Preppy Rae's

Much Ado About...Adoption?!

2009-06-07T18:41:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the year-long absence, I have been spending much time preparing to adopt a baby. We are all finished with preliminaries and are just waiting to find a birthmother. While we wait, we are focusing on time-consuming hobbies that will likely get pushed to the side when Baby arrives. This includes: French cooking! Check out a few of these traditional Provencal recipes...

Tomato and Basil Crostini

Ingredients

4 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

12 to 16 slices French bread (baguette type) 1 large clove garlic, peeled

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly-ground pepper, to taste

Recipe

Allow the tomatoes to drain in a colander for 30 minutes.
Toast the slices of bread and rub each with garlic.
Combine the tomatoes with the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and divide between the slices of toast.
Serve immediately.

Tourin(Dordogne garlic soup):

10-12 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon flour
water as required
salt to taste
egg, separated
pepper to taste
1 teaspoon vinegar

1. In a frying pan, brown the chopped garlic in the olive oil.

2. Add the flour.

3. Mix well, then cook for a moment.

4. Add some boiling salted water, and cook for 10 minutes.

5. In a separate dish, mix the egg yolk, pepper and vinegar

6. Add the egg white to the soup, while stirring with a whisk, so that no large pieces of egg white form.

7. Cook for another 5 minutes.

8. Remove from heat and add the egg yolk mixture, again stirring to avoid coagulation.

9. Place thin slices of bread in each soup bowl, and pour the soup on top. Serve hot.

10. Bon appétit.

I will be trying these next week, pictures and recommendations will follow!

Carp can give some TLC

2008-07-22T09:04:00.007-04:00

I have to say this is definitely beyond the realm of cucumbers and hot stones...

Tiny fish called garra rufa have a little talent--nibbling away at dead skin. These fish have adapted so well that they can eat nearly anything as long it doesn't require teeth. 5,000 people have already tried this new type of pedicure: You have a nail techician do the polish, and the fish do the rest.
These guys are meant to replace razors because of regulations and sanitary-ness issues with the razor deal.
Apparently they started this in Turkey and now some Asian countries are doing it, too!

After a standard 15 to 30 minute pedicure, clients dunk their feet into individual tanks of water and let the fish take over. According to the clients, it feels tingly, like when your foot is falling asleep, or if you are being tickled.
The cost is $35 for 15 minutes.

The fish leave live skin alone because they don't have teeth, but they can still eat the dead skin (guess it's softer?)

They are hoping to make this a franchise--right now there are just 2 locations--Alexandria, Va, and Woodbridge, Va.

It took a whole year plus $40,000 to get the treatment together.

State regulations have no rules about using fish, although there are communal pool rules which stated that the fish must be in individual tanks for each person and the water must be changed before each client (at first they used one big pool full of fish).

The communal pool had other problems, too--sometimes the fish would lounge at the feet of a person with tons of dead skin, leaving others with no fish (which was probably also embarrassing).

For more details try www.yvonnesalon.com
Referenced from yahoo.com

Ann Arbor, Bananas, and Tomatoes, oh my!

2008-07-19T12:07:00.004-04:00

Thanks for bearing with me on my 3-day hiatus. I ran and picked hubby up at 1:30am from work and got to spend a whopping 24 hours spoiling him with homemade cooking before dropping him off at 5 this morning. He'll be gone another 2 weeks...

I have been given the task of watering my mother's potted tomato plants while she is on vacay in Ann Arbor. I use the hose with the spray nozzle on and I keep forgetting to turn the hose off when I am through! I've managed to flood our yard twice already. Although I must say tomato plants are beautiful even without the tomatoes on--they are getting those little yellow buds that almost look like flowers, you can tell it won't be long before the tomatoes are here!

M has been particularly cute lately...he went through an annoying phase around 18 months and now at 22 months he is adorable, goes around chattering to everyone and everything he sees!

I found a recipe for Baked Bananas Sultana and although it sounds unappetizing, it's actually really yummy!

Place ripe bananas (still in the peel) into the oven for 10 minutes at 350.

While the bananas are baking, put a little water and sugar into a saucepan on the burner at medium high. Add a pinch of cornstarch and bring to a boil. It should form a smooth sauce. I add a little flour to thicken it and give a creamy color.

Boil Sultana raisins (I use regular) in a pot on the stove for 10 minutes or until they are warm and squishy.

Take the bananas out of the oven and peel them. Drizzle the sugary sauce on top and add raisins as a garnish. I also like to add vanilla ice cream.

I really thought this recipe was going to be a bust but it's a new favorite. M, A, and TSU (The spousal unit) love it!

Well, I know this post is long enough because my dog is sleeping on her back and snoring. How come I love it when Cocoa does that and hate it when C (my TSU) does it?

Throwing a Custom Fit

2008-07-16T15:13:00.007-04:00

Sooooo, I had today off from work and naturally I used the spare time to make some serious alterations to my wardrobe. I took some (ok, so it was 6 pairs of pants, I can call that "some" instead of "several", right?) pants to the tailor to have the waists taken in. Let me tell you, if you don't have a tailor you need to get one quick. I paid less for 6 pairs than I would have to buy one new pair. Hubby is THRILLED of course.

Off topic, my friend (I'll call her CTL) has a new baby who is just learning to coo and make all those babbling baby noises. Isn't that cute? And my other friend J just found out she is having boy-girl twins. How exciting!

I saw this online and thought it was so cute (and so true!).

The Toddler’s Creed

If it is on, I must turn it off.
If it is off, I must turn it on.
If it is folded, I must unfold it.
If it is a liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled.
If it a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared.
If it is high, it must be reached.
If it is shelved, it must be unshelved.
If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed.
If it has leaves, they must be picked.
If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.
If it is not trash, it must be thrown away.
If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor.
If it is closed, it must be opened.
If it does not open, it must be screamed at.
If it has drawers, they must be rifled.
If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor, or table.
If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied.
If it is empty, it will be more interesting full.
If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon.
If it is stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest. It must be pushed by me instead.
If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon.
If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried.
If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone.
If it is paper, it must be torn.
If it has buttons, they must be pressed.
If the volume is low, it must go high.
If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor.
If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon.
If it is a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth.
If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force.
If it is a phone, I must talk to it.
If it is a bug, it must be swallowed.
If it doesn't stay on my spoon, it must be dropped on the floor.
If it is not food, it must be tasted.
If it is food, it must not be tasted.
If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.
If it is a carseat, it must be protested with an arched back.
If it is Mommy (or Daddy), it must be hugged.
I am toddler!

From www.momsview.com

The Today Show says...

2008-07-13T08:59:00.006-04:00

J. Crew's jeweled jellies and madras weekender bag were featured on The Today Show this morning. The madras weekender was featured as a "man-bag" for beach packing. I think I'll buy one for a lady-bag anyway. ;-)

More Polyvore

2008-07-13T08:19:00.001-04:00

These are all items from J.Crew.

Combo # 5, Please

2008-07-12T12:32:00.005-04:00

There are some well-known traditional preppy color combinations, such as pink and green, Nantucket red, orange and blue (Yale school colors), and let's not forget the ever-present madras. But shouldn't there be a few new takes on the old classics? Shouldn't our generation leave a blip on the radar of preppy fashion? I've been playing with color on www.polyvore.com. This site is so addicting!

Special Delivery

2008-07-09T09:15:00.001-04:00

I received my critter collar polo in Sweet Papaya! The tennis tail is the perfect length and the fabric is so soft. I've been looking at the petite favorite-fit Keaton pants in khaki or dark slate (translation--very dark brown)...they're on sale but I've never ordered pants from J. Crew. But I highly recommend the polos!

2008-07-08T13:14:00.007-04:00

Brooks Brothers is having a Summer Clearance Sale--50% off non-iron shirts for men and women, and their dresses and dress trousers are on sale as well. Check it out!

On a side note, Bertha is now a category 2. :-)

Photos coutersy of www.brooksbrothers.com

And so begins hurricane season...

2008-07-07T18:02:00.002-04:00

There is a category 3 hurricane (goes by the name of Bertha) heading for the Caribbean at the moment. I believe they said it would hit Bermuda and then head for Va Beach. Early in the season for it, but there it is. Winds of 115mph. Hmmmm. Curious as to how this will go because we live on a lake. Guess we will see.

Preppy Sports

2008-07-07T13:08:00.001-04:00

Badminton

Crew

Cricket

Croquet

Fencing

Field Hockey

Golf

Horseback Riding

Lacrosse

Polo

Sailing

Skiing

Squash

Swimming

Tennis

Preppy Vacations

2008-07-07T13:06:00.000-04:00

Bar Harbor, ME

Block Island, RI

Cape Cod, MA

Delray Beach

Fair Isle

Hilton Head Island, SC

Kennebunkport, ME

Martha's Vineyard, MA

Millbrook, NY

Nantucket, MA

Newport, RI

Palm Beach, FL

The Hamptons, NY

Prep Schools

2008-07-07T13:04:00.001-04:00

Altamont

Baylor

Belmont Hill

Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT

Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, MA

Episcopal School, Baton Rouge

Foxcroft

Governor Dummer Academy

Groton

Hackley School

Harpeth Hall

Hogwarts (just kidding)

Holton-Arms School

Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT

Isidore Newman

Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ

Loomis Chaffee in Windsor, CT

Madiera

Metairie Park

Middlesex School

Milton Academy

National Cathedral School

Noble and Greenough School

Phillips Academy in Andover, MA

Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH

Pingree School

Roxbury Latin School

Sidwell Friends

St. Alban's School

St. Andrew's School

St. George's School

St. Paul's School in Concord, NH

Tabor Academy

Taft School in Watertown, CT

The Hill School in Pottstown, PA

Trinity-Pawling School

Western Reserve Academy

Westminster

Westover School

Winsor School

Woodberry Forest

Preppy Clubs/Societies

2008-07-07T13:03:00.000-04:00

Down Town Association

Elizabethan Club

Knickerbocker Club

New York Yacht Club

Skull and Bones

The Bohemian Club

The Brook

The Commonwealth Club of Richmond

The Mountain Brook Club of Birmingham

The Piedmont Driving Club of Atlanta

The Purple Hat Society

The Red Hat Society

Union League Club

Yale Political Union

Preppy Classes

2008-07-07T13:02:00.001-04:00

Chemistry

Chinese

Computer Science

French

Latin

Law classes

Medical classes

Music/Dance/Fine Arts classes

Physics

Preppy Cars

2008-07-07T12:57:00.001-04:00

BMW

Hondas

Hybrids

Jeep Cherokees

Mercedes sedans

Smart Cars

Volvo wagons

Preppy Colleges

2008-07-07T12:56:00.001-04:00

Bama

Boston University

Duke

Hamden-Sydney

Harvard

Princeton

University of NC

University of VA

Vanderbilt

Wellesley

Yale

Preppy Movies

2008-07-07T12:54:00.002-04:00

Boston Legal

Dead Poets Society

Happy Birthday To Me

How To Seduce A Preppy

Killer Eyes

Love Story

Match Point

Misunderstood Monarch

Prep School

School Ties

The Circle

The Other Sister

The Talented Mr. Ripley

White Squall

Preppy Music

2008-07-07T12:52:00.002-04:00

311

Ben Harper

Benjy Davis project

Bob Dylan

Bossa Nova

Breakfast At Tiffany's

Dave Matthews

Death Cab For Cutie

Diana Krall

Dispatch

Ella Fitzgerald

Grateful Dead

Guster

Ian Murray's Band

Jack Johnson

Jeff Golub

Larry Carlton

O.A.R.

