Simpler Rules: Rule 29

Rule 29: Foursomes 

29-1. General

In a foursome, during any stipulated round the partners must play alternately from the tee and alternately during the play of each hole. Penalty strokes do not affect the order of play.

 

29-2. Match Play

If a player plays when his partner should have played, his side loses the hole.

 

29-3. Stroke Play

If the partners make a stroke or strokes in incorrect order, such stroke or strokes are cancelled and the side incurs a penalty of two strokes. The side must correct the error by playing a ball in correct order at the nearest point, not nearer to the hole, to the position (or estimated position where appropriate) from which it first played in incorrect order, which avoids damage to the lie created by the playing of that ball.  On the tee, the ball may be re-teed. 

If the side makes a stroke on the next tee without first correcting the error or, in the case of the last hole of the round, leaves the putting green without declaring its intention to correct the error, the side is disqualified from the competition.

Simpler Rules: Rule 28

Rule 28: Ball Unplayable 

The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable and may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the course, except when the ball is in a water hazard. 

If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he must, under penalty of one stroke: 

(a)     Proceed in accordance with the procedure for playing from the place last played; or  

(b)     Place a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be placed; or  

(c)     Proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief.  

If the unplayable ball is in a bunker and the player elects to proceed in accordance with Clause b or c, a ball must be placed in the bunker. 

When proceeding under this Rule, the player may lift and clean his ball or substitute a ball. 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:

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

 

 

 

Simpler Rules: Rule 27

Rule 27: Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball      
                                
27-1. Ball Out-of-Bounds; Ball Lost

a. Ball Out-of-Bounds

If a ball is out-of-bounds, the player must, under penalty of one stroke, proceed in accordance with the procedure for playing from the place last played. 

b. Ball Lost (as a result of not being found)

If a ball is lost as a result of not being found within five minutes after the player’s side or his or their caddies have begun to search for it, the player must, under penalty of one stroke, proceed in accordance with the procedure for playing from the place last played. 

Exception: If there is conclusive evidence that the original ball that has not been found has been moved by an outside agency (Rule 18-1), is in an obstruction (Rule 24-3), is in an abnormal ground condition (Rule 25-1) or is in a water hazard (Rule 26-1), the player may proceed in accordance with the applicable Rule. 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 27-1:

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

 

27-2. Provisional Ball

a. Procedure

If the player believes that a ball may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds he may (other than on the tee) play another ball provisionally from as near as possible to the point from which the original ball was played, not nearer the hole, which avoids damage caused by the playing of that ball. Where the original ball was played from the tee the provisional ball may be played from anywhere on the tee and the ball may be re-teed. 

The player must declare to his opponent, or his marker or a fellow-competitor, that he intends to play a provisional ball, and he must play it before he or his partner goes forward to search for the original ball. 

If prior to putting another ball into play he fails to so inform his opponent or fellow competitor, or if he proceeds to move forward to search for his ball and subsequently puts another ball into play, that ball becomes the ball in play under penalty of one stroke: the original ball is rendered lost and the stroke played with it counts in the player’s score for the hole. 

(Order of play from tee – see Rule 10-3) 

Note: If a provisional ball played in accordance with Rule 27-2a might be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, the player may play another provisional ball. If another provisional ball is played, it bears the same relationship to the previous provisional ball as the first provisional ball bears to the original ball. 

b. When Provisional Ball Becomes Ball in Play

The player may play a provisional ball until he reaches the place where the original ball is likely to be. If he makes a stroke with the provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place, the original ball is rendered lost, the stroke played with the original ball counts in the player’s score for the hole and the provisional ball becomes the ball in play, under penalty of one stroke. 

If the original ball is lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, the stroke played with the original ball counts in the player’s score for the hole and the provisional ball becomes the ball in play, under penalty of one stroke. 

Exception: If there is conclusive evidence that the original ball, that has not been found, has been moved by an outside agency (Rule 18-1), is in an obstruction (Rule 24-3), is in an abnormal ground condition (Rule 25-1) or is in a water hazard (Rule 26-1), the player may proceed in accordance with the applicable Rule. 

c. When Provisional Ball to be Abandoned

If the original ball is neither lost nor out of bounds, the player must abandon the provisional ball and continue playing the original ball. If there is conclusive evidence that the original ball is in a water hazard, the player may proceed in accordance with Rule 26-1. In either situation, if the player makes any further strokes at the provisional ball, he is playing a wrong ball and the provisions of Rule 15-2 apply. 

