Caddie or Another Person at Player's Request
• 8.1d(2)/3 If Player Enters a Bunker on the Line of Play He or She Must Not Restore Worsened Conditions
• 8.2b/1 Examples of Player’s Deliberate Actions to Improve Other Physical Conditions Affecting Their Own Play
• 8.3/1 Both Players Are Penalized if Physical Conditions Are Improved with Other Player's Knowledge
• Rule 9 - Ball Played as It Lies; Ball at Rest Lifted or Moved
• 9.1 Ball Played as It Lies
• 9.2 Deciding Whether Ball Moved and What Caused It to Move
• 9.3 Ball Moved by Natural Forces
• 9.4 Ball Lifted or Moved by Player
• 9.5 Ball Lifted or Moved by Opponent in Match Play
• 9.6 Ball Lifted or Moved by Outside Influence
• 9.7 Ball-Marker Lifted or Moved
• Rule 9 - Ball Played as It Lies; Ball at Rest Lifted or Moved
• 9.2a/1 When a Ball Is Treated as Having Moved
• 9.2a/2 Player Responsible for Actions That Cause Ball to Move Even When Not Aware Ball Moved
• 9.2b/1 Determining Whether the Player's Actions Caused the Ball to Move When Equipment Is Involved
• 9.4a/1 Procedure When Player's Ball Is Dislodged From Tree
• 9.4b/1 Ball Deliberately Touched but Not Moved Results in Penalty to Player
• 9.4b/2 Meaning of "While" in Rule 9.4b Exception 4
• 9.4b/3 Meaning of "Reasonable Actions" in Rule 9.4b Exception 4
• 9.4b/4 Player Lifts Ball Under Rule 16.1b That Allows Free Relief but Then Decides Not to Take Free Relief
• 9.5b/1 Player Declares Found Ball as Theirs and This Causes Opponent to Lift Another Ball That Turns Out to Be the Player's Ball
• 9.6/1 Outside Influence Moved by Wind Causes Ball to Move
• 9.6/2 Where to Replace Ball When It Was Moved from Unknown Location
• 9.6/3 Player Learns That Ball Moved After Stroke Made
• 9.6/4 Ball at Rest Played and then Discovered to Have Been Moved by Outside Influence; Ball Turns Out to be Wrong Ball
• Rule 10 - Preparing for and Making a Stroke; Advice and Help; Caddies
• 10.1 Making a Stroke
• 10.2 Advice and Other Help
• 10.3 Caddies
• Rule 10 - Preparing for and Making a Stroke; Advice and Help; Caddies
• 10.1a/1 Examples of Pushing, Scraping or Scooping
• 10.1a/2 Other Material May Intervene Between Ball and Clubhead During Stroke
• 10.1b/1 Player Must Not Anchor the Club with Forearm Against Body
• 10.1b/2 Deliberate Contact with Clothing During Stroke Is a Breach
• 10.1b/3 Inadvertent Contact with Clothing During Stroke Is Not a Breach
• 10.2a/1 Player May Get Information from Shared Caddie
• 10.2a/2 Player Must Try to Stop Ongoing Advice That Is Given Voluntarily
• 10.2b/1 Use of Self-Standing Putter for Alignment Help Is Not Allowed
• 10.2b(3)/1 Setting Clubhead on Ground Behind Ball to Help the Player Take a Stance is Allowed
• 10.2b(4)/1 Caddie in Restricted Area Provides Help Before Player Begins To Take Stance
• 10.2b(5)/1 Player May Ask Another Person Who Was Not Deliberately Positioned to Move or Remain in Place
• 10.2b(5)/2 Player May Wear Protective Clothing
• 10.3a/1 Player Transports Clubs on Motorized Golf Cart and Hires Individual to Perform All Other Functions of a Caddie
• 10.3a/2 Player May Caddie for Another Player When Not Playing a Round
• Rule 11 - Ball in Motion Accidentally Hits Person, Animal or Object; Deliberate Actions to Affect Ball in Motion
• 11.1 Ball in Motion Accidentally Hits Person or Outside Influence
• 11.2 Ball in Motion Deliberately Deflected or Stopped by Person
• 11.3 Deliberately Moving Objects or Altering Conditions to Affect Ball in Motion
• Rule 11 - Ball in Motion Accidentally Hits Person, Animal or Object; Deliberate Actions to Affect Ball in Motion
