The game

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.

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.
See: Removal of movable obstruction

Penalty for breach of this rule:
Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Agreement to waive rules

Players must not agree to exclude the operation of any rule or to waive any penalty incurred.

Penalty for breach this rule:

• Match play - Disqualification of both sides;
• Stroke play - Disqualification of competitors concerned.

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.