Note: If a player plays a provisional ball in accordance with Rule 27-2a and that ball is subsequently abandoned in accordance with Rule 27-2c, all strokes made with, and any penalties incurred solely in playing that ball, are disregarded.

 

 

 

Simpler Rules: Rule 26

Rule 26: Water Hazards                     

26-1. Relief for Ball in Water Hazard

If a ball is found in a water hazard or if there is conclusive evidence that a ball which has not been found is in the water hazard, the player may, under penalty of one stroke: 

(i)     Proceed in accordance with the procedure for playing from the place last played; or  

(ii)    Place a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be placed; or  

(iii)   If the ball last crossed the margin of a lateral water hazard, proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief at, 

(a)     the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard, or

(b)     a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole.  

In the absence of conclusive evidence that a ball has come to rest in a hazard, the player must proceed in accordance with Rule 27-­1b. 

(Prohibited actions when ball is in a hazard – see Rule 13-4)

(Ball moving in water in a water hazard – see Rule 14-6)

 

26-2. Ball Played Within Water Hazard

a. Ball Comes to Rest in Same Water Hazard

If a ball played from within a water hazard comes to rest in the same water hazard, the player may, under penalty of one stroke: 

(i)     Proceed in accordance with the procedure for playing from the place last played; or  

(ii)    Place a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be placed; or  

(iii)   If the ball last crossed the margin of a lateral water hazard, proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief at, 

(a)     the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard, or

(b)     a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole.  

b. Ball Comes to Rest in Another Water Hazard

If a ball played from within a water hazard comes to rest in another water hazard, the player may proceed in accordance with Rule 26-1. 

c. Ball Lost or Out-of Bounds

If a ball played from within a water hazard is lost other than in another water hazard or is out-of-bounds, the player may, under penalty of one stroke:

(i)     Proceed in accordance with the procedure for playing from the place last played; or  

(ii)    Under an additional penalty of one stroke, place a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be placed; or  

(iii)   Under an additional penalty of one stroke, if the ball last crossed the margin of a lateral water hazard, proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief at, 

(a)     the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard, or

(b)     a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole. 

 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:

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

 

 

 

Simpler Rules: Rule 25

Rule 25: Abnormal Ground Conditions, Embedded Ball and Wrong Green
                       
25-1. Abnormal Ground Conditions

a. Interference

Interference by an abnormal ground condition occurs when a ball lies in the condition or when the condition interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing. If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if an abnormal ground condition on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt. Otherwise, intervention on the line of play is not, of itself, interference under this Rule. 

b. Relief

If a player’s ball comes to rest as follows, the player may: 

(i)      Through the Green: Proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief.  

(ii)     In a Bunker: 

 

(a)    Proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief.  If complete relief is not possible within the bunker, the ball must be placed as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay, in the bunker but not nearer the hole, that affords maximum available relief from the condition; or  

(b)    Where no relief is possible from the condition within the bunker, without penalty place a ball at the nearest point outside the bunker keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is placed.  

(iii)   On the Green: Proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief. If complete relief is not possible on the green, the nearest point of relief or maximum available relief may be off the green.  

(iv)   On the Tee: Proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief. 

(v)    In a Water Hazard: Only where the abnormal ground condition is outside of the water hazard, proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief, except that the point of relief must be in the water hazard. If complete relief is not possible, the ball must be placed as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay, in the water hazard but not nearer the hole, that affords maximum available relief from the condition. 

Exception: A player may not take relief under this Rule if anything other than an abnormal ground condition prevents him from taking a normal stance and making a normal stroke directed at the normal line of play.  

Note: If a ball to be placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted. 

c. Ball in Abnormal Ground Condition Not Found

It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward an abnormal ground condition is in such condition. In order to apply this Rule, there must be conclusive evidence that the ball is in the abnormal ground condition. In the absence of such evidence, the player must proceed under Rule 27-1. 

