October 2nd, 2008 by Phil Reich PGA Golf Art

Section III THE RULES OF PLAY

THE GAME

Rule 1. The Game

Definitions

All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in

the Definitions section — see pages 5-18.

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 Ball

A player or caddie must not take any action to influence the position

or the movement of a ball except in accordance with the Rules.

(Removal of loose impediment — see Rule 23-1.)

(Removal of movable obstruction — see Rule 24-1.)

*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: A player is deemed to have committed a serious breach

of Rule 1-2 if the Committee considers that his act of influencing

the position or movement of the ball has allowed him or another

player to gain a significant advantage or has placed another

player, other than his partner, at a significant disadvantage.

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.)

Rule 1 19

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.