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

 

A player must not give wrong information to his opponent. If a player gives wrong information, he loses the hole.

 

A player is deemed to have given wrong information if he:

 

(i) fails to inform his opponent as soon as practicable that he has incurred a penalty, unless (a) he was obviously proceeding under a Rule involving a penalty and this was observed by his opponent, or (b) he corrects the mistake before his opponent makes his next stroke; or

 

(ii) gives incorrect information during play of a hole regarding the number of strokes taken and does not correct the mistake before his opponent makes his next stroke; or

 

(iii) gives incorrect information regarding the number of strokes taken to complete a hole and this affects the opponent’s understanding of the result of the hole, unless he corrects the mistake before any player makes a stroke from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players leave the putting  green.

 

A player has given wrong information even if it is due to the failure to include a penalty that he did not know he had incurred. It is the player’s responsibility to know the Rules.

 

9-3. Stroke Play

 

A competitor who has incurred a penalty should inform his marker as soon as practicable.

Read more

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 indicated to him by anyone, but no one may be positioned by the player on or close to the line or an extension of the line beyond the hole while the stroke is being made. Any mark placed by the player or with his knowledge to indicate the line must be removed before the stroke is made.

 

Exception: Flagstick attended or held up – see Rule 17-1.

 

b. On the Putting Green

 

When the player’s ball is on the putting green, the player, his partner or either of their caddies may, before but not during the stroke, point out a line for putting, but in so doing the putting green must not be touched. A mark must not be placed anywhere to  indicate a line for putting.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:

 

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

 

Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a team competition (Rule 33-1), permit each team to appoint one person who may give advice (including pointing out a line for putting) to members of that team. The Committee may establish conditions relating to the appointment and permitted conduct of that person, who must be identified to the Committee before giving advice.

Read more

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 or scraping the surface.

 

When two or more rounds of a stroke-play competition are to be played over consecutive days, a competitor must not practice between those rounds on any competition course remaining to be played, or test the surface of any putting green on such course by rolling a ball or roughening or scraping the surface.

 

Exception: Practice putting or chipping on or near the first teeing ground or any practice area before starting a round or play-off is permitted.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-1b:

 

Disqualification.

 

Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), prohibit practice on the competition course on any day of a match-play competition or permit practice on the competition course or part of the course (Rule 33-2c) on any day of or between rounds of a stroke-play competition.

 

7-2. During Round

 

A player must not make a practice stroke during play of a hole.

 

Between the play of two holes a player must not make a practice stroke, except that he may practice putting or chipping on or near:

 

a. the putting green of the hole last played,

 

b. any practice putting green, or

 

c. the teeing ground of the next hole to be played in the round, provided a practice stroke is not made from a hazard and does not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7).

 

Strokes made in continuing the play of a hole, the result of which has been decided, are not practice strokes.

 

Exception: When play has been suspended by the Committee, a player may, prior to resumption of play, practice (a) as provided in this Rule, (b) anywhere other than on the competition course and (c) as otherwise permitted by the Committee.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-2:

 

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

 

In the event of a breach between the play of two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

 

Note 1: A practice swing is not a practice stroke and may be taken at any place, provided the player does not breach the Rules.

 

Note 2: The Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), prohibit:

 

(a) practice on or near the putting green of the hole last played, and

 

(b) rolling a ball on the putting green of the hole last played.

Read more

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 declared a handicap higher than that to which he is entitled and this affects the number of strokes given or received, he is disqualified; otherwise, the player must play off the declared handicap.

 

b. Stroke Play

 

In any round of a handicap competition, the competitor must ensure that his handicap is recorded on his score card before it is returned to the Committee. If no handicap is recorded on his score card before it is returned (Rule 6-6b), or if the recorded handicap is higher than that to which he is entitled and this affects the number of strokes received, he is disqualified from the handicap competition; otherwise, the score stands.

 

Note: It is the player’s responsibility to know the holes at which handicap strokes are to be given or received.

 

6-3. Time of Starting and Groups

 

a. Time of Starting

 

The player must start at the time established by the Committee.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-3a:

 

If the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Otherwise, the penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification.

 

Bogey and par competitions – See Note 2 to Rule 32-1a.

 

Stableford competitions – See Note 2 to Rule 32-1b.

 

Exception: Where the Committee determines that exceptional circumstances have prevented a player from starting on time, there is no penalty.