Pete Yorn

Peter White

Rippingtons

Sade

The Beatles

The Style Council

Widespread Panic

Preppy Books

2008-07-07T12:50:00.001-04:00

A Good School: A Novel by Richard Yates

A Privileged Wife: Celebrating WASP Style by Susanna Salk

A Southern Belle primer: Why Princess Margaret Will Never Be A Kappa Kappa Gamma by Maryln Schwartz

Bunny Williams' Point of View: Three Decades of Decorating Elegant and Comfortable Houses by Bunny Williams

Class: A Guide through the American Status System by Paul Fussell

Essentially Lilly: A Guide To Colorful Entertaining by Lilly Pulitzer

Essentially Lilly: A Guide To Colorful Holidays by Lilly Pulitzer

How To Marry Money by Kevin Doyle

Lessons From Privilege: The American Prep School Tradition by Arthur Powell

Mr. Classic by Jeremy Hackett

Occasions by Kate Spade

Old Money: The Mythology of Wealth in America by Nelson Aldrich

Park Avenue Potluck: Recipes From New York's Savviest Hostesses by The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering and Florence Fabricant

"Prep: A Novel" by Curtis Sittenfield

Preparing for power: America's Elite Boarding Schools by Peter W. Cookson Jr.

The Natural History of the Rich: A Field Guide by Richard Conniff

The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach

The Protestant Establishment: Aristocracy and Caste in America by E. Digby Baltzell

The Stories of John Cheever by John Cheever

The Wasp Cookbook by Alexandra Wentworth

Tipsy In Madras by Matt Walker and Marisa Walsh

What Would Jackie Do? An Inspired Guide To Distinctive Living by Shelly Branch

J.Crew Fall 2008

2008-07-04T19:52:00.013-04:00

I was doing a little Fall research and came across a glimpse of the future--J. Crew Fall 2008, both menswear and womenswear. They must have been keeping Halloween in mind when they designed the overall look--lots of oranges and browns abound with little dashes of Chlorine Blue to bring to memory our most relaxing summer days at the pool.

For men, an artsy (dare we say trendy?) vibe with a solid mixture of perfectly wrinkled stripes, plaids, and torn blue jeans with long peacoat-reminiscent jackets.

For women, a liberal dose of conservative frills, a few high (not popped) collars, and Audrey Hepburn-esque bows on jackets worn over traditional Paris (think "Where's Waldo?") stripes. I am suddenly reminded of Spring 2008 when Canary Yellow and Navy Blues with Nautical Reds were lining storefronts all over the East Coast. Replace the Nautical Red with Goldfish Orange and voila, Fall 2008.

The long-placket shirt is certainly a hot item this year. Perhaps the plunging neckline--coyly buttoned--suggests a rousing round of the dating (or mating) game rather than polo or rugby?

Photos courtesy of www.blogs.glam.com

What were you doing?

2008-07-04T05:51:00.003-04:00

the last 4th of July? Were you BBQing? Watching the fireworks at the oceanfront in Va Beach? Socializing at a church gathering? Take some time to reflect on where you were at this point in your life on this day last year. Were you single? Married? In college? How far have you come? The Holiday itself has not changed...how much have you?

Calling all R.L. Fans!

2008-07-03T15:24:00.010-04:00

I am pleased to announce the new Spring 2008 Ralph Lauren line Rugby. Rugby is classic with an '80's retro twist--nothing A & F about it. Check it out!

Preppy Things to do in the Summertime

2008-07-03T07:57:00.003-04:00

This list may not be handy for you right now, but trust me, someday you will need it.

Go to the beach
Two words: The Boardwalk
Play tennis at the club
Swim in the pool at the club
Go shopping
Go to a social
Have a BBQ

Help me add to the list! I know I'm forgetting something.

Clam bake

Quick! Call the Dr., I'm having a heart attack!

2008-07-01T12:20:00.006-04:00

And what, you ask, is the just cause for a heart attack at my young and less-than-ripe age? A FINAL SALE at J. Crew of course! Their website is running a little slow (just slow enough to make you wonder why you're paying extra for the high-speed internet) and in apology they are giving you FREE SHIPPING on your order. Be sure to check out their sale category because a lot of their items in the sale category now are summer clothing (in preparation for Fall; you remember how retail seasons are always about 4 months ahead of the rest of the planet). I could not resist their critter-collar polos and ordered one this very morning. Don't forget to enter the code FREESHIP in the promotion box at checkout to get your free standard shipping.

Sweet Smells of Summer

2008-06-27T09:53:00.011-04:00

Warm summer mornings beg for the sultry smells of newly bloomed flowers, juicy berries, and crisp ocean breezes. How to get your summer scent fix? Try a few drops of these oh-so-preppy perfumes.

To get the aroma of red berries and iced tea: Lacoste Dream of Pink Eau de Toilette Spray, $68.

For the breezy smell of ocean spray: Club Med can be found in most drugstores for under $20 and has an unusually preppy scent for less than beaucoup bucks!

Green apple tree leaves and Italian mandarin lend a sweet citrus smell to Ralph by Ralph Lauren perfume, $28.

Go classic floral with Chanel #5 or Chanel Mademoiselle, $75. Avoid smelling like a shopping mall by dabbing just a few drops behind your ears. This scent is more formal, great for weddings and special ocassions.

Tommy Girl by Tommy Hilfiger is a staple perfume for any prep--youthful and fresh with camellia flowers, black currant, cherokee rose, butterfly violets, and desert jasmine with mandarin and tangerine. $45.

Burberry Summer is of course a personal fave with mandarin, bergamot, grapefruit, green apple, water lily, freesia, rose, cedarwood, sandalwood, white musk, vanilla and a hint of moss, $58. Burberry's perfume is almost as yummy as their signature scarves!

Preppy Brides

2008-06-18T20:19:00.016-04:00

I have had a request to write about bridal parties, showers, and the like. Sorry for the 2 or 3-day hiatus. I've been taking some time to relax. 'Tis the season for preppy weddings so here we go:

Personalized breath mints are a sophisticated addition to your party favors.
www.beau-coup.com

These monogrammed beach totes are fun gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen. www.beau-coup.com

www.jcrew.com wedding gown

And last but not least...

A preppy party set from www.socialcouture.com.
LOVE the grosgrain napkin rings!

I will add more to this post when something new catches my eye.

Invitations are from www.mygatsby.com.

Going Green

2008-06-17T13:49:00.007-04:00

Everyone knows helping the environment is a preppy thing to do! But not everyone knows these unusual ways of going green:

Have a Green Funeral

1. Seek Good Advice

Not long ago, the idea of green burial was unheard of by most funeral directors, and today, for a variety of practical and emotional reasons, many people still resist te idea. However, there are signs that the industry is awakening to the concept, especially since many people with environmental sympathies wish to leave the world as they have tried to live in it. A growing number of products and services can help them do just that. Key points to think about include:

-- Funeral Director: Ask your funeral director about more sustainable options, or seek out a funeral home that offer green practices (more on this below).

-- Green Burial: Likewise, green burial specialists can help you explore greening your final resting options.

-- Literature on Green Funerals: Read one of the books that can guide you through the process. (See our "Where to Get this Stuff" section below for suggestions.)

2. State Your Intentions

If you are reading this guide with an eye to what happens to your remains when you are gone, it would make sense to talk to your loved ones about it or make arrangements ahead of time. Death can be a difficult process and, unless prompted, those left behind may not think to consider the environment in making arrangements. Even if they do, they may not have a grasp on what are the best and greenest courses of action to take.

-- Define Your Wishes: Add a clause in your will or create an advanced funeral wishes document that stipulates your green funeral concerns. Consider including a copy of this guide with your instructions.

3.Cremate Your Remains

On the face of it, cremation doesn’t seem like a particularly green idea. Burning anything creates pollution, especially if there are toxic substances present (via embalming, for example), and returning nutrients to the ecosystem via decomposing matter is a core tenet of environmental thinking. That said, modern crematoriums have made significant reductions in emissions. Plus, as many cemeteries, particularly in the U.S., have rules and regulations stipulating the use of concrete vaults, coffins, and other such requirements that use significant resources and space, becoming one with nature isn't as straightforward and simple (or quick) as it may seem. Cremation, therefore, may make more sense from a green perspective, after all. If it seems like the right choice to you, you can ask the crematorium about what they are doing to reduce emissions. A previous TreeHugger post also discusses more about efficient and green cremation.

4. Bury Your Remains

Ultimately, our remains are part of the food chain. Unfortunately, many of the trappings of modern burial--such as embalming, hardwood coffins, and concrete vaults--are designed to delay the natural process of decomposition. Though these ideas have become modern standards, the truth is that anything we can do to return to the earth more easily will lessen our impact on the environment. See our previous article, The Green Goodbye, which explores new trends in eco-burials. Key ecological points include:

-- Preservation: Embalming slows the decomposition process. For those whose tradition does not designate embalming as part of the burial practice, consider skipping this step, and opt for a closed casket and rapid burial.

-- Coffins: Cardboard, bamboo, or jute coffins; shrouds; or biodegradable urns are all dignified ways to unite with nature more rapidly.

-- Green Burial Grounds: The Green Burial Council and other organizations are taking strides to develop and identify sustainable burial and cremation practices, locations and companies.

5. Leave a Living Marker

It can be important for mourners to have somewhere to go to remember their loved ones long after the funeral is over. Natural or living memorials can be wonderful alternatives to quarried headstones or marble mausoleums. Consider planting a tree or a bush that will carry on in honor of the deceased. Online memorials are also becoming increasingly popular. For inspiration, New York’s New School and the The U.S. Forest Service have explored visions of the living memorial through their project, Land-markings: 12 Journeys through 9/11 Living Memorials.

6. Give Gifts of Sympathy

Cut flowers have a short shelf-life; besides, flower-farming can be a resource-intensive endeavor. It's already common practice to ask for donations to charity in lieu of flowers; after all, what better way to remember the dead than to create a better world for the living? From organizations that provide solar power to the developing world to others that provide bicycles for AIDS caregivers, charity-giving is a magnificent way to honor the passions of deceased friends or relatives. Out roundup of green non-profit organizations offers several causes worthy of support.

7. Deliver a Just Tribute

So much of what we hold dear about a person includes their ideals and convictions. It is fitting, then, to commemorate the life of a departed fellow TreeHugger with a memorial ceremony that touches on the subject of the environment. We are not suggesting a 10-hour lecture on Gaia Theory, but a joyful remembrance of a passionate green life well-lived. With more and more faiths and denominations from Catholicism to Judaism and beyond embracing stewardship of the environment, it shouldn’t be hard to find a minister with sympathies for your cause. Green funeral providers and any funeral director will also be able to offer advice on how to create a unique, personalized ceremony.

