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Golf Tips For Beginners
Rules Of Golf For Playing The Ball (Rules 12 to 15)
Rule 12. Searching For A Ball.
In searching for a ball a player may move items which may obscure the ball from view in the process of his search, but only to the extent necessary to identify the ball and not if such movement would improve the lie of the ball, his stance for a shot or the line of the shot.
If a ball is covered by loose material or sand then such material or sand may be carefully removed only to the extent necessary to reveal the smallest part of the ball necessary to identify it.
If a ball is accidentally moved during a search then it must be replaced in its original position.
If a ball is lost in water a player may probe for the ball, but again must return it to it original position if such probing dislodges it.
Identifying A Ball.
It is the responsibility of a player to ensure that he plays his own ball and, to this end, each player should mark his ball if necessary.
Should it be necessary to lift a ball in order to identify it, then this is permitted as long as the ball is replaced in its original lie. Before lifting a ball a player must announce his decision to do so and mark the position of the ball.
Rule 13. Playing A Ball As It Lies.
Unless otherwise specifically stated within the rules of golf, a ball must always be played as it lies.
A player may not improve:
- The position or lie of the ball.
- The intended area of his stance for taking his shot.
- His line of play.
- An area into which he is entitled to drop or place his ball.
by any means including:
- Pressing his club against the ground.
- Moving, bending or breaking any growing or fixed item.
- Removing or creating irregularities in the ground.
- Pressing down or removing loose soil or sand or replacing divots or turf.
- Removing such items as frost or water.
Except that a player will not incur a penalty if such action occurs:
- In lightly grounding the club while making a stroke.
- In the normal course of taking his stance.
- In the normal course of making a stroke.
- In making or creating irregularities or removing such items as frost and water on the teeing ground.
- In removing sand or loose soil or repairing damage on the putting green.
Playing A Ball In A Hazard.
Before playing a ball in a hazard a player may not:
- Test the condition of the hazard.
- Touch the ground in the hazard or water with his hand or club.
- Touch or move loose impediments lying within or touching the hazard.
Rule 14. Striking The Ball.
When making a stroke the ball must be fairly struck with the head of the club and no attempt must be made to push, scrape or spoon the ball.
In making a stroke a player is not permitted to:
- Accept any assistance or protection from the elements.
- Allow his partner or either caddie to position himself on or close to the line of play or the line of putt behind the ball.
Artificial Devices And Unusual Equipment.
A player may not use any artificial device or unusual equipment:
- That might assist in gauging a stroke.
- That might assist in measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play.
- That might assist in gripping the club, except that:
- Plain gloves may be worn.
- Powder, resin, drying or moisturizing agents may be used.
- A handkerchief or towel may be wrapped around the grip.
Striking The Ball More Than Once.
If a player's club strikes the ball twice during a stroke then the player must count the stroke and add a penalty to make a total of two strokes in all.
Playing A Moving Ball.
A player must not stroke at a moving ball. The exceptions to this rule include:
- A ball which is falling off a tee.
- A ball which having been struck is accidentally struck a second time.
- A ball which is moving in water.
Rule 15. A Substituted Ball Or The Wrong Ball.
A player may play with a substituted ball where specifically permitted under the rules of golf and, in such circumstances, the substituted ball becomes the ball in play.
When a ball is substituted even when such substitution is not permitted it again becomes the ball in play and is not classed as a wrong ball, but the player will incur a penalty for playing the ball.
If a player plays the wrong ball (for example, the ball of another player) in match play then he will lose the hole on which the ball is played. In stroke play, a penalty of two strokes in incurred.
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