Simpler Rules: Rule 22

Rule 22: Ball Assisting or Interfering with Play 

22-1. Ball Assisting Play

Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that a ball might assist any other player, he may: 

(a) Lift the ball if it is his ball; or  

(b) Have any other ball lifted.  

A ball lifted under this Rule must be replaced (see Rule 20-3). The ball must not be cleaned, unless it lies on the putting green (see Rule 21). 

In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first rather than lift the ball. 

In stroke play, if the Committee determines that competitors have agreed not to lift a ball that might assist any competitor, they are disqualified from the competition. 

Note: When another ball is in motion, a ball that might influence the movement of the ball in motion must not be lifted.

 

22-2. Ball Interfering with Play

Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that another ball might interfere with his play, he may have it lifted. 

A ball lifted under this Rule must be replaced (see Rule 20-3). The ball must not be cleaned, unless it lies on the putting green (see Rule 21). 

In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first rather than lift the ball. 

Note 1: Except on the putting green, a player may not lift his ball solely because he considers that it might interfere with the play of another player. If a player lifts his ball without being asked to do so, he incurs a penalty of one stroke for a breach of Rule 18-2a, but there is no additional penalty under Rule 22. 

Note 2: When another ball is in motion, a ball that might influence the movement of the ball in motion must not be lifted. 

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:

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