8. Green Your Funeral Service

As with any event, much of the environmental impact is in the details. Even if you don't opt for any of the ideas above, you can still make a funeral greener by incorporating the following practices into the gathering.

-- Programs: Use recycled paper for programs or hymn sheets.

-- Flowers: Source any flowers from organic, local growers.

--Procession: Make arrangements for carpooling from location to location during the funeral.

--Refreshments: If the deceased was an environmentalist, the chances are they enjoyed local, organic food. If refreshments are being served, it makes sense then to look closely at where they come from. TreeHugger’s How to Green Your Meals provides helpful tips and guidelines for selecting the refreshments of your choice.

1. The Ultimate Recycling

We’ve already suggested that using biodegradable coffins or urns, and avoiding concrete vaults, can help reduce our impact by returning our remains to the earth. However, some folks are taking this even further by finding safe ways to literally compost human remains.

2. Return to the Woods

The woodland burial movement, which started in the UK, is widely credited with the birth of interest in natural funerals in general. Not only do woodland burials involve low impact ceremonies, they also aid in the return of a piece of land to a natural forest. Trees and native wildflowers are often planted above a grave, and because the location becomes dear to the families of the deceased, chances are good that the site will remain protected for years to come.

3. Keep it Private

We should make it clear that we do not advocate excluding anyone from a funeral, but in the end, the bigger a ceremony, the more travel and resources are needed to make it happen. Those seeking the ultimate in green funerals may wish to consider keeping it private, having no event at all, or using the internet to host a memorial. We would recommend utmost tact in how this is communicated to friends and family, should you choose to go down this route.

4. Stay home

Institutions and burial places will often have rules as to what is, or is not, permitted on their property. Your particular green burial plans may clash with such directives, or you may just want to hold the ceremony somewhere dear to you or the deceased. In that case, it is worth knowing that in many countries it is perfectly permissible to bury a person on private land. We’d recommend checking with the authorities first.

Approximately 56,600,000 people die each year around the world.

50 million trees are cut down in India each year for funeral pyres. This releases 8 million tons of carbon dioxide.

There are now more than 200 green and woodland burial sites in the UK.

Up to 16% of all mercury emissions in the UK come from crematoria because of the fillings in teeth. This percentage is expected to increase to 25% by 2020.

1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete is buried in the USA each year in the construction of vaults.

1. Embalming, which apparently became popular in the United States during the Civil War, is still a significant source of groundwater pollution today. Arsenic gave way to the less toxic formaldehyde as the favored embalming solution around the turn of the last century. However, formaldehyde poisoning can still be fatal and it is classified as a human carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Some estimates say that one million gallons of formaldehyde are buried in embalmed bodies each year in the United States. Almost all of this will eventually make its way into our water supplies. Efforts are underway to gradually replace formaldehyde with glutaraldehyde, which is considered less toxic.

2.Cremation causes nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, heavy metals and particulates to be released into the atmosphere when a body is cremated. If a body has mercury-amalgam fillings, the mercury will almost certainly become air pollution unless the fillings are removed first. Burning a body inside a coffin also creates significantly more pollution than burning the body by itself. Modern crematoriums often have ‘clean smokestacks’ that ameliorate the associated emissions, at least to some degree, and the cremation industry has claimed that reports of pollution have been greatly exaggerated.

Coffins and Urns:
-- A Scottish company aims to revive the traditional jute industry by creating eco-friendly coffins.
-- Ecopod create what is probably the sleekest-looking biodegradable coffin on the market.
-- TreeHugger marvels at the funky German-made Uono biodegradable coffin.
-- Not for the vegetarians: Econatur, a Spanish company, specializes in biodegradable urns made from animal byproducts.
-- An urn is impregnated with a tree seed, making life after death a certainty.

Burial and Cremation:
-- TreeHugger talks to Joe Sehee of the Green Burial Council.
-- The Trust for Natural Legacies aims to establish nature conservation sites through green burial.
-- Natural burials reach Canada.
-- Metal surgical pins, plates and artificial joints are being recycled in an effort to reduce waste from one crematorium.

End of Life Traditions and Alternative Practices:
-- An environmental group in India works to create more energy efficient funeral pyres.
-- Be frozen and smashed into smithereens for compost, or become part of a coral reef – two more slightly bizarre options for a greener end.
-- More on the freezing, smashing and composting option - it’s not as weird as it sounds.

Courtesy of www.treehugger.com
Picture courtesy of www.quantumhospitality.com

Preppy Father's Day Goodies for $50 and Under

2008-06-15T09:23:00.007-04:00

Well, the past few entries have focused on items for preppy girls. Today will be all about the guys.

For the beach-loving preppy Dad.

For the traditional preppy Dad.

For the blonde preppy Dad.

This one is for the flamboyantly preppy Dad.

These are for the preppy Dad who would like the pink tie above.

For the brunette preppy Dad.

This one is for the sporty preppy Dad.

All at jcrew.com for $50 or less.

Get Your Preppy Fix Without Breaking the Bank!

2008-06-14T15:31:00.010-04:00

Ok, now I realize the essence of being preppy is to buy expensive, good quality, classic clothing and accessories, but every once in a while you want a quick fix when you're low on cash. On that note, I noticed a few preppy-style things Wal*Mart has:

LINGERIE

PJ's: They don't have the cute ones online yet, but in-store, less than $15 will get you a cute pink and green jammies set.

Undies and bras: Around $10 for a panties/bra set.

ACCESSORIES

Recycled plastic tote: $8

Necklace: $32--pink and white sapphires with sterling silver.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Shift dress: $20

SPORTS

Tennis skort: $10

SOCKS & SHOES

Socks: $8 and part of the money goes to breast cancer (everyone knows donating to charity is tres preppy)

Had to add in the Wal*Mart wellies, too--cute, huh? Only $15.

Wedges: $15

Moccasins: $14

Flip flops: $10 and under in a variety of colors and patterns.

I recommend looking elsewhere for your polos, oxfords, belts, hats, and dressier items. Try J.Crew or Lilly.

100 Things You Should Know Before You Read My Blog

2008-06-13T09:45:00.011-04:00

1. I was born in Tennessee near Memphis. Lived there 8 years but never saw Graceland or Nashville, or any famous country singers. I want to move back to TN but hubby is against it because he's never been there.

2. Also lived on Treasure Island (yes that's the real name!) in California, moved there right after the huge earthquake hit San Francisco in 1989. There were broken buildings everywhere. Treasure Island has since been demolished by the military and people no longer live there.

3. I loved Barbie Dolls. Remember those Mrs. Heart dolls from the '80's? I had one with a heart-shaped apron and she came with a little baby (the baby even had "real" hair!)that is probably still floating around in my parents' attic somewhere. I also had a Ken doll in a bright purple silky suit with white pants, purple shoes and a glittery bow tie.

4. I was into the American Girl (Pleasant Company) book/doll collection. So psyched that they're making a movie based on the books.

5. Care Bears, David the Gnome, Rainbow Brite, Under the Umbrella Tree, Gummy Bears, Captain Planet (wasn't allowed to watch b/c of the witchcraft thing), Nickelodeon's Weinerville, and Aagh! Real Monsters. Need I say more?

6. I have gone nearly an entire year without a TV. My parents' TV broke (back when people only had one) and they decided to torture their 4 kids and see how long the family could go without watching TV. I survived, but I was a VERY sheltered child. It took me years to catch up with my classmates (I hadn't heard of Fresh Prince until I saw the ad for it on the milk cartons at school. How the heck does Will Smith manage to look that good on a milk carton? The world may never know.).

7. I was homeschooled. From Kindergarten to 3rd grade, my schoolday consisted of workbooks I could write in, bathroom breaks whenever I needed them (without a hall pass), hot homemade lunches, and cool art classes. We went to Chinatown and saw the trolleys and tiny little herbal remedy shops. We took field trips to the Jelly Belly factory in California, and to the Pink Palace Museum in Tennessee. Public school was extremely hard to get used to. I mean, seriously, who the hell makes a bunch of little kids stand in a line for half an hour just to use the bathroom?

8. I have an obsession with J. Crew, Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi, champagne, and dark chocolate, in that order.

9. I used to have a very Southern accent (see #1). I slip back into it when I visit TN.

10. I love Lily Allen! Her songs are pessimistic yet perky, with a little sarcasm thrown in. Never have the words "when I see you cry, it just makes me smile" sounded so good! Maybe it's the ironic British accent? I need to get one of those!

11. I want 2 kids. A boy and a girl, Mary Catherine and Joseph Louis. Doesn't Joe Louis sound like a famous baseball player-type name? Love it! I hope they get blonde hair and Chris' hazel eyes.

12. I have a dog and a cat and they play together. Cocoa is my chocolate and tan mini cocker spaniel girl and Charlie (like Chaplin) Cartier (cause he has a black diamond-sized spot on one toe) is my tuxedo kitten.

13. I have had: Too many gold fish to count, a blue betta fish named Henry (RIP), a red betta fish named Rockstar, a blue parakeet named Kyle (RIP), a green parakeet, a black and white bunny named Dink, 2 hamsters named Butterscotch and something else I can't remember, a ragdoll cat named Neiko, a tabby cat named Loki (after the Norse god of mischief), and hubby has had 2 chinchillas named Shithead (Buddy) and The Other One (Princess)--(we didn't keep them long, they were not tame) and a ball python (can't remember his name). We also had a baby turtle and several aquatic frogs(RIP) and tropical fish (RIP). We are working on getting a small backyard pond with koi and water lilies in it.

14. We have pink stargazer lilies, Lady Guenivere hostas, yellow Texas climbing roses, wildflowers, and a big lake with turtles, carp, bass, minnows, and brim in our backyard.

15. I love to swim. I will swim every chance I get. My mom likes it, too. She goes to the club and swims almost every morning.

16. I love kids. I've been taking care of everyone else's since I was 3 years old and will continue to do so until I have my own.

17. I love to decorate. Actually considered making a job of it once. My favorite is 18th century Versailles style (ever seen Marie Antoinette? My dream house). I have a bazillion antique reproductions in my house, and a ton of curtains.

18. I love to cook. I will try just about any recipe. The recipes I invent are usually not detailed or accurate--a pinch of this, a little of that.

19. I like to rearrange food to make it look pretty. I slice strawberries and use them to frame a heart-shaped pancake. I love making things look pretty.

20. I have chronic severe migraines. I've been getting them since I was 9 or 10, and the doctors all assured me they were sinus headaches until a year ago. I had a migraine with strep throat and they were concerned it might be something worse than strep throat until I told them I get headaches that bad all the time. They referred me to a specialist who put me on Topamax. Wonderful drug if you like being homicidal, suicidal, anorexic, paranoid, divorced, and thin, or if you want seizures. I'm back to my regular migraines now.