• 11.1b/1 Playing from Where Ball Came to Rest When Stroke Must Be Replayed Is Not Playing from Wrong Place
• 11.1b/2 What to Do When Ball Moves After Being Accidentally Deflected or Stopped
• 11.1b/3 What to Do When Ball Played from Anywhere Except Putting Green Is Deflected or Picked Up by an Animal
• 11.2a/1 Equipment Left in Position After Player Realizes It Could Be Helpful if the Ball Were to Hit It
• 11.3/1 Outcome of Deliberate Actions to Affect Ball inMotion Is Irrelevant
• IV. Specific Rules for Bunkers and Putting Greens (Rules 12-13)
• Rule 12 - Bunkers
• 12.1 When Ball Is in Bunker
• 12.2 Playing Ball in Bunker
• 12.3 Specific Rules for Relief for Ball in Bunker
• Rule 12 - Bunkers
• 12.2a/1 Improvement Resulting from Removing Loose Impediment or Movable Obstruction from a Bunker
• 12.2b/1 Rule 12.2b Applies to a Mound of Sand from an Animal Hole in a Bunker
• 12.2b/2 Whether Player May Probe in Bunker
• 12.2b/3 Rule 12.2 Continues to Apply When Player Has Lifted Their Ball from Bunker to Take Relief but Has Not Yet Decided Whether to Take Relief In or Out of Bunker
• Rule 13 - Putting Greens
• 13.1 Actions Allowed or Required on Putting Greens
• 13.2 The Flagstick
• 13.3 Ball Overhanging Hole
• Rule 13 - Putting Greens
• 13.1c(2)/1 Damaged Hole Is Part of Damage on the Putting Green
• 13.1c(2)/2 Player May Request Help from Committee When Unable to Repair Damage On Putting Green
• 13.1d(2)/1 Ball Must Be Replaced If It Moves After Placing a Ball to Take Relief
• 13.1e/1 Deliberately Testing Any Putting Green Is Not Allowed
• 13.2a(1)/1 Player Has the Right to Leave Flagstick in Position Preceding Group Left It
• 13.2a(4)/1 Unattended Flagstick Removed Without Player's Authority May Be Replaced
• 13.2b(1)/1 Player May Make Stroke While Holding Flagstick
• 13.3a/1 Meaning of Reasonable Time for Player to Reach Hole
• 13.3b/1 What to Do When Player's Ball Overhanging Hole Moves When Player Removes Flagstick
• V. Lifting and Returning a Ball to Play (Rule 14)
• Rule 14 - Procedures for Ball: Marking, Lifting and Cleaning; Replacing on Spot; Dropping in Relief Area; Playing from Wrong Place
• 14.1 Marking, Lifting and Cleaning Ball
• 14.2 Replacing Ball on Spot
• 14.3 Dropping Ball in Relief Area
• 14.4 When Player's Ball is Back in Play after Original Ball Was Out of Play
• 14.5 Correcting Mistake Made in Substituting, Replacing, Dropping or Placing Ball
• 14.6 Making Next Stroke from Where Previous Stroke Made
• 14.7 Playing from Wrong Place
• Rule 14 - Procedures for Ball: Marking, Lifting and Cleaning; Replacing on Spot; Dropping in Relief Area; Playing from Wrong Place
• 14.1a/1 Marking Ball Correctly
• 14.1c/1 Player Must Be Careful When Lifted Ball May Not Be Cleaned
• 14.1c/2 When a Moved Ball May Be Cleaned
• 14.2b(2)/1 Player Drops Ball When Ball Is to Be Replaced
• 14.2c/1 Ball May Be Replaced in Almost Any Orientation
• 14.2c/2 Removal of Loose Impediment from Spot Where Ball to Be Replaced
• 14.2c/3 Ball Must Not Be Pushed into Ground When Replacing It
• 14.2d(2)/1 Altered Lie Might Be "Nearest Spot with Lie Most Similar"
• 14.2e/1 Player Must Take Penalty Relief When Spot Where Ball Will Remain at Rest Is Nearer Hole
• 14.3b(2)/1 Ball Dropped from Knee Height in Uneven Area
• 14.3c/1 Relief Area Includes Everything in Relief Area
• 14.3c/2 Ball May Be Dropped in No Play Zone
• 14.3c(1)/1 What to Do When Dropped Ball Moves After Coming to Rest Against a Player's Foot or Equipment
• 14.3c(2)/1 Where to Place Ball Dropped in Right Way Twice in Relief Area with a Bush in It
