Rule 9: Information as to Strokes Taken

Definitions   All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section – see pages 2235.   9-1. General   The number of strokes a player has taken includes any penalty strokes incurred.   9-2. Match Play   a. Information as to Strokes Taken   An opponent is entitled to ascertain from the player, during the play of a hole, the number of strokes he has taken and, after play of a hole, the number of strokes taken on the hole just completed.   b. Wrong Information...

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Rule 8: Advice; Indicating Line of Play

Definitions   All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section – see pages 2235.   8-1. Advice   During a stipulated round, a player must not:   a. give advice to anyone in the competition playing on the course other than his partner, or   b. ask for advice from anyone other than his partner or either of their caddies. 8-2. Indicating Line of Play   a. Other Than on Putting Green   Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play...

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Rule 7: Practice

Definitions   All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section – see pages 2235.   7-1. Before or Between Rounds   a. Match Play   On any day of a match-play competition, a player may practice on the competition course before a round.   b. Stroke Play   Before a round or play-off on any day of a stroke-play competition, a competitor must not practice on the competition course or test the surface of any putting green on the course by rolling a ball or roughening...

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Rule 6: The Player

Definitions   All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section – see pages 2235.   6-1. Rules   The player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the Rules. During a stipulated round, for any breach of a Rule by his caddie, the player incurs the applicable penalty.   6-2. Handicap   a. Match Play   Before starting a match in a handicap competition, the players should determine from one another their respective handicaps. If a player begins a match having...

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Rule 5: The Ball

A player in doubt as to the conformity of a ball should consult the USGA.   A manufacturer should submit to the USGA samples of a ball to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether the ball conforms with the Rules. The samples become the property of the USGA for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit samples or, having submitted samples, fails to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or marketing the ball, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that the ball does not conform with the Rules.   Definitions...

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Rule 4: Clubs

A player in doubt as to the conformity of a club should consult the USGA.   A manufacturer should submit to the USGA a sample of a club to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether the club conforms with the Rules. The sample becomes the property of the USGA for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample or, having submitted a sample, fails to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or marketing the club, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that the club does not conform with the Rules.   Definitions...

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Rule 3: Stroke Play

Definitions   All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section – see pages 2235. 3-1. General; Winner A stroke-play competition consists of competitors completing each hole of a stipulated round or rounds and, for each round, returning a score card on which there is a gross score for each hole. Each competitor is playing against every other competitor in the competition. The competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest strokes is the winner. In...

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Rule 2: Match Play

Definitions   All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section – see pages 2235.   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...

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Rule 1: The Game

Definitions All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section – see pages 2235. 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 Movement of Ball or Altering Physical Conditions A player must not (i) take an action with the intent to influence the movement of a ball in play or (ii) alter physical conditions with the intent of affecting...

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