 

b. Groups

 

In stroke play, the competitor must remain throughout the round in the group arranged by the Committee, unless the Committee authorizes or ratifies a change.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-3b:

 

Disqualification.

 

(Best-ball and four-ball play – see Rules 30-3a and 31-2)

 

6-4. Caddie

 

The player may be assisted by a caddie, but he is limited to only one caddie at any one time.

 

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-4:

 

Match play – At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred; maximum deduction per round – Two holes.

 

Stroke play – Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round – Four strokes (two strokes at each of the first two holes at which any breach occurred).

 

Match play or stroke play – If a breach is discovered between the play of two holes, it is deemed to have been discovered during play of the next hole, and the penalty must be applied accordingly.

 

Bogey and par competitions – See Note 1 to Rule 32-1a.

 

Stableford competitions – See Note 1 to Rule 32-1b.

 

*A player having more than one caddie in breach of this Rule must immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred ensure that he has no more than one caddie at any one time during the remainder of the stipulated round. Otherwise, the player is disqualified.

 

Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), prohibit the use of caddies or restrict a player in his choice of caddie.

 

6-5. Ball

 

The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the player. Each player should put an identification mark on his ball.

 

6-6. Scoring in Stroke Play

 

a. Recording Scores

 

After each hole the marker should check the score with the competitor and record it. On completion of the round the marker must sign the score card and hand it to the competitor. If more than one marker records the scores, each must sign for the part for which he is responsible.

 

b. Signing and Returning Score Card

 

After completion of the round, the competitor should check his score for each hole and settle any doubtful points with the Committee. He must ensure that the marker or markers have signed the score card, sign the score card himself and return it to the Committee as soon as possible.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-6b:

 

Disqualification.

 

c. Alteration of Score Card

 

No alteration may be made on a score card after the competitor has returned it to the Committee.

 

d. Wrong Score for Hole

 

The competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole on his score card. If he returns a score for any hole lower than actually taken, he is disqualified. If he returns a score for any hole higher than actually taken, the score as returned stands.

 

Note 1: The Committee is responsible for the addition of scores and application of the handicap recorded on the score card – see Rule 33-5.

 

Note 2: In four-ball stroke play, see also Rules 31-3 and 31-7a.

 

6-7. Undue Delay; Slow Play

 

The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that the Committee may establish. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player must not unduly delay play.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-7:

 

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

 

Bogey and par competitions – See Note 2 to Rule 32-1a.

 

Stableford competitions – See Note 2 to Rule 32-1b.

 

For subsequent offense – Disqualification.

 

Note 1: If the player unduly delays play between holes, he is delaying the play of the next hole and, except for bogey, par and Stableford competitions (see Rule 32), the penalty applies to that hole.

 

Note 2: For the purpose of preventing slow play, the Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), establish pace of play guidelines including maximum periods of time allowed to complete a stipulated round, a hole or a stroke.

 

In match play, the Committee may, in such a condition, modify the penalty for a breach of this Rule as follows:

 

First offense – Loss of hole;

 

Second offense – Loss of hole;

 

For subsequent offense – Disqualification.

 

 

 

In stroke play, the Committee may, in such a condition, modify the penalty for a breach of this Rule as follows:

 

First offense – One stroke;

 

Second offense – Two strokes;

 

For subsequent offense – Disqualification.

 

6-8. Discontinuance of Play; Resumption of Play

 

a. When Permitted

 

The player must not discontinue play unless:

 

(i) the Committee has suspended play;

 

(ii) he believes there is danger from lightning;

 

(iii) he is seeking a decision from the Committee on a doubtful or disputed point (see Rules 2-5 and 34-3); or

 

(iv) there is some other good reason such as sudden illness.

 

Bad weather is not of itself a good reason for discontinuing play.

 

If the player discontinues play without specific permission from the Committee, he must report to the Committee as soon as practicable. If he does so and the Committee considers his reason satisfactory, there is no penalty. Otherwise, the player is disqualified.

 

Exception in match play: Players discontinuing match play by agreement are not subject to disqualification, unless by so doing the competition is delayed.

 

Note: Leaving the course does not of itself constitute discontinuance of play.

 

b. Procedure When Play Suspended by Committee

 

When play is suspended by the Committee, if the players in a match or group are between the play of two holes, they must not resume play until the Committee has ordered a resumption of play. If they have started play of a hole, they may discontinue play immediately or continue play of the hole, provided they do so without delay. If the players choose to continue play of the hole, they are permitted to discontinue play before completing it. In any case, play must be discontinued after the hole is completed.