If there is conclusive evidence that a ball that has not been found is in an abnormal ground condition, the player may take relief under this Rule. If he elects to do so, the spot where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the abnormal ground condition must be determined and, for the purpose of applying this Rule, the ball is deemed to lie at this spot and the player must: 

(i)     Through the Green: If the point at which the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the condition is situated through the green, proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief.  

(ii)    In a Bunker: If the point at which the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the condition is situated within a bunker, proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief. If complete relief is not possible, the ball must be placed as near as possible to the spot where the ball lay, in the bunker but not nearer the hole, that affords maximum available relief from the condition.

(iii)   In a Water Hazard: If the point at which the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the condition is situated in a water hazard, the player is not entitled to relief without penalty. The player must proceed under Rule 26-1. 

(iv)   On the Green: If the point at which the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the condition is situated on the putting green, proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief. If complete relief is not possible on the green, the point of maximum possible relief may be off the green.

 

25-2. Embedded Ball

Where a player’s ball is embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground in any closely-mown area through the green the player may take relief, except that relief is not available to the player’s stance or intended swing. In taking relief the player must proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief. 

 

25-2. Wrong Green (or Wrong Putting Green)

a. Interference

Interference by a wrong green occurs when a ball is on a wrong green. 

Interference to a player’s stance or the area of his intended swing is not, of itself, interference under this Rule. 

b. Relief

If a player’s ball lies on a wrong green, he must not play the ball as it lies. He must take relief in accordance with the procedure for taking relief.  The place of relief must not be in a hazard or on a green. 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:

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

 

 

 

Simpler Rules: Rule 24

Rule 24: Obstructions 

24-1. Movable Obstruction

A player may take relief, without penalty, from a movable obstruction as follows: 

(i)    If the ball does not lie in or on the obstruction, the obstruction may be removed. If the ball moves, it must be replaced, and there is no penalty, provided that the movement of the ball is directly attributable to the removal of the obstruction. Otherwise, Rule 18-2a applies. 

(ii)    If the ball lies in or on the obstruction, the ball may be lifted and the obstruction removed. The ball must be placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball lay in or on the obstruction, but not nearer the hole. 

When a ball is in motion, an obstruction that might influence the movement of the ball must not be moved. However, equipment of any player or the flagstick when it is attended or held up, or when it has been removed from the hole, may be moved. 

(Exerting influence on ball – see Rule 1-2) 

Note: If a ball to be placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

 

24-2. Immovable Obstruction

a. Interference

Interference by an immovable obstruction occurs when a ball lies in or on the obstruction, or when the obstruction interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing.

 

Intervention on the line of play is not, of itself, interference under this Rule except that: 

   (a)  If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if an immovable

         obstruction on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt; or

 

   (b)  If a player's ball lies within two clublengths of an immovable obstruction which lies less

         than two clublengths from the putting green. 

b. Relief

If a player’s ball comes to rest as follows, the player may: 

(i)    Through the Green: Proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief.  

(ii)   In a Hazard:
       (a)   Proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief; or 

       (b)   In the case of a water hazard proceed in accordance with Rule 26-1.

(iii)   On the Putting Green: Proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief.  

(iv)   On the Tee: Proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief.

 

Exception: A player may not take relief under this Rule if anything other than an immovable obstruction prevents him from taking a normal stance and making a normal stroke directed at the normal line of play.  

Note 1: If a ball to be placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

 

24-3. Ball in Obstruction Not Found

It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward an obstruction is in the obstruction. In order to apply this Rule, there must be conclusive evidence that the ball is in the obstruction. In the absence of certainty of such evidence, the player must proceed under Rule 27-1. 

a. Ball in Movable Obstruction Not Found

If there is conclusive evidence that a ball that has not been found is in a movable obstruction, the player may substitute another ball and take relief, without penalty, under this Rule. If he elects to do so, the point where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the obstruction must be determined and, for the purpose of applying this Rule, the ball is deemed to have come to rest at this point. The player must proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief. 

b. Ball in Immovable Obstruction Not Found

If there is conclusive evidence that a ball that has not been found is in an immovable obstruction, the player may take relief, without penalty, under this Rule. If he elects to do so, the point where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the obstruction must be determined and, for the purpose of applying this Rule, the ball is deemed to have come to rest at this point. The player must proceed in accordance with the procedure for taking relief. 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:

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