21. I have a thing for Starbucks. Gotta love that tall decaf non-fat latte. And the gift cards are so cute!

22. I want to own a boat. Yes we live on a lake and we don't have a boat. There's not really a pier or dock, so it'd be rough trying to get a yacht into the water. Besides, who needs a yacht when you have an aircraft carrier?

23. I don't like bossy people. Hence my resume--I have worked in: restaurants (x7), drycleaners (x1), video rental store (x1), retail (x3), childcare centers (x3), and a pawn shop (x1). I was a nanny for 2 little girls. I was also an ed intern for first graders in a primary school. All between the ages of 16 and 21.

24. I am a bossy person. Something about having 3 younger brothers and getting blamed if they did something wrong (and having a military dad) makes you bossy. Lucky for me I get to boss my own self around now.

25. I hate sitting around indoors. I like hiking, walking, running, swimming, boating, fishing, crabbing, gardening...anything to keep from getting bored or pale. I would love to try camping but haven't found the time yet.

26. I love old TV shows, the kind that were on TV before I was born (or before I was old enough to watch them). I Dream of Jeannie, the Addams Family, the Munsters, Leave It To Beaver, Lassie, the 3 Stooges, Gilligan's Island, the Shirley Temple movies, Dean Martin and Jerry Louis movies. Anything on TV Land. And a few of the newer classics like Frasier, Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Cheers. I used to sit on my dad's lap in a rocking chair and watch Cheers til I fell asleep.

27. I lived in Maryland for a few years, near the Patuxent River. I don't remember much about it except we lived near a pond and there were these huge ducks (geese?)that used to follow us home. There was a creek in our backyard, and my little brother's first word was "quack" because there were always ducks everywhere.

28. I have lived in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and 4 places in Chesapeake. I've been in Virginia for 12 or 13 years. I know all the best restaurants, clubs, schools, beaches, amusement parks, fishing spots, hiking spots, and parking spaces. No idea what I will do when I leave this state!

29. I love North Carolina and South Carolina. Awesome places to vacation!

30. I have a lot of family in Michigan. Really want to visit them next summer.

31. I love holidays. The big ones, the kind where all the kids are out of school, you spend tons of time with family, and you don't have to work.

32. I want to visit Europe and Australia. France is at the top of my list. Bonjour, Versailles et le Louvre!

33. I like learning foreign languages. Spanish, French and Arabic especially. I'd love to take classes in Italian and Latin.

34. I love Christmas carols. Especially Bing Crosby ones.

35. I take catnaps. On weekends when I'm worn out. Love them!

36. I want a house in the country. As long as it isn't too far from a beach.

37. I'm afraid of getting cancer. Who isn't?

38. I'm a summer baby. Born in July.

39. I'm a lover, not a fighter. Can't stand arguments but love the drama. I should write soap operas.

40. Chanel perfume is the best. Preferably Chanel #5 or Chanel Mademoiselle

41. I love love love to shop. Anytime I'm allowed to.

42. I sweat (ahem, perspire, or as my mom-in-law says, "glow") a lot. No, seriously, a lot. As a result, my body temperature is always very low (97 F or thereabouts) and I like to be in warm places (causing me to perspire more). It's a very vicious cycle.

43. Love to get manis and pedis. And massages.

44. I work out. Every day, at least an hour. Gotta stay in shape because of my job.

45. I talk a lot. To everybody. Except the people I don't like. So if I don't talk to you, it's because you aren't on my list of favorite people.

46. I like doing creative things that I'm no good at, like knitting. Love to do it, but I suck at it.

47. I'm into the whole family thing. I want to be the aunt with the big house where everybody goes for Christmas and Thanksgiving and Easter, you know, the house with hardwood floors and kids everywhere and everyone sits down at the huge family heirloom table and the oldest man in the house says grace. I want that.

48. I like to drink wine and eat cheese and listen to classical music with all the candles lit. Sooooo relaxing.

49. I'm not a snob. I'm just picky about what I wear, and what I eat, and who I hang out with. Life is too short to put up with crap you don't like.

50. I like rainbows. Not gay, just think they're pretty.

T.G.I.F. (even if it is Friday the 13th)

2008-06-13T09:35:00.004-04:00

Is anyone else extremely happy that it's Friday? I am so stoked for this weekend. My friend is having her 23rd birthday. The weather will be great. AND (as if that's not enough to make you go mmmmmm) today is payday. Very nice (Borat).

My Life as a Preppy Wife

2008-06-12T12:46:00.004-04:00

This morning, after a long mid-morning walk with the stroller around my neighborhood, I remembered that I had forgotten to prepare a lunchtime meal for my clients' children. Oops! But after much prying and poking into cabinets and refrigerated leftovers, I invented a recipe that is good enough and fast enough to be written down:

Tequila Pasta Parmesan

steamed or boiled broccoli (1 to 2 cups chopped)
cooked spaghetti noodles (or any noodles you happen to have)--1/4 of a small box.
parmesan and/or mozzarella cheese (1/4 or 1/2 a cup)
butter (low-cal if you like)--4 or 5 tbsp.
salt or salt substitute (a dash)
a dash of garlic (optional)
skinless boneless chicken breast, thawed (1 or 2 breasts)
tequila-whatever you have around the house will do--1/2 to 1 cup (optional)
lime juice or lemon juice or vinegar (a few squirts)
basil (a few dashes)
oregano (a few dashes)

Preheat your oven to 375.

1. Melt some butter and put it into a glass pan. place the thawed chicken into the pan with basil, oregano, tequila, and lime juice. Cook for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until chicken is not raw in the middle.

2. Chop up the chicken.

3. Put the chicken, broccoli, cheese, butter, garlic, and salt into a big bowl and stir it all together. You may want to add a little more basil and oregano. You also may want to microwave the mixture for 30 seconds to melt the butter and cheese.

4. Enjoy! It looks beautiful on a white, cream or green plate served with a sprig of parsley. Serving option: quiche lorraine for the appetizer, salad for the side, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Yummy!

Yields 3 or 4 servings, depending on how hungry you are.

Kudos to my hubby Chris for doing the tequila chicken! :-)

ok, I admit it...

2008-06-11T10:46:00.003-04:00

I have an unhealthy obsession with J. Crew. Can you blame me? Check out this cute little madras collar. Awwwwwww.

Blog Feedback Requested

2008-06-11T08:31:00.013-04:00

I was Googling preppy blogs and came upon an interesting question on Yahoo: "What are some good preppy blogs? All the preppy blogs I have seen are boring and not very informative". Now, I realize I have not been blogging very long (less than a month, in fact), but I was taken aback. So, all feedback will be appreciated. Is this blog more boring than informative, or more informative than boring?

Musings of an East Coast Prep

2008-06-11T07:23:00.007-04:00

So here I am at 7:30AM trying to decide whether I should lay out in the sun and go swimming in the lake today or clean my house. Hmmmmm, decisions, decisions. I have a rare day off (I run a home childcare center) and it will be soooo nice to enjoy the sunshine without wondering how safe it is to put sunscreen on an infant 5 times in one day. Our "summer" (and fall, and winter, and spring) home is on a lake in Virginia, and it is wonderful...until around 5pm when the mosquitoes feed. It -is- nice to be able to go swimming anytime day or night, as long as I'm not working or cleaning (which is incidentally not very often). Does anyone else have a problem with 2-year-olds and ravioli, or is it just me? I once spent an hour and a half (on a Saturday, no less) scrubbing ravioli off of my walls, windowsills, blinds, floors, and baseboards. No, not the whole house, just the kitchen. I suppose it could've been worse. It could've been two 2-year-olds eating the ravioli instead of just one. But enough about me, on to happier (and preppier) topics.

The newest fetish seems to be turquoise jewelry. Has anyone else noticed this? It popped up in the Spring 2008 catalogues for J. Crew and somehow the trend has stayed through into Summer. A few facts about turquoise:

Turquoise affords protection and joie de vivre

In earlier times, turquoises were even responsible for the material well-being of the wearer. The Persian scholar Al-Qazwini, for example, wrote: 'The hand that wears a turquoise and seals with it will never see poverty.' Turquoises were often worn on the turban, and often surrounded with pearls, in order to protect their wearer against the 'evil eye'. As talismans, they adorned daggers, sabres and the bridles of horses. It was not until the time of the crusades that they came to Europe. Indeed it is from that period that the name 'turquoise' originates, meaning 'Turkish'.

In South, Central and North America too, the turquoise has always occupied a very special position among gemstones. The Aztecs in Mexico, for example, used to decorate their ceremonial masks with this stone which was holy according to their beliefs. The Indians of North America, who still produce a good deal of traditional silver jewellery with turquoises today, believe that the sky-blue gemstone opens up a direct connection between the sky and the sea.

At all times and over the world, turquoises have been worn as natural protection against the powers of darkness. If in earlier times they preserved horse and rider from unexpected falls, they are regarded today as the protective stone of pilots, air crews and other occupational groups who are exposed to an especially high degree of risk.

In modern gemstone therapy, those suffering from depression are recommended to wear a turquoise or a chain with turquoise beads. The turquoise' cheerful colour is said to endow reticent personalities with more confidence. It is also often given as a gift, a stone of friendship, for the turquoise is said to be responsible for faithfulness and constancy in relationships.

The blue comes from copper, the green from iron

Turquoise is a copper aluminium phosphate with a hardness of 6, i.e. considerably softer than quartz. In Nature, it occurs in the whole range of hues from sky blue to grey-green, and it is mostly found in places where there is a high concentration of copper in the soil. However, turquoise is only really turquoise in the very best quality; mostly, the colour is paler, or bluish-green or greenish. The blue colour is created by copper, the green by bivalent iron and a certain amount of chrome. Often, the material has veins or blotches running through it, which are brown, light grey or black depending on where it was found. These lively, more or less regular patterns are known as 'turquoise matrix'. The crystals are microscopically small and can hardly ever be recognised with the naked eye. As a rule, turquoise occurs as a fillung in veins or crevices, or in the form of nuggets. The most well known deposits are in the USA, Mexico, Israel, Iran, Afghanistan and China. The most beautiful turquoises, in a splendid light blue, come from deposits in the north of Iran.

Turquoise is rarely faceted. Usually, it is cut into cabochons or beads, or into some more imaginative shape.

Thanks to the following websites for facts and pictures:
www.gemstone.org
www.sundancecatalog.com

How To Be Preppy

2008-06-10T10:53:00.020-04:00

This is geared towards those of you young enough to change a few things about yourself and your lifestyle.

Step 1: Get healthy. Preppy people are very toned and athletic, with good skin and strong hair, teeth, and nails. Take a regular multivitamin to give your hair and nails a boost, drink plenty of water, and always wear sunscreen (waterproof SPF 45 or higher is best). Moisturize your skin every night with a thick lotion. Try one of the preppy sports listed in this blog.

Step 2: Get smart. Study hard, work hard, use proper grammar. Get good grades. You need to get into preppy schools so you can get into preppy clubs, and get preppy connections, so you can get preppy jobs and continue funding your preppy lifestyle. See my list of preppy schools in this blog. Read the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal to keep up with current events.