 

The players must resume play when the Committee has ordered a resumption of play.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8b:

 

Disqualification.

 

Note: The Committee may provide, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), that in potentially dangerous situations play must be discontinued immediately following a suspension of play by the Committee. If a player fails to discontinue play immediately, he is disqualified, unless circumstances warrant waiving the penalty as provided in Rule 33-7.

 

c. Lifting Ball When Play Discontinued

 

When a player discontinues play of a hole under Rule 6-8a, he may lift his ball, without penalty, only if the Committee has suspended play or there is a good reason to lift it. Before lifting the ball the player must mark its position. If the player discontinues play and lifts his ball without specific permission from the Committee, he must, when reporting to the Committee (Rule 6-8a), report the lifting of the ball.

 

If the player lifts the ball without a good reason to do so, fails to mark the position of the ball before lifting it or fails to report the lifting of the ball, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

 

d. Procedure When Play Resumed

 

Play must be resumed from where it was discontinued, even if resumption occurs on a subsequent day. The player must, either before or when play is resumed, proceed as follows:

 

(i) if the player has lifted the ball, he must, provided he was entitled to lift it under Rule 6-8c, place the original ball or a substituted ball on the spot from which the original ball was lifted. Otherwise, the original ball must be replaced;

 

(ii) if the player has not lifted his ball, he may, provided he was entitled to lift it under Rule 6-8c, lift, clean and replace the ball, or substitute a ball, on the spot from which the original ball was lifted. Before lifting the ball he must mark its position; or

 

(iii) if the player’s ball or ball-marker is moved (including by wind or water) while play is discontinued, a ball or ball-marker must be placed on the spot from which the original ball or ball-marker was moved.

 

Note: If the spot where the ball is to be placed is impossible to determine, it must be estimated and the ball placed on the estimated spot. The provisions of Rule 20-3c do not apply.

 

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8d:

 

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

 

*If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule 6-8d, there is no additional penalty under Rule 6-8c.

Read more

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

 

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

 

5-1. General

 

The ball the player plays must conform to the requirements specified in Appendix III.

 

Note: The Committee may require, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), that the ball the player plays must be named on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by the USGA.

 

5-2. Foreign Material

 

The ball the player plays must not have foreign material applied to it for the purpose of changing its playing characteristics.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5-1 or 5-2:

 

Disqualification.

 

5-3. Ball Unfit for Play

 

A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut, cracked or out of shape. A ball is not unfit for play solely because mud or other materials adhere to it, its surface is scratched or scraped or its paint is damaged or discolored.

 

If a player has reason to believe his ball has become unfit for play during play of the hole being played, he may lift the ball, without penalty, to determine whether it is unfit.

 

Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his intention to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play and mark the position of the ball. He may then lift and examine it, provided that he gives his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to examine the ball and observe the lifting and replacement. The ball must not be cleaned when lifted under Rule 5-3.

 

If the player fails to comply with all or any part of this procedure, or if he lifts the ball without having reason to believe that it has become unfit for play during play of the hole being played, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

 

If it is determined that the ball has become unfit for play during play of the hole being played, the player may substitute another ball, placing it on the spot where the original ball lay. Otherwise, the original ball must be replaced. If a player substitutes a ball when not permitted and makes a stroke at the wrongly substituted ball, he incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule 5-3, but there is no additional penalty under this Rule or Rule 15-2.

 

If a ball breaks into pieces as a result of a stroke, the stroke is canceled and the player must play a ball, without penalty, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was played (see Rule 20-5).

 

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5-3:

 

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

 

*If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule 5-3, there is no additional penalty under this Rule.

 

Note 1: If the opponent, marker or fellow-competitor wishes to dispute a claim of unfitness, he must do so before the player plays another ball.

 

Note 2: If the original lie of a ball to be placed or replaced has been altered, see Rule 20-3b.

Read more

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

 

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

 

4-1. Form and Make of Clubs

 

a. General

 

The player’s clubs must conform with this Rule and the provisions, specifications and interpretations set forth in Appendix II.

 

Note: The Committee may require, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), that any driver the player carries must have a clubhead, identified by model and loft, that is named on the current List of Conforming Driver Heads issued by the USGA.

 

b. Wear and Alteration

 

A club that conforms with the Rules when new is deemed to conform after wear through normal use. Any part of a club that has been purposely altered is regarded as new and must, in its altered state, conform with the Rules.

