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.