• 14.4/1 Placed Ball Is Not in Play Unless There Was Intent to Put It in Play
• 14.4/2 Test Drops Are Not Allowed
• 14.5b(1)/1 Player May Change Relief Areas When Dropping Again for Back-On-the-Line Relief
• 14.5b(1)/2 Player May Change Areas of the Course in the Relief Area When Dropping Again
• 14.7b/1 Player Gets Penalty for Each Stroke Made from Area Where Play Is Not Allowed
• 14.7b/2 Ball in Wrong Place If Club Strikes Condition Relief Was Taken From
• VI. Free Relief (Rules 15-16)
• Rule 15 - Relief from Loose Impediments and Movable Obstructions (including Ball or Ball-Marker Helping or Interfering with Play)
• 15.1 Loose Impediments
• 15.2 Movable Obstructions
• 15.3 Ball or Ball-Marker Helping or Interfering with Play
• Rule 15 - Relief from Loose Impediments and Movable Obstructions (including Ball or Ball-Marker Helping or Interfering with Play)
• 15.1a/1 Removal of Loose Impediment from Relief Area or Spot Where Ball to Be Dropped, Placed or Replaced
• 15.3/1 Methods for Moving Ball or Ball-Marker Helping or Interfering with Play
• 15.3a/1 Breach of Rule for Leaving Helping Ball in Place Does Not Require Knowledge
• 15.3a/2 Players Allowed to Leave Helping Ball in Match Play
• Rule 16 - Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions), Dangerous Animal Condition, Embedded Ball
• 16.1 Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions)
• 16.2 Dangerous Animal Condition
• 16.3 Embedded Ball
• 16.4 Lifting Ball to See If It Lies in Condition Where Relief Allowed
• Rule 16 - Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions), Dangerous Animal Condition, Embedded Ball
• 16.1/1 Relief from Abnormal Course Condition May Result in Better or Worse Conditions
• 16.1/2 If Interference by Second Abnormal Course Condition Exists after Complete Relief Taken from First Condition, Further Relief May Be Taken
• 16.1/3 Player May Choose to Take Relief from Either Condition When Interference by Two Conditions Exists
• 16.1/4 How to Take Relief When Ball Lies on Elevated Part of Immovable Obstruction
• 16.1/5 How to Measure Nearest Point of Complete Relief When Ball Underground in Abnormal Course Condition
• 16.1/6 Player May Wait to Determine Nearest Point of Complete Relief When Ball Is Moving in Water
• 16.1a(3)/1 Obstruction Interfering with Abnormal Stroke May Not Preclude Player From Taking Relief
• 16.1a(3)/2 Player May Not Use Clearly Unreasonable Stroke to Get Relief from Condition
• 16.1a(3)/3 Application of Rule 16.1a(3) When Ball Lies Underground in Animal Hole
• 16.1b/1 Relief Procedure When Ball Lies in Underground Abnormal Course Condition
• 16.1c/1 Player Takes Maximum Available Relief; Then Decides to Take Back-on-the-Line Relief
• 16.1c/2 After Lifting Ball Player May Change Relief Options Before Putting a Ball in Play
• 16.3a(2)/1 Concluding Whether Ball Is Embedded in Its Own Pitch-mark
• 16.3b/1 Taking Embedded Ball Relief When Spot Immediately Behind Ball is Not In General Area
• VII. Penalty Relief (Rules 17-19)
• Rule 17 - Penalty Areas
• 17.1 Options for Ball in Penalty Area
• 17.2 Options After Playing Ball from Penalty Area
• 17.3 No Relief Under Other Rules for Ball in Penalty Area
• Rule 17 - Penalty Areas
• 17.1a/1 Ball Lost in Either Penalty Area or Abnormal Course Condition Adjacent to Penalty Area
• 17.1d(3)/1 Player May Measure Across Penalty Area In Taking Lateral Relief
• 17.1d(3)/2 Player Drops Ball Based on Estimate of Where the Ball Last Crossed Edge of Penalty Area That Turns Out to Be the Wrong Point
