GeneralThe ball must be played as it lies, except as otherwise provided in the Rules.See also: Ball at rest moved Improving Lie, Area of Intended Stance of Swing, or Line of PlayA player must not improve or allow to be improved:
Exception: Ball in hazard - see Rule 13-4. Building StanceA player is entitled to place his feet firmly in taking his stance, but he must not build a stance.Ball in Hazard; Prohibited ActionsExcept as provided in the Rules, before making a stroke at a ball that is in a hazard (whether a bunker or a water hazard) or that, having been lifted from a hazard, may be dropped or placed in the hazard, the player must not:a. Test the condition of the hazard or any similar hazard; b. Touch the ground in the hazard or water in the water hazard with his hand or a club; or c. Touch or move a loose impediment lying in or touching the hazard. Exceptions: 1. Provided nothing is done that constitutes testing the condition of the hazard or improves the lie of the ball, there is no penalty if the player (a) touches the ground in any hazard or water in a water hazard as a result of or to prevent falling, in removing an obstruction, in measuring or in retrieving, lifting, placing or replacing a ball under any Rule or (b) places his clubs in a hazard. 2. After making the stroke, the player or his caddie may smooth sand or soil in the hazard, provided that, if the ball is still in the hazard or has been lifted from the hazard and may be dropped or placed in the hazard, nothing is done that improves the lie of the ball or assists the player in his subsequent play of the hole. Note: At any time, including at address or in the backward movement for the stroke, the player may touch with a club or otherwise any obstruction, any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course or any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing. Penalty for breach of rule: Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes. See also: Searching for ball See also: Relief for ball in water hazard |