Simpler Rules: Rule 3

Rule 3:  Stroke Play

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 tee or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before he leaves the putting green, he is disqualified from the competition.
 

In par and Stableford competition, the player is disqualified from the hole at which the breach occurred.

 

3-3. Doubt as to 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. Where a fellow-competitor is the player so advised, the marker must also be advised as soon as is possible that two balls are being played.

If this procedure is not observed, the score with the original ball counts. 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.

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 from the competition.
 

In par and Stableford competitions, the player is disqualified from the hole at which the breach occurred.

 

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 from the competition.

3-5. General Penalty

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