• 17.2b/1 Examples of Options for Relief Allowed by Rule 17.2b
• Rule 18 - Stroke-and-Distance Relief; Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball
• 18.1 Relief Under Penalty of Stroke and Distance Allowed at Any Time
• 18.2 Ball Lost or Out of Bounds: Stroke-and-Distance Relief Must Be Taken
• 18.3 Provisional Ball
• Rule 18 - Stroke-and-Distance Relief; Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball
• 18.1/1 Teed Ball May Be Lifted When Original Ball Is Found Within Three-Minute Search Time
• 18.1/2 Penalty Cannot Be Avoided by Playing Under Stroke and Distance
• 18.2a(1)/1 Time Permitted for Search When Search Temporarily Interrupted
• 18.2a(1)/2 Caddie Is Not Required to Start Searching for Player's Ball Before Player
• 18.2a(1)/3 Meaning of "Reasonable Time To Do So" When Identifying Ball
• 18.2a(2)/1 Ball Moved Out of Bounds by Flow of Water
• 18.3a/1 When Player May Play Provisional Ball
• 18.3a/2 Playing Provisional Ball After Search Has Started Is Allowed
• 18.3a/3 Each Ball Relates Only to the Previous Ball When It Is Played from That Same Spot
• 18.3b/1 Statements That "Clearly Indicate" That a Provisional Ball Is Being Played
• 18.3c(1)/1 Actions Taken with Provisional Ball Are a Continuation of Provisional Ball
• 18.3c(2)/1 Estimated Spot of the Original Ball Is Used to Determine Which Ball Is in Play
• 18.3c(2)/2 Opponent or Another Player May Search for Player’s Ball Despite the Player’s Request
• 18.3c(2)/3 When Score with Holed Provisional Ball Becomes the Score for Hole
• 18.3c(2)/4 Provisional Ball Lifted by Player Subsequently Becomes the Ball in Play
• Rule 19 - Unplayable Ball
• 19.1 Player May Decide to Take Unplayable Ball Relief Anywhere Except Penalty Area
• 19.2 Relief Options for Unplayable Ball in General Area or on Putting Green
• 19.3 Relief Options for Unplayable Ball in Bunker
• Rule 19 - Unplayable Ball
• 19.2/1 No Guarantee Ball Will Be Playable After Taking Unplayable Ball Relief
• 19.2/2 Ball May Be Dropped in Any Area of the Course When Taking Unplayable Ball Relief
• 19.2/3 Stroke-and-Distance Reference Point Does Not Change Until Stroke Is Made
• 19.2/4 Player May Take Relief Without Penalty If They Lift Ball to Take Unplayable Ball Relief and Discover Ball Was in Ground Under Repair Before Dropping
• 19.2/5 Player Must Find Ball to Use Back-on-the-Line or Lateral Relief Options
• 19.2a/1 Player May Take Stroke-and-Distance Relief Even When Spot of Previous Stroke Is Nearer Hole Than Where Ball Lies
• 19.2a/2 Stroke-and-Distance Relief Is Allowed Only at Spot of the Last Stroke
• VIII. Procedures for Players and Committee When Issues Arise in Applying the Rules (Rule 20)
• Rule 20 - Resolving Rules Issues During Round; Rulings by Referee and Committee
• 20.1 Resolving Rules Issues During Round
• 20.2 Rulings on Issues Under the Rules
• 20.3 Situations Not Covered by the Rules
• Rule 20 - Resolving Rules Issues During Round; Rulings by Referee and Committee
• 20.1b(2)/1 Request for Ruling Must Be Made in Time
• 20.1b(2)/2 Ruling Made After Completion of the Final Hole of the Match but Before the Result of the Match Is Final May Result in Players Resuming the Match
• 20.1b(4)/1 Playing Out Hole with Two Balls Is Not Allowed in Match Play
• 20.1c(3)/1 No Penalty for Playing a Ball That Was Not in Play When Two Balls Are Being Played
• 20.1c(3)/2 Player Must Decide to Play Two Balls Before Making Another Stroke
• 20.1c(3)/3 Player May Lift Original Ball and Drop, Place or Replace It When Playing Two Balls
