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May stakes defining a water hazard or lateral water hazard be moved? |
| A water hazard stake is an obstruction - see the Definition of "obstruction". Consequently, if such a stake is movable, it may be removed, without penalty, in accordance with Rule 24-1. A player may remove a movable obstruction anywhere on the course, irrespective of whether his ball lies in a water hazard or not. |
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Can I use an "x-out" ball to play a round of golf? |
| Provided the ball in question meets the prescribed specifications (Rule 5-1), and the Committee has not laid down the conditions of the competition that the ball to be used shall be of certain specifications, brand and marking as detailed in the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by The R&A, there is no reason why an x-out ball should not be used - see Decision 5-1/4. |
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Why can't spike marks be repaired? |
| The repair of spike marks which might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole would constitute a breach of Rule 16-1c. Since it is not always possible to distinguish spike marks from other damage or irregularities of surface, allowing the repair of spike marks would, in effect, entail permitting any damage or irregularity of surface on the putting green to be repaired. This is contrary to the fundamental principle of "playing the course as you find it" and it would undoubtedly lead to an increase of slow play as players attempt to perfect their line of putt. |
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Is the person who lifted the player's ball the only person who may replace it? |
| No. Up to a maximum of three different people may replace a ball, depending on the circumstances i.e. the player, his partner or the person who lifted it. For example, in a four-ball match, if a player were to authorise his caddie to lift his ball, the caddie, the player, or the player's partner could replace it. However, if the player lifts the ball himself, only the player or his partner may replace it - see Rule 20-3a. |
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Must a player enter his handicap in the box provided on the card? |
| Although under Rule 6-2b a competitor must ensure that his handicap is recorded on his score card before it is returned to the Committee, it does not stipulate where the handicap shall be recorded and, as long as it appears somewhere on the card, the competitor has fulfilled his duty. Consequently, a competitor should not be disqualified for failure to record his handicap in the "official" box provided on the card |
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Must a player announce to his opponent(s) or fellow-competitor(s) that he intends to substitute his ball between the play of two holes? |
| Although such an announcement would be courteous, a player is not required under the Rules to inform an opponent or fellow-competitor that he intends to play a different ball between the play of two holes. |
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May a player take free relief from interference by an out of bounds fence? |
| No. Objects defining out of bounds, such as walls, fences, stakes and railings are considered fixed and therefore are not obstructions. |
Just a few queries that might arise - and to keep you on your toes
There are two videos on the R&A website which are well worth a look especially for the members new to golf and for juniors. Below is the link to the low quality version but there is also a high quality version available on their website.
Some Rules of Golf from the R&A St Andrews