Step 3: Get groomed. Wear your hair naturally, if it is colored go with thin, natural colored highlights and lowlights (blonde highlights with light brown lowlights or dark bown with caramel/honey highlights is most common). Part your hair neatly in the middle or if you have a cowlick, to the side. Long straight or wavy hair with layers for girls, short and neat for boys.

Both genders need to have trimmed, filed, and buffed fingernails and toenails. Girls can have a French manicure, clear polish, pale pink or neutral polish.

Pluck those brows, but just enough to keep from looking like Brooke Shields. The thinner your brows are, the more old and stern you will look! Boys must always be clean-shaven, no scruffiness.

Girls, makeup should be light and natural--concealer, mascara, blush, and pink lip gloss should be enough.

No piercings other than your ears, and no tattoos!

Step 4: Get the style. Stock your wardrobe (slowly, and choose each piece carefully based on quality and fit) with classics. Try 2 or 3 polos in different colors (pale pink, pale blue, white, and pale green are most common), 2 or 3 Oxfords (short, long, and 3/4 sleeved in white, blue, brown and black), a few pairs of khaki shorts (guys, they need to sit at your waist, and girls, they need to be closer to knee length and nowhere near your buttcheeks!), a few pairs of khaki pants for spring/summer and brown pants for fall/winter.

Girls need to keep a few camis on hand as well--try white, black, nude, pink, and blue. You can layer Oxfords on top of your camis and leave a few buttons undone for a casual look. NO cleavage or buttcracks should show! Preppy is classic and classy, never slutty.

Your undergarments should fit well and should not be seen anywhere on either gender! Girls, make sure your bra straps don't show and avoid VPL like the plague. Guys, boxers are undergarments, not fashion accessories; wifebeaters and muscle shirts should stay in the gym or in your dresser drawer (or better yet, the trash can).

The seams of the shoulders in your shirts need to match up with your natural shoulder line, the inseams on your pants need to be the right length (if you are 5'4" and under, you need to buy Petite or "short" sizes to get this right), and if your pants are too long, take them to a tailor and get them hemmed (usually only costs $10).

Use grosgrain ribbon belts (guys use nice quality brown leather) if the waist of your pants/shorts is too big. Stock up on nice leather flip flops and penny loafers.

Your shirts should not hit as low as mid-hip but they should not be anywhere near your belly button.

Do not wear clothing that is too tight or too baggy.

Wear perfume/cologne with a mild, clean, summery scent. Club Med is a personal favorite. Nothing overpowering (Axe is overpowering, guys!). Your perfumes and colognes should be smelled by others only when you hug them or kiss them. People do not need to smell you half a mile away.

Accessorize carefully--preps do not wear tons of jewelry. Wear family pieces (maybe those diamond studs your Aunt gave you for your birthday). Pearls for daytime, diamonds for nighttime. Guys, wear a nice watch or an ID bracelet and your class ring--nothing huge or fake (no Folexes or rhinestone bling bling here). Girls can wear headbands and guys can wear a nice pair of sunglasses (again, nothing huge or fake).

Invest in quality clothes that you can wear for years. Try solid colors (trendy prints and patterns will be out of season in two months) and classic clothes that will never go out of style (polos and Oxfords are great examples).

Now that you look and act preppy,

Step 5: Get social. Join a few clubs (see my list in this blog) and go to a few parties. Several U.S. Presidents have been members of Skull and Bones, including George W. Bush. It really pays to know the right people! Admire everyone else's things--comment on their cute headbands, their Daddy's pretty yacht, whatever. Smile a lot, never get drunk, stand up straight, keep your chin up, and never use swear words. Preppy is all about being happy, healthy, and carefree! Don't gossip (especially in public or at parties). Smile, and the world will smile back at you.

Food and beverages-- If you are of legal drinking age and you are offered alcohol at a social event, choose a preppy drink. Preppy drinks are listed under "preppy recipes" in my blog. Drink alcoholic beverages slowly, do not make faces if it tastes gross, and limit yourself to 2 alcoholic beverages per event (or per day if you have many events to attend in one day). Alcohol is high in calories and carbs, and is very dehydrating. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after alcoholic beverages to prevent hangovers. Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach, which brings me to my next point:

Don't eat a lot in public. If you are going to a restaurant or a party, have an apple and some peanut butter beforehand. Drink water instead of soda when you are at a restaurant. Water is healthier and cheaper, and it won't stain your teeth or give you gas.

Behavior--Don't act slutty, rude, or arrogant. This means no excessive flirting, no sexual innuendo, jokes, or comments, no PDA (public displays of affection), no belching or passing gas (and no speaking of these things and no laughing or pointing if someone else does it!).

Never mention money to anyone, whether it's about a little, about a lot, or about someone you are related to or someone you dislike. The topic of money should never come up in conversation. Politics are also not to be spoken about. People who converse about politics always end up looking unintelligent and often make other people angry. Preppy people avoid making people angry!

And you will be hanging out with people you need to impress--you need connections to get good scholarships, good jobs, and good colleges. Mind your manners!

If you donate to charity, you may mention it in the form of conversation, do not boast, brag, or ask someone how much they donated. Do not tell people how much money you donated. Try saying something like "Have you heard about the Breast Cancer Society's annual marathon here in Nantucket?" Do -not- say "You should donate to such and such". This is considered ill-mannered and people will think you are not well-bred.

Get a few books on traditional manners and etiquette. Learn which fork is your salad fork and what to use it for. Send handwritten thank you notes when you receive gifts or favors.

I highly recommend buying The Official Preppy Handbook and Tipsy in Madras as guides to the preppy world.

Remember, you need to make changes gradually. Preppy is not a look, it's a whole lifestyle. True preps do not try to look rich or flashy, they are very conservative and like to save money.

Pictures courtesy of www.gqstyle.com and www.jcrew.com

Horseback Riding

2008-06-10T07:22:00.004-04:00

Cue for the Walk:
Gather your reins so that you feel a light contact between your hands and the bit. Use both lower legs to squeeze the horse lightly behind the girth area. Your leg above the knee should remain motionless. At the same time as you cue with your legs, cue with your seat by pushing forward slightly with your seat muscles.
Some horses are less willing to move forward than others. If your horse doesn't begin to walk nudge with your lower leg. If that doesn't work, urge the horse forward with your heels.

Your hands should follow your horse's head as the neck naturally extends to move forward. Stop cueing as soon as the horse responds. You will find there is a slight rocking motion to the walk. Allow your body to relax and follow the movement of the horse. If your horse starts to fade, cue lightly before the horse has decelerated to a complete stop.

Riding the Walk:
Head: Look forward in the direction you want to go. Don't look down as that stiffens your spine. You want to remain relaxed and supple.

Shoulders: Maintain good posture. Carry your shoulders evenly. A crooked rider will influence the horse, making it harder for it to understand some of your commands.

Seat and Back: Make sure you are sitting square in the saddle, and that your balance is not shifted to one side. Again, a crooked rider will make a crooked horse.

Legs: Keep your lower leg quiet unless you are actively cueing the horse. Don't let your feet slide forward so that you are sitting 'chair seat', or let your legs swing. Looking downwards you shouldn't see your toes. Don't let your thighs, knees or feet turn outwards as this weakens your seat and makes cueing more difficult. Even at the walk you should be working at keeping proper position.

Hands: Your hands should be steady with light contact on the reins. As the horse walks, its head will move slightly with each step. Follow this movement as you hold the reins by flexing your hands and wrists slightly.

Tips For Western Riders
Those riding with Western style curb bits will ride with a looser rein and not maintain as direct contact with the bit.
When you neck rein, you will be holding the reins in one hand. You may also carry that shoulder more forward. Carry the hand that is not holding the reins in such a way that you'll keep your shoulders even. Some riders will hold their arm bent at the elbow, across the front of their bodies. Some let their arm hang straight down, but remember to keep their shoulders straight.

How to Stop
To cue for a halt, close your fingers and squeeze backwards. The horse should stop as he feels the backwards pull on the reins.
As you gain skill and refine your aids you will push your seat deeper into the saddle, stiffen your back, close your legs on the horse slightly, and squeeze back on the reins. As soon as the horse responds, the cue should be stopped.

Sometimes you will need to apply a stronger aid, pulling backwards if the horse is reluctant to stop. "Give and take" as the horse takes strides, squeezing back and easing up until the horse halts. Your cues for the halt should be smooth. There should be no 'dead pull' or jerking and jabbing on the reins.

If the horse has halted correctly he will have his nose down, will not swing to one side, and will be standing more or less square (a leg 'in each corner'). If the horse flips its head up, you may have applied the cue too sharply. If the horse swings or turns, you may not be holding the reins evenly.

Tip: Don't forget to breathe! As you are concentrating hard you may find you are holding your breath. Breathing naturally will help you stay relaxed in the saddle.

Refining Your Cues
When you first begin riding you will feel awkward. You may feel unable to make all your body parts do all the things they are supposed to at the same time. You may be using muscles not familiar with the job you are asking and have difficulty remembering all you are supposed to do. The key is practice.

As you continue learning to ride your skills, strength and co-ordination will increase, making your cues almost imperceptible. You may be anxious to go faster. But working at the walk allows you to increase your co-ordination, balance and security.

An Experiment to Try
Try this to see how riding with a tense or stiff body affects how your horse moves compared to when you are relaxed and 'with' your horse. As you ride at the walk stiffen your whole body completely. What happens? Does your horse shorten its stride and go slower? Now relax and move with the motion of your horse. Does the horse now move more freely?

Direct reining, or plough reining means you hold one rein in each hand. The left hand cues for a left turn, and the right hand uses the right rein to cue for a right turn. This method of reining is very basic. As you progress in your riding skills, you'll learn how to use the reins with more finesse, to guide your horse more precisely. But to start, you'll learn how to cue your horse to do simple turns. Most English rider, drivers and some Western riders will use direct reining.

Here's How To Cue Your Horse:
Hold one rein each hand. Your hands will be an inch or two forward of the saddle and several inches above, held so your fists are at a 30 degree angle. The left rein is held with the left hand and the right rein with the right hand.

Cue the horse to walk forward. Keep a gentle elastic contact between your hand and the horse’s mouth. The reins shouldn’t be taut or drooping. There should be a straight line from your elbow to the bit.

To turn left, pull back with a gentle pressure on the rein in your left hand. Squeeze back, rather than tug. As you actively cue with the left rein continue contact on the right rein as this controls the amount of bend your horse will take as he rounds a corner. The right rein therefore should neither be allowed to go slack, nor held too tightly.

At the same time as you cue with the reins, apply pressure with your left leg onto the horse’s side so the horse is turning around your leg.

As the horse obeys the cue, stop the pressure of hand and leg.

Keep a gentle contact with your horse’s mouth until the next time you ask it to stop or turn.

To turn right use the right hand and leg to cue the horse in the same manner. Your right rein will now be the active rein and you want the horse to bend around your right leg.

Tips:
Use the minimum pressure on the bit required to cue the horse. Harsh pressure on the mouth can upset a horse and make it insensitive to your commands.

Reins constantly need readjusting as you ride. Learn to adjust your reins so there is always a gentle contact with the horse’s mouth.