 

4-2. Playing Characteristics Changed and Foreign Material

 

a. Playing Characteristics Changed

 

During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means.

 

b. Foreign Material

 

Foreign material must not be applied to the club face for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball.

 

*PENALTY FOR CARRYING, BUT NOT MAKING STROKE WITH, CLUB OR CLUBS IN BREACH OF RULE 4-1 or 4-2:

 

Match play – At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred; maximum deduction per round – Two holes.

 

Stroke play – Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round – Four strokes (two strokes at each of the first two holes at which any breach occurred).

 

Match play or stroke play – If a breach is discovered between the play of two holes, it is deemed to have been discovered during play of the next hole, and the penalty must be applied accordingly.

 

Bogey and par competitions – See Note 1 to Rule 32-1a.

 

Stableford competitions – See Note 1 to Rule 32-1b.

 

*Any club or clubs carried in breach of Rule 4-1 or 4–2 must be declared out of play by the player to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred. If the player fails to do so, he is disqualified.

 

PENALTY FOR MAKING STROKE WITH CLUB IN BREACH OF RULE 4-1 or 4-2:

 

Disqualification.

 

4-3. Damaged Clubs: Repair and Replacement

 

a. Damage in Normal Course of Play

 

If, during a stipulated round, a player’s club is damaged in the normal course of play, he may:

 

(i) use the club in its damaged state for the remainder of the stipulated round; or

 

(ii) without unduly delaying play, repair it or have it repaired; or

 

(iii) as an additional option available only if the  club is unfit for play, replace the damaged club with any club. The replacement of a club must not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7) and must not be made by borrowing any club selected for play by any other person playing on the course or by assembling components carried by or for the player during the stipulated round.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-3a:

 

See Penalty Statements for Rule 4-4a or b, and Rule 4-4c.

 

Note: A club is unfit for play if it is substantially damaged, e.g., the shaft is dented, significantly bent or breaks into pieces; the clubhead becomes loose, detached or significantly deformed; or the grip becomes loose. A club is not unfit for play solely because the club’s lie or loft has been altered, or the clubhead is scratched.

 

b. Damage Other Than in Normal Course of Play

 

If, during a stipulated round, a player’s club is damaged other than in the normal course of play rendering it non-conforming or changing its playing characteristics, the club must not subsequently be used or replaced during the round.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-3b:

 

Disqualification.

 

c. Damage Prior to Round

 

A player may use a club damaged prior to a round, provided the club, in its damaged state, conforms with the Rules.

 

Damage to a club that occurred prior to a round may be repaired during the round, provided the playing characteristics are not changed and play is not unduly delayed.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-3c:

 

See Penalty Statement for Rule 4-1 or 4-2.

 

(Undue delay – see Rule 6-7)

 

4-4. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs

 

a. Selection and Addition of Clubs

 

The player must not start a stipulated round with more than fourteen clubs. He is limited to the clubs thus selected for that round, except that if he started with fewer than fourteen clubs, he may add any number, provided his total number does not exceed fourteen.

 

The addition of a club or clubs must not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7) and the player must not add or borrow any club selected for play by any other person playing on the course or by assembling components carried by or for the player during the stipulated round.

 

b. Partners May Share Clubs

 

Partners may share clubs, provided that the total number of clubs carried by the partners so sharing does not exceed fourteen.

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4a or b, REGARDLESS OF NUMBER OF EXCESS CLUBS CARRIED:

 

Match play – At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred; maximum deduction per round – Two holes.

 

Stroke play – Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round – Four strokes (two strokes at each of the first two holes at which any breach occurred).

 

Match play or stroke play – If a breach is discovered between the play of two holes, it is deemed to have been discovered during play of the hole just completed, and the penalty for a breach of Rule 4-4a or b does not apply to the next hole.

 

Bogey and par competitions – See Note 1 to Rule 32-1a.

 

Stableford competitions – See Note 1 to Rule 32-1b.

 

c. Excess Club Declared Out of Play

 

Any club or clubs carried or used in breach of Rule 4-3a(iii) or Rule 4-4 must be declared out of play by the player to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred. The player must not use the club or clubs for the remainder of the stipulated round.

Read more

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 a handicap competition, the competitor with the lowest net score for the stipulated round or rounds is the winner.

3-2. Failure to Hole Out

If a competitor fails to hole out at any hole and does not correct his mistake before he makes a stroke on the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before he leaves the putting green, he is disqualified.

