Simpler Rules: Rule 1

Rule 1:  The Game

1-1. General
The Game of Golf consists of playing a ball with a club from the tee 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.

 

Exception: An action expressly permitted or expressly prohibited by another Rule is subject to that other Rule, not 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: 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 as it lies. 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.

 

 

In addition: The following has been added to the Definitions as it has application to several rules:

 

Stroke and Distance Penalty

At times, permitted by the rules, a player may play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played. Except where otherwise provided in the rules, this incurs a ‘stroke and distance penalty’. That is, the stroke so played counts and an additional penalty of one stroke applies.