What You Need:
Your horse, saddled and bridled.

Thin riding gloves improve your grip on the reins.

A flat obstacle free area to work--as you progress add things to ride around.

How To Canter or Lope

Begin with your horse or pony calmly trotting.
Sit a few beats.

Slide your outside leg behind the girth and apply pressure with both legs (or heels if the horse is reluctant). Your inside leg stays on the girth. This encourages your horse to begin the canter with the hind quarters and correct lead, and bend around your inside leg.

You will feel your horse lift his shoulders, and drive with his hindquarters. Keep slight pressure on the inside leg to maintain the horse’s forward motion. Shorten your reins slightly to maintain gentle but steady contact as the horse lifts its head.

Allow your hands to follow the motion of the horse’s head and neck always keeping gentle contact with the reins, as the horse strides into the canter or lope. Western riders will not ride with contact but follow the motion without pulling on the reins.
Sit deep into the saddle, keeping your hips loose and following the rocking motion of the horse. Keep your shoulders back and sit upright. Don’t allow your upper body to sway.

Check your horse is on the correct lead. As you become more experienced you’ll be able to feel the motion of the lead foreleg pulling your hip slightly forward. But in the beginning it will be easier to use your peripheral vision to check the shoulder and foreleg. Tipping your head down to look will pull you out of correct position.

To correct the lead, sit deeply into the saddle, apply slight leg pressure, closing down on the horse and resist the forward motion of the horse’s head. Continue to squeeze back on the reins until the horse is again trotting. Ask the horse again, to canter starting at step one.

To go from a canter back to a trot, follow step 7, but instead of cueing for the canter soften your hand and leg aids and begin to post.
Always practice cantering (and all other gaits) going in both directions of the ring or arena. You’ll probably find one side more difficult and so may your horse.

Tips:
Increase the likelyhood of starting on the correct lead by cuing for the canter as you are trotting into a corner.
Keep your back and hips flexible. Don’t stiffen up.
Look where you are going.
Don’t forget to breathe!
Learn to identify the correct lead by feel by riding your horse while it is being lunged.

Courtesy of www.horses.about.com.
Picture courtesy of www.karlovy-vary.cz

Swimming

2008-06-09T12:10:00.003-04:00

What is your mental picture of a freestyle swimmer's technique? This is one result from a swim coach doing an exercise to quickly describe different elements of freestlye swimming technique.

Head - In-line with spine

Eyes - Looking at bottom of pool when not breathing, looking sideways, one eye directly over/above the other when breathing.

Shoulders and chest - Rotate around central axis of spine in same plane as hips. High shoulder is on recovery arm side, low shoulder on pulling arm side.

Arms - One arm tends to be leading at all times, other arm is pulling or recovering; more of a catch-up with hands overlapping in the area from the shoulders forward - sometimes called the front end or front quadrant. Shorter max-effort or sprint-efforts may have less front-end overlap, even no front-end overlap, but that is a function of the timing, not an effort to remove the overlap.

Forearm and hand pull - Propulsive surface, line from fingertips up through wrist and elbow should be pointing at the bottom of the pool as much of the time as possible - as early a catch as can be achieved, with the maximum possible catch held until the hand passes below the waist

Forearm and hand recovery - Relaxed, hanging from the elbow, swung forward rather than pushed forward, thumb leading

Forearm and hand entry - Fingertip first, rotated towards thumb up, pinky first entry, then a gentle slide forward to a natural extension as the body rotates

Trunk - Must maintain the connection between the shoulders and the hips

Hips - Rotate around central axis of spine in same plane as shoulders. Attempt to initiate body rotation from the hips.

Legs - Kick is secondary to the pull, not overpowering it. It should be natural, not forced. A variety of kick rhythms are acceptable, from 2-beat through 6-beat, with cross-over variations.

Feet - Faster feet = faster pull = faster swim if same kick pattern is maintained (2-beat, 6-beat, etc.). Switching form a lower beat kick to a higher beat kick will also result in faster arms and a faster swim, but possibly at a higher cost if not practiced often. Splashing is not only OK but encouraged to facilitate better follow-through on the kick.

Breathing - Every two or three pulls - every 1 to 1.5 cycles. Swimmers must be equally comfortable breathing to either side. May breath less often for shorter events.

Courtesy of www.swimming.about.com
Picture courtesy of www.lycee.wikispaces.com

Crew

2008-06-09T12:06:00.004-04:00

In some team sports, play often focuses on an individual player, like when a football quarterback throws for a touchdown or a soccer forward kicks for a goal. But in rowing (also called crew), it’s always about the team working together as a single unit, like a perfectly tuned machine. If you value teamwork and cooperation above individual stardom, crew may be just the sport for you!

As long as there’s a team or club in your area, rowing is one of the easiest sports to get started in because there are very few rules or techniques to get used to.

Athletes who row crew need upper and lower body strength, plus plenty of endurance for long races. Rowing also requires agility, grace, and the ability to get perfectly in sync with your teammates.

Crew Basics:

There are two types of rowing. In sculling, the rowers have an oar in each hand, while in sweep rowing, they have both hands on a single oar.

Team rowing is usually in teams of 2, 4, or 8. In teams of 4 or 8, there’s often an extra person in the boat called a coxswain who coaches the rowers and steers the boat instead of rowing.

One of the most important terms in crew is SPM, or Strokes Per Minute. The more strokes a team can row in a minute, the faster the boat will move through the water.
Cool Crew and Rowing Facts:

Rowing is the oldest college sport in America.

In the U.S., one of the biggest events in rowing is the Harvard/Yale race, which was first held in 1852. In England, the big event is the Oxford/Cambridge race, first held in 1829.

Modern crew boats are called shells, and are constructed of a carbon fiber that’s very light in weight. Shells used for teams of 8 are about 60 feet long!

Rowing gives an athlete a great workout on both the upper and lower body, and is a low-impact exercise. This is why rowing machines are so popular at the gym.

Many coxswains are girls or guys who are a little bit smaller or lighter than their teammates. So if you’re worried that your lack of height or weight means you can’t be involved in team sports, this may be the perfect position for you!

Courtesy of www.pbskids.org.
Picture courtesy of www.vtmagazine.vt.edu

Polo

2008-06-09T12:01:00.003-04:00

The mounts are called polo ponies, although they are horses ranging from 14.5 to 16 hands high at the wither (one hand equals four inches), and weighing 900-1000 lbs. The polo pony is selected carefully for great speed and stamina, similar to the thoroughbreds at race tracks, as well as agility and maneuverability, similar to the cow pony used on ranches. When one can combine these traits and train the horse to carry the rider smoothly and swiftly to the ball, the horse can account for anywhere from 70-80% of a player's ability and net worth to his team.

THE PLAYER
Each team consists of four mounted players, which can be mixed teams of both men and women. The Number 1 is expected to score the goals and carry out an offensive position. The Number 2 is also an offensive player but has to be more aggressive since his objective is also to break up the defensive plays of the opposition. The Number 3 is the pivot man, similar to a quarterback in football, and he is usually the long ball hitter and playmaker for the team. He usually hits the penalty shots and knock-ins. The Number 4, or back, is the defensive player. He is usually the most conservative player and his job is to guard the goal and keep the opposition from scoring.

THE FIELD
The playing field is 300 yards long by 150 yards wide, the approximate area of nine football fields. The playing field is carefully maintained with closely mowed turf providing a safe, fast playing surface. Goals are posts which are set eight yards apart at each end of the field.

THE EQUIPMENT
Mallets are made of bamboo canes, or poly resins, which provide flexibility, and the mallet heads of willow or maple. The mallets come in lengths of 49 to 53 inches and selection is made according to the height of the pony being played. The ball is struck with the side of the mallet, not with the end. The ball is made of bamboo, willow root, poly resins, or leather (for indoor arena polo). It's diameter is 3.5 inches and weighs about 4.5 ounces. All players must wear a protective helmet with a chinstrap and preferably a faceguard. Knees are protected with leather knee guards. The ponies are provided with protective bandages or wraps on all four legs. Tails are braided, taped or tied to minimize interference in making the various shots.

THE GAME
Play commences when the mounted umpire bowls the ball between the players who line up opposite each other in the centre field. The game consists of six 7 minute periods called Chukkers, during which players may change mounts. There is a four minute interval between chukkers and a ten minute halftime. Play is continuous and is only stopped for penalties, broken tack (equipment) or injury to horse or player. The object is to score goals by hitting the ball between the goal posts, no matter how high in the air. If the ball goes wide of the goal, the defending team is allowed a free 'knock-in' from the place where the ball crossed the goal line, thus getting the ball back into play. Teams change goals on ends of the field after each score to minimize any wind advantage which may exist. There are two mounted umpires who officiate the game while a referee on the sidelines makes all the final decisions concerning penalties or infractions of the rules. Penalties and fouls are described and explained in literature available through the UPSA (United States Polo Association).

THE HANDICAPS
Each player is rated on a scale of minus 2 to 10, by regional and national handicap committees of the US Polo Association. A player's handicap is based on his net worth to his/her team with factors considered such as horsemanship, team play, hitting skills, anticipation and overall understanding of the game and its rules. The rating given to players is termed in goals. For example, if four three goal players formed a team, it would be a 12 goal rated team. If the opposing teams' handicap totaled 10 goals, there would be a two goal advantage to the first team at the start of the game. The term "goals", is not a player's rating and is not to be confused with how many times he/she will score in a match, it is just a system of rating.

DUTIES OF THE SPECTATOR
During our playing season, we welcome all specators and enthusiasts who enjoy spending an afternoon outside. Entry to all games is free unless an organized tournament is taking place. We encourage you to bring along your garden chairs, picnic basket, and sporting spirit. Unlike most sports, polo requires active spectator participation. Before leaving for a game, you will want to prepare a picnic, pack your camera and bring your binoculars, remembering of course that you'll be spending time outdoors, therefore appropriate outdoor dress is necessary for your comfort. If you don't have time to pack your picnic, several restaurants (offering take-out service), are located nearby the polo fields. Once you arrive at the game, be sure to park at least ten yards back from the side of the field and not at the end of the field. The objective is to park by the game, not in it. Now you are ready to participate in the game. First open your picnic and remember the following points:

Keep your eye on the ball and the horses. Action frequently extends ten yards beyond the edge of the field. Many unwary spectators have narrowly escaped from a changing horse.

Pets MUST be on a leash or rein and children CLOSE at hand.

Now for the fun part - you get to walk on the turf. To golfers this is known as replacing the divots. After the third and sixth chukkers you will be ready to walk off your picnic. So take a stroll and help maintain the field.

Please return all polo balls hit out of bounds to the umpires, goal judges or other club officials.

Courtesy of www.sbpolo.com.
Picture courtesy of www.sbpolo.com

Skiing- Linking Turns

2008-06-09T10:51:00.002-04:00

Linking Turns is the final step in our beginner course where you combine all you have learned. At this point, you should be comfortable with traverses as well as rising to a straight position and going down to a bent position while traversing. You can do this by practicing how to rise and fall on a flat surface, and then use the same motion while traversing and maintaining your speed.