• 20.1c(3)/4 Player's Obligation to Complete Hole with Second Ball After Announcing Intention to Do So and Choosing Which Ball Should Count
• 20.1c(3)/5 Provisional Ball Must Be Used as Second Ball When Uncertain
• 20.1c(3)/6 Player Allowed to Play One Ball Under Two Different Rules
• IX. Other Forms of Play (Rules 21-24)
• Rule 21 - Other Forms of Individual Stroke Play and Match Play
• 21.1 Stableford
• 21.2 Maximum Score
• 21.3 Par/Bogey
• 21.4 Three-Ball Match Play
• 21.5 Other Forms of Playing Golf
• Rule 21 - Other Forms of Individual Stroke Play and Match Play
• 21/1 Player May Compete in Multiple Stroke-Play Formats at Same Time
• 21.4/1 In Three-Ball Match Play Each Player Is Playing Two Distinct Matches
• Rule 22 - Foursomes (Also Known as Alternate Shot)
• 22.1 Overview of Foursomes
• 22.2 Either Partner May Act for Side
• 22.3 Side Must Alternate in Making Strokes
• 22.4 Starting the Round
• 22.5 Partners May Share Clubs
• 22.6 Restriction on Player Standing Behind Partner When Stroke Made
• Rule 22 - Foursomes (Also Known as Alternate Shot)
• 22.3/1 When Playing Again from Teeing Area in Mixed Foursomes Ball Must Be Played from Same Teeing Area
• 22.3/2 Determining Which Ball Is in Play When Both Partners in Foursomes Tee Off from Same Teeing Area
• 22.3/3 Player May Not Purposely Miss Ball so Their Partner Can Play
• 22.3/4 How to Proceed When Provisional Ball Played by Wrong Partner
• Rule 23 - Four-Ball
• 23.1 Overview of Four-Ball
• 23.2 Scoring in Four-Ball
• 23.3 When Round Starts and Ends; When Hole Is Completed
• 23.4 One or Both Partners May Represent the Side
• 23.5 Player's Actions Affecting Partner's Play
• 23.6 Side's Order of Play
• 23.7 Partners May Share Clubs
• 23.8 Restriction on Player Standing Behind Partner When Stroke Made
• 23.9 When Penalty Applies to One Partner Only or Applies to Both Partners
• Rule 23 - Four-Ball
• 23.2a/1 Result of Hole When No Ball Is Correctly Holed Out
• 23.2b/1 Score for Hole Must Be Identified to the Correct Partner
• 23.2b/2 Application of Exception to Rule 3.3b(3) for Returning Incorrect Scorecard
• 23.4/1 Determining Handicap Allowance in Match Play If One Player Unable to Compete
• 23.6/1 Abandoning Right to Play in Any Order Side Determines Best
• 23.6/2 Partners Must Not Unreasonably Delay Play When Playing in Advantageous Order
• 23.6/3 When Side in Match Play May Have Stroke Cancelled by Opponent
• 23.7/1 Partners May Continue to Give Advice and Share Clubs After Concurrent Match Ends
• 23.8/1 Application of Penalty When Player Stands on or Close to an Extension of the Line of Play Behind Partner
• 23.9a(2)/1 Examples of When Player's Breach Helps Partner's Play
• 23.9a(2)/2 Example of When Player's Breach Hurts Opponent's Play
• 23.9a(2)/3 Giving Wrong Number of Strokes Taken or Failing to Tell Opponent about Penalty Is Never Considered to Hurt Opponent When Player Is Out of Contention
• Rule 24 - Team Competitions
• 24.1 Overview of Team Competitions
• 24.2 Terms of Team Competition
• 24.3 Team Captain
• 24.4 Advice Allowed in Team Competition
• Rule 24 - Team Competitions
• 24.4/1 Committee May Establish Limits for Team Captains and Advice Givers
• X. Modifications for Players with Disabilities (Rule 25)
• Rule 25 - Modifications for Players with Disabilities
• 25.1 Overview
• 25.2 Modifications for Players Who Are Blind
• 25.3 Modifications for Players Who Are Amputees
• 25.4 Modifications for Players Who Use Assistive Mobility Devices
• 25.5 Modifications for Players with Intellectual Disabilities
• 25.6 General Provisions for All Categories of Disability