3-3. Doubt as to Procedure

a. Procedure

In stroke play, if a competitor is doubtful of his rights or the correct procedure during the play of a hole, he may, without penalty, complete the hole with two balls.

After the doubtful situation has arisen and before taking further action, the competitor must announce to his marker or fellow-competitor that he intends to play two balls and which ball he wishes to count if the Rules permit.

The competitor must report the facts of the situation to the Committee before returning his score card. If he fails to do so, he is disqualified.

Note: If the competitor takes further action before dealing with the doubtful situation, Rule 3-3 is not applicable. The score with the original ball counts or, if the original ball is not one of the balls being played, the score with the first ball put into play counts, even if the Rules do not allow the procedure adopted for that ball. However, the competitor incurs no penalty for having played a second ball, and any penalty strokes incurred solely by playing that ball do not count in his score.

b. Determination of Score for Hole

(i) If the ball that the competitor selected in advance to count has been played in accordance with the Rules, the score with that ball is the competitor’s score for the hole. Otherwise, the score with the other ball counts if the Rules allow the procedure adopted for that ball.

(ii) If the competitor fails to announce in advance his decision to complete the hole with two balls, or which ball he wishes to count, the score with the original ball counts, provided it has been played in accordance with the Rules. If the original ball is not one of the balls being played, the first ball put into play counts, provided it has been played in accordance with the Rules. Otherwise, the score with the other ball counts if the Rules allow the procedure adopted for that ball.

Note 1: If a competitor plays a second ball under Rule 3-3, the strokes made after this Rule has been invoked with the ball ruled not to count and penalty strokes incurred solely by playing that ball are disregarded.

Note 2: A second ball played under Rule 3-3 is not a provisional ball under Rule 27-2.

3-4. Refusal to Comply with a Rule

If a competitor refuses to comply with a Rule affecting the rights of another competitor, he is disqualified.

3-5. General Penalty

The penalty for a breach of a Rule in stroke play is two strokes except when otherwise provided.

Read more

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 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 sideholes 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.

 

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 it has been made in a timely manner and if the player making the claim has notified his opponent at the time:

 

(i) that he is making a claim or wants a ruling

(ii) of the facts upon which the claim or ruling is to be based.

 

A claim is considered to have been made in a timely manner if, upon discovery of circumstances giving rise to a claim, the player makes his claim:

 

(i) before any player in the match plays from the next teeing ground

(ii) in the case of the last hole of the match, before all players in the match leave the putting green

(iii) when the circumstances giving rise to the claim are discovered after all the players in the match have left the putting green of the final hole, before the result of the match has been officially announced.

 

A claim relating to a prior hole in the match may only be considered by the Committee if it is based on facts previously unknown to the player making the claim and he had been given wrong information (Rules 6-2a or 9) by an opponent. Such a claim must be made in a timely manner.

 

Once the result of the match has been officially announced, a claim may not be considered by the Committee, unless it is satisfied that:

 

(i) the claim is based on facts which were previously unknown to the player making the claim at the time the result was officially announced

(ii) the player making the claim had been given wrong information by an opponent

(iii) the opponent knew he was giving wrong information. There is no time limit on considering such a claim.

 

Note 1: A player may disregard a breach of the Rules by his opponent provided there is no agreement by the sides to waive a Rule (Rule 1-3).

 

Note 2: In match play, if a player is doubtful of his rights or the correct procedure, he may not complete the play of the hole with two balls.

 

2-6. General Penalty

 

The penalty for a breach of a Rule in match play is loss of hole except when otherwise provided.

Read more

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 the playing of a hole.

Exceptions: 

1. An action expressly permitted or expressly prohibited by another Rule is subject to that other Rule, not Rule 1-2.

2. An action taken for the sole purpose of caring for the course is not a breach of Rule 1-2.

*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 1: A player is deemed to have committed a serious breach of Rule 1-2 if the Committee considers that the action taken in breach of this Rule has allowed him or another player to gain a significant advantage or has placed another player, other than his partner, at a significant disadvantage.

Note 2: In stroke play, except where a serious breach resulting in disqualification is involved, a player in breach of Rule 1-2 in relation to the movement of his own ball must play the ball from where it was stopped, or, if the ball was deflected, from where it came to rest. If the movement of a player’s ball has been intentionally influenced by a fellow-competitor or other outside agency, Rule 1-4 applies to the player (see Note to Rule 19-1).

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)

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.

Read more