STEP 1: Take note that you need to brush up your traverses first before linking turns. Start by traversing on moderate slope. Turn your head and torso to face the direction where you want to travel. Keep your knees bent and your center of gravity low.

STEP 2: Maintain speed while traversing. Paying attention to your speed will enable you to slide to where you are going.

STEP 3: Start your first turn by shifting your weight forward to point the tips of your Skis closer to the Fall Line. Notice that you will gain speed as you position the Skis downhill. At this point, you can always abort your turn by shifting your weight backwards slightly and moving your Skis perpendicular to the Fall Line.

STEP 4: Complete your turn by moving your Skis uphill - across the Fall Line. Turn your head and torso in the direction of your turn. Continue linking the turns until you can do it smoothly.

As long as you have enough confidence in your Traversing skills, making your first turns should not be that scary anymore. Get comfortable moving with your Skis and practice traversing so you will be able to link turns smoothly and effectively.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.extremeskiholidays.com

Skiing- Traversing

2008-06-09T10:50:00.005-04:00

While on the slope, you will want to move directly across the Fall line. The act of traveling across a slope is called Traversing. Unlike ploughing which only uses the inside edges of your Skis, Traversing will be using both the inner and outer edges. In this way, the Ski that is higher than your other Ski will be using its outer edge and the lower Ski will be using its inner edge. When traversing, you will find it is easier to maintain balance if you keep your Skis wider apart.

Traversing on Skis is not that difficult. In fact, they say that you only need a specific destination and a maintained speed, and you can already ace this maneuver. Knowing how to make this maneuver is important because it is very useful such as when traveling in a narrow area and during linking turns.

In learning how to traverse, begin with finding the perfect end point. Then, go up the hill as high as possible. When you traverse, you will pick up speed which will be made possible by dropping down from a high elevation.

When you go down the hill, keep your speed. Having a maintained rate of speed will enable you to slide to where you want to go. If you want to traverse across flats, manage to have an aerodynamic position. You can achieve an aerodynamic position by stooping forward while you put your hands behind your back.

If you are traversing a steep section of the slope, go to the highest line. You can use your poles to move yourself forward. If you lose your momentum, just shift to skating when on flat slopes or to sidestepping if you are on steeper ones.

Practice traverses by coming out of a plough turn and simply keeping your Skis parallel while moving across the Fall line.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.winternet-scotland.co.uk

Skiing- Skating

2008-06-09T10:49:00.002-04:00

Skating is a fundamental maneuver that every Skiing beginner needs to learn. This exercise helps in making skiers feel relaxed and comfortable on Skis. Skating also teaches you how to flex and extend your legs on the slope, and trains the body to shift from one ski to the other. It also teach you how to change direction while moving, and to improve body awareness and stability, among other benefits. Here are the steps on how to skate:

STEP 1: Find a flat area. Put your Skis in a V-position, that is, the tails are close to each other while the tips are slightly far apart.

STEP 2: Push off with your left Ski and then glide on your other Ski. Shift your weight on your right Ski and maintain balance.

STEP 3: Go back to your original position by moving your left Ski close to the other one.

STEP 4: Push off with your right Ski and glide on your other Ski. Shift your weight on your left Ski and stay balanced.

STEP 5: Move your right Ski close to the other. At this point, you should be back to your initial position. Once you are already familiar with Skating on flats, you can try doing it on gentle slopes.

Knowing how to skate on the slope will teach you about balance, Ski control, and stability. Be comfortable in doing this maneuver so you can move on to the other Skiing Exercises.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com

Skiing- Sideslipping

2008-06-09T10:48:00.003-04:00

Sideslipping is sliding along the Fall line of the slope. This skill will teach you how to control your Skis and make use of your edges when descending. If you encounter a steep, narrow, or icy slope, you can do Sideslipping to go down the slope safely.

There are many advantages of learning this skill. First, it will teach you the importance of edge awareness. Sideslipping is one skill that you should learn before you can do traverses. Eventually, you will also be able to perform basic turns. When you decrease the angle of your Skis' edges, you will begin to slide. On the other hand, if you increase the edge angle, you will slow down and/or stop.

In this section, know what Sideslipping is all about and learn how to use your Skis' edge in controlling your descent:

STEP 1: Make sure that your Skis are positioned across the Fall line. Put your weight on the uphill Ski so the edges will dig into the snow.

STEP 2: Shift your weight on your downhill Ski and roll off your edges and onto the bases of your Skis. You will begin to slide down. To slow down or stop, just increase the angle of your edges.

Edge awareness or control is one of the most important things you need to learn in Skiing. Practice Sideslipping and take full advantage of your edge. Be comfortable in doing this maneuver so you can move on to the other Skiing Exercises.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
PIcture courtesy of www.impel-bohinj.si

Skiing- Herringbone

2008-06-09T10:46:00.002-04:00

Herringbone is named after the marks your Skis leave on the snow. This technique to move uphill is similar to walking on a flat surface while keeping your Skis in a V-shape. In this section, learn the Herringbone technique with the help of our easy-to-follow steps and animation.

STEP 1: To start off, put the tails of your Skis close together and the tips wide apart, forming a V-shape. This position will keep you from sliding backwards. Lift one Ski and step forward.

STEP 2: Lift the other Ski and step up, slightly ahead of the first one. Keep the V-shape so you can take small steps without sliding. Continue moving forward until you reach the area where you want to be.

Take note that you need to form a wide V-shape if you are on a steep slope, while a narrow V-shape will suffice on a moderate slope. With practice, you should be able to make your way up gentle and steep slopes comfortably and with confidence. You can use your Ski Poles for extra upward kicks and balance.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com

Skiing- Side-stepping

2008-06-09T10:45:00.001-04:00

Side-stepping is one way of moving uphill with your Skis on. In this maneuver, you need to keep your Skis perpendicular to the Fall line so you will not slide backwards. In this section, learn how to side-step up the hill:

STEP 1: Simply position yourself across the Fall line of the slope. Make sure to position your Skis parallel to each other and perpendicular to the Fall line. Also, let your Ski edges dig into the snow. This will keep you from sliding.

STEP 2: Start making small steps. Slightly shift your weight on your downhill Ski. Step up with your uphill Ski and let its edge dig into the snow. You can also use your Ski Pole for added support.

STEP 3: Slightly shift your weight on your uphill Ski and then move your lower Ski upward. Again, you can use your downhill pole to maintain balance. Keep "walking" sideways until you reach the area where you want to be.

Since learning how to ski involves moving up and down the hill, knowing how to move uphill without having to remove your Skis will be very helpful as you learn the different basic moves on the slope. Know how to side-step and get comfortable doing it.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.traveladventures.org

Skiing- Clock Turns

2008-06-09T10:44:00.002-04:00

This Skiing Exercise will teach you how to change directions and turn in place while keeping the tips of Skis at the center. Kindly follow the steps below and use our animation as your guide.

STEP 1: Do this exercise on a gentle slope. To start off, stand with your Skis close to each other. Hold your Ski Poles and keep them on either side.

STEP 2: Slightly shift your weight on your right foot. Make A-steps by moving the Skis while keeping the tips in the same place. Move your left Ski to the left.

STEP 3: Move the right Ski close to the left one, just like in your original position. Keep on making these steps in clockwise direction until you finish a full turn.

You can also try turning in place while keeping the tails at the center. In this exercise, you will be making V-steps instead of A-steps.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.smh.com.au

Skiing- Kick Turns

2008-06-09T10:42:00.002-04:00

A Kick Turn enables you to turn 180 degrees and change direction without moving downhill or uphill. In this section, learn how a Kick Turn is executed. We have an animation at the right that can guide you as you go through the steps.

STEP 1: To start off, stand with your Skis parallel and keep them perpendicular to the Fall Line. Plant your Ski Poles uphill.

STEP 2: Swing your lower Ski forward and up, resting the tail on the snow and close to the tip of the other Ski.

STEP 3: Rotate the lower Ski 180 degrees, swinging the Ski back to the snow. Lean forward and slightly bend your knee. At this point, your Skis are facing opposite directions.

STEP 4: Slightly shift your weight to the lower Ski. Lift your other Ski and position it right next to the lower Ski. You now have both Skis facing the same direction.

Rotating the Ski in the opposite direction can be uncomfortable for you. Try doing this maneuver on a flat area first or better yet, have someone assist you. Keep practicing and you will eventually get the hang of it.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.bbb.beyer.ro

Skiing- Getting Up After A Fall

2008-06-09T10:40:00.003-04:00

Getting up after a fall with your Skis still attached on your feet can be pretty exhausting at first. However, once you get the hang of it, you will be able to make it without difficulty.

STEP 1: Position yourself in such a way that it will be easy for you to get up. Put your Skis parallel to each other and across the Fall line. Bend your legs so it will be easier to lift yourself. With one hand on the handles and your other hand above the baskets, put your Ski Poles in front of your body and plant the tips uphill.

STEP 2: Using your Ski Poles for support, slightly lean forward and push yourself upward with your hand near the baskets.

STEP 3: Move your lower hand near the handles for more support as you push yourself upright.

STEP 4: You have now completed the systematic way of standing up after a fall. Take note that due to gravity, it will be easier to get up on a steep slope than if you are on a flat area.

Learning the right way of getting up after a fall can spare you from injuries and exhaustion. Though modern release bindings which are specifically designed to kick the boots out of the Skis during a fall can minimize the risks of getting yourself injured, it is still wise to know how to get up properly when the situation calls for it.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.travel.nytimes.com

Skiing- Walking With Your Skis

2008-06-09T10:22:00.003-04:00

As they always say, every journey starts with the first step. If you are a beginner, getting comfortable with moving on the slope with your Skis on is very important. In this section, learn how to make the first steps on snow with Skis attached.

Walking

Try this on a flat snow surface. Once you are comfortable standing on your Skis, you can try walking. This is pretty similar to how we normally walk, except that you do not need to lift your feet. You just have to alternately slide your Skis forward. You can use your Ski Poles to help you in maintaining balance as you move. Make sure to move the opposite arm and leg forward in walking (just like in regular walking). As you walk, you can push forward very gently. If you already know how to move your arms comfortably, you can use your poles to push forward.

Developing the Feeling

While still on the flat surface, you will now want to work on your general feeling of moving with your Skis attached. For you to get used with having a pair of skis on your feet, try this simple exercise before you go down the hill: Stoop down slightly, then raise your Skis one after the other. Also try lifting your Ski tail and tip alternately, and then the whole Ski. These movements can help you in getting used to your Skis and in maintaining balance while on the slope.

Everyone goes through the baby steps before tackling the rigorous ones. In Skiing, every beginner should learn the first and basic steps before trying other exercises. Start with learning how to walk with your Skis on.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.skyblu.wordpress.com

Skiing- Carrying Your Skis

2008-06-09T10:21:00.002-04:00

When walking to or fro the slope, you need to carry your Skis properly to prevent you from endangering your fellow skiers and to transport your Skiing Equipment with ease. With a piece of equipment that is cumbersome to carry, it would take quite an effort to carry it on your way to the slope or to bring it home after a day of Skiing. Moreover, there are the risks of injuring others if you just carry your Skis as you please. Ensure no harm to your fellow skiers by knowing how to carry your equipment properly.

One good way to carry your Skis is to place them on one shoulder with the tips in front. Point the tips of your Skis down while the tail is angled at 30-45 degrees. Hold your Ski Poles with one hand. When turning around, make sure there are no people who might get hit by the Skis. If you are in cramped spaces, hold the Skis securely together and position them vertically with the tips on top.

Some backpacks have straps located on each side to accommodate extra pieces of gear. If your backpack has straps, these can be used to hold your Skis. Untie the backpack straps and put each of your Skis - tail first - on every strap. The toe piece of the binding should be above the top strap while the heel piece should be above the bottom strap. Secure your Skis by tightening the straps. Tie the tips of the Skis together with a string or rubber band to prevent them from sliding.

Most of the time, novices in Skiing feel uncomfortable in carrying their Skis. Because of the weight of the Skis, skiers feel unbalanced. However, continued practice will eventually make skiers comfortable in carrying Skis the proper way.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.skiarchives.org

Skiing- Perfecting Your Stance

2008-06-09T10:20:00.002-04:00

Learning the standard stance for Skiing is one of the first steps a beginner should do. This will pave the way for beginners to easily learn the succeeding snow exercises such as walking, turning, and moving up the slope. Moreover, having the right stance will minimize the likelihood of falling when you start sliding down the slope.

The standard stance for Skiing beginners is called the snow plow position. Basically, the snow plow position resembles a pigeon-toe, a medical condition in which the toes tend to point inward. In Skiing, the tips of your Skis should point inward, making an inverted V.

Learning the snow plow position entails a few simple steps that would not take an hour to learn. Start off by standing across a moderate slope with your Skis on. Bend your knees a little and position your hands above your thighs. After that, try to position the tips of your Skis closer together. The tails should be wide apart. Maintain your balance and keep a relaxed position.

The snow plow position is apt for beginners since it offers stability. This is because the distance between your Skis places the weight in the center. Always try the snow plow position before you even start moving.

Upon learning how to do the Skiing stance on the slope, you are now ready to learn the next surface exercises.

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.skigeilo.com

Skiing-Understanding a Fall Line

2008-06-09T10:18:00.003-04:00

Understanding the Fall Line

The fall line is the straightest way down the hill. It refers to the imaginary line down a mountain or hill which is usually directly downwards. This is also the natural path wherein gravity makes an object to roll down. Simply said, if you let a ball or snowball roll down a hill or mountain, it would go down the fall line. If you point a slippery board down the fall line, you will gain an amazing amount of speed.

There is a rule of thumb when it comes to the fall line. Keep in mind that the more parallel your Snowboard’s position is to the fall line, the faster you will go. If it is perpendicular, the slower you will go. Likewise, if your board is perpendicular to the fall line, you will come to a complete stop.

As you learn to use your Snowboard, knowing the fall line and understanding it will keep you in control.

Moving Across the Fall Line

This part will really get you into Snowboarding because at this point, you’ll learn how to move down the slopes. Now that you are able to glide down the fall line, you can go to the next level by learning how to move left and right across the fall line.

Moving across the fall line is not that difficult and you already did some changes while practicing how to glide down the fall line. Do the same thing you did previously: stand up on your Snowboard while maintaining your balance. Shift your weight to front or back side of your board and bend the knee to the direction you want to travel to. Straighten your arms so that your upper body forms a "T". Now move your upper body in the direction you want to glide to. You will notice that you'll glide in the direction that you are putting your weight into.

Now practice the following:
Stand up straight.
Move your weight to the left.
Then, bend your knees.
As you progress to the left, pick up some speed. Then slow down by moving your weight back and try to end up in standing position again. Now move your weight to the right and glide to that direction. Try to move down the slope by making a "Z" pattern, moving from left to right. By this time, you are now able to move left, right, straight down, and brake.

Once you have mastered this, you have already learned a large part of basic Snowboarding!

Courtesy of www.abc-of-skiing.com
Picture courtesy of www.ski-nyc.com

Sailing

2008-06-09T10:12:00.003-04:00

POINTS of SAIL
The points of sail, sometimes called sailing positions, relate to the angle between a sailboat's heading, or course, and the direction of the wind. There are three basic courses:
beating (wind is from ahead)
reaching (wind is from the side)
running (wind is from astern)

When sailing on a beat, the boat is as close to the eye of the wind as possible, about 45 degrees. The mainsail is pulled in, with the boom slightly over the transom. If the boat is pointed too close or high to the wind, the forward part of the sail will luff and flutter, causing a loss in speed. Progress when sailing windward is done by tacking, changing the direction of the boat from one side of the wind to the other. The boat is close-hauled on the port tack when the wind is coming from the left, and is close-hauled on the starboard tack when the wind is coming from the right.

The boat is on a reach when the wind is abeam, or at a 90 degree angle. If sailing on a reach, you are at an angle between close-hauled and running. The sail is out at about 45 degrees, making it one of the most pleasant (and most efficient) ways to sail.

When running, or sailing before the wind, the wind is blowing from astern, and the sail is out at 90 degrees.

Just to complicate things a little more, there are intermediate points of sailing. These are:

close reach which is between a beat and a reach
broad reach which is between a reach and a run.
It's a good idea to become familiar with these points of sail and how the wind acts on the sails. If you do, you will always know how to trim your sails, and hopefully make it to your destination.

Changing Direction

In order to get anywhere, you also have to know how to turn the boat and change course. There are basically two maneuvers that let you do that. To reverse the course you can do a come about, which is relatively slow since the bow passes through the eye of the wind. During a come about the skipper calls out ready about, and then hard-a-lee since the tiller is being pushed to the leeward side of the boat. The boat turns into the wind, and the sail, the skipper, and some of the crew change sides.

Another way to turn, is a faster maneuver called a jibe. This is where the back of the boat turns across the wind. Since the wind is behind the boat, the sail flies from one side to another. You have to be careful to control the sail during a jibe, making communication especially important between the skipper and the crew. The commands for a jibe are; ready to jibe, and jibe-ho!

If you're interested in learning how to sail, try taking a basic sailing course.
American Red Cross - offers a basic sailing course (number 3310). Check for local course offerings in your area.

Sailing Schools on the Net - contains an extensive list of sailing schools all over the US. In addition, this is quite a sailing resource page, with tons of links. Includes some interesting links to maritime museums.

Courtesy of www.scils.rutgers.edu
Pictures courtesy of www.scils.rutgers.edu and www.allposters.com

Rules of Golf

2008-06-08T21:31:00.068-04:00

Definitions
All defined terms are listed in the Definitions section.

1-1. 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.

1-2. 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.
(Removal of movable obstruction – see Rule 24-1)

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 1-2:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
Note: In the case of a serious breach of Rule 1-2, the
Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification.

1-3. Agreement to Waive Rules
Players must not agree to exclude the operation of any Rule or
to waive any penalty incurred.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 1-3:
Match play – Disqualification of both sides;
Stroke play – Disqualification of competitors concerned.
Rule
1/2
37
Rule
1
36

SECTION III – THE RULES OF PLAY
(Agreeing to play out of turn in stroke play – see Rule 10-2c)

1-4. 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.

Definitions
All defined terms are listed in the Definitions section.

2-1. General
A match consists of one side playing against another over a
stipulated round unless otherwise decreed by the Committee.
In match play the game is played by holes.

Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, a hole is won by the
side that holes its ball in the fewer strokes. In a handicap
match the lower net score wins the hole.

The state of the match is expressed by the terms: so many
“holes up” or “all square”, and so many “to play”.

A side is “dormie’’ when it is as many holes up as there are
holes remaining to be played.

2-2. Halved Hole
A hole is halved if each side holes out in the same number
of strokes.
When a player has holed out and his opponent has been left
with a stroke for the half, if the player subsequently incurs a
penalty, the hole is halved.

2-3. Winner of Match
A match is won when one side leads by a number of holes
greater than the number remaining to be played

If there is a tie, the Committee may extend the stipulated
round by as many holes as are required for a match to be won.

2-4. Concession of Next Stroke, Hole or Match
A player may concede his opponent’s next stroke at any time
provided the opponent’s ball is at rest. The opponent is
considered to have holed out with his next stroke and the ball
may be removed by either side.

A player may concede a hole at any time prior to the start or
conclusion of that hole.

A player may concede a match at any time prior to the start or
conclusion of that match.

A concession may not be declined or withdrawn.
(Ball overhanging hole – see Rule 16-2)

2-5. Doubt as to Procedure; Disputes and Claims
In match play, if a doubt or dispute arises between the players,
a player may make a claim. If no duly authorised
representative of the Committee is available within a
reasonable time, the players must continue the match without
delay. The Committee may consider a claim only if the player
making the claim notifies his opponent (i) that he is making a
claim, (ii) of the facts of the situation and (iii) that he wants a
ruling. The claim must be made before any player in the match
plays from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last
hole of the match, before all players in the match leave the
putting green.

A later claim may not be considered by the Committee unless
it is based on facts previously unknown to the player making
the claim and he had been given wrong information (Rules
6-2a and 9) by an opponent.

Once the result of the match has been officially announced,
a later claim may not be considered by the Committee unless
it is satisfied that the opponent knew he was giving
wrong information.

2-6. General Penalty
The penalty for a breach of a Rule in match play is loss of hole
except when otherwise provided.

Definitions
All defined terms are listed in the Definitions section.

3-1. Winner
The competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in
the fewest strokes is the winner.
In a handicap competition, the competitor with the lowest net
score for the stipulated round or rounds is the winner.

3-2. Failure to Hole Out
If a competitor fails to hole out at any hole and does not
correct his mistake before he makes a stroke on the next teeing
ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before he
leaves the putting green, he is disqualified.

3-3. Doubt as to Procedure

a. Procedure
In stroke play, if a competitor is doubtful of his rights or the
correct procedure during play of a hole he may, without
penalty, complete the hole with two balls.

After the doubtful situation has arisen and before taking
further action, the competitor must announce to his marker or
a fellow-competitor that he intends to play two balls and
which ball he wishes to count if the Rules permit. If he fails to
do so, the provisions of Rule 3-3b(ii) apply.

The competitor must report the facts of the situation to the
Committee before returning his score card. If he fails to do so,
he is disqualified.

b. Determination of Score for Hole
(i) If the ball that the competitor selected in advance to count
has been played in accordance with the Rules, the score
with that ball is the competitor’s score for the hole.
Otherwise, the score with the other ball counts if the Rules
allow the procedure adopted for that ball.

(ii) If the competitor fails to announce in advance his decision
to complete the hole with two balls, or which ball he
wishes to count, the score with the original ball counts,
provided it has been played in accordance with the Rules.
If the original ball is not one of the balls being played, the
first ball put into play counts, provided it has been played
in accordance with the Rules. Otherwise, the score with
the other ball counts if the Rules allow the procedure
adopted for that ball.

Note 1: If a