• Definitions
• 1Abnormal Course Condition
• 2Advice
• 3Animal
• 4Animal Hole
• 5Areas of the Course
• 6Ball-Marker
• 7Boundary Object
• 8Bunker
• 9Caddie
• 10Club-Length
• 11Committee
• 12Conditions Affecting the Stroke
• 13Course
• 14Drop
• 15Embedded
• 16Equipment
• 17Equipment Rules
• 18Flagstick
• 19Four-Ball
• 20Foursomes (also known as "Alternate Shot")
• 21General Area
• 22General Penalty
• 23Ground Under Repair
• 24Hole
• 25Holed
• 26Honour
• 27Immovable Obstruction
• 28Improve
• 29In Play
• 30Integral Object
• 31Known or Virtually Certain
• 32Lie
• 33Line of Play
• 34Loose Impediment
• 35Lost
• 36Mark
• 37Marker
• 38Match Play
• 39Maximum Score
• 40Movable Obstruction
• 41Moved
• 42Natural Forces
• 43Nearest Point of Complete Relief
• 44No Play Zone
• 45Obstruction
• 46Opponent
• 47Outside Influence
• 48Out of Bounds
• 49Par/Bogey
• 50Partner
• 51Penalty Area
• 52Point of Maximum Available Relief
• 53Provisional Ball
• 54Putting Green
• 55Referee
• 56Relief Area
• 57Replace
• 58Round
• 59Scorecard
• 60Serious Breach
• 61Side
• 62Stableford
• 63Stance
• 64Stroke
• 65Stroke and Distance
• 66Stroke Play
• 67Substitute
• 68Tee
• 69Teeing Area
• 70Temporary Water
• 71Three-Ball
• 72Wrong Ball
• 73Wrong Green
• 74Wrong Place
• Definitions
• 1Advice
• 2Boundary Object
• 3Club-Length
• 4Equipment
• 5Flagstick
• 6Ground Under Repair
• 7Holed
• 8Immovable Obstruction
• 9Known or Virtually Certain
• 10Loose Impediment
• 11Lost
• 12Movable Obstruction
• 13Moved
• 14Nearest Point of Complete Relief
• 15No Play Zone
• 16Obstruction
• 17Outside Influence
• 18Replace
• 19Stroke
• 20Wrong Ball
• Committee Procedures
• 1 The Role of the Committee
• 1A General Play
• 1B Competitions
• 2 Course Marking for General Play
• 2A Out of Bounds
• 2B Teeing Areas
• 2C Penalty Areas
• 2D Bunkers
• 2E Putting Greens
• 2F Abnormal Course Conditions
• 2G No Play Zones
• 2H Integral Objects
• 2I Dropping Zones
• 3 Local Rules for General Play
• 4 Additional Considerations for General Play
• 4A Pace of Play and Code of Conduct
• 4B Suspending Play
• 4C Providing Rules Support
• 5 Before the Competition
• 5A Setting the Terms of the Competition
• 5B Marking the Course
• 5C Local Rules
• 5DEligibility Requirements for Players with Disabilities to use Rule 25
• 5E Defining Practice Areas
• 5F Teeing Areas and Hole Locations
• 5G Draw, Groups and Starting Times
• 5H Pace of Play Policy
• 5I Code of Conduct Policy
• 5J Information for Players and Referees
• 6 During the Competition
• 6A Starting
• 6B The Course
• 6C Providing Rules Assistance to Players
• 6D Enforcing Pace of Play
• 6E Suspensions and Resumptions
• 6F Scoring
• 6G Making Cuts; Establishing Draws; Creating New Groups
• 7 After the Competition
• 7A Resolving Ties in Stroke Play
• 7B Finalizing Results
• 7C Awarding Prizes
• 7D Rules or Scoring Issues Arising After Competition
• 8 Model Local Rules
• 8A Course Boundaries and Out of Bounds
• 8B Penalty Areas
• 8C Bunkers
• 8D Putting Greens
• 8E Special Relief Procedures
• 8F Abnormal Course Conditions and Integral Objects
• 8G Restrictions on Use of Specific Equipment
• 8H Defining Who May Help or Give Advice to Players
• 8I Defining When and Where Players May Practise
• 8J Procedures for Bad Weather and Suspensions of Play
• 8K Pace of Play Policies
• 8L Scorecard Responsibilities
• 8M Model Local Rules for Players With Disabilities
• 9 Other Forms of Play
• 9A Modified Stableford
• 9B Greensomes
• 9C Scramble
• 9D Best Two of Four Scores to Count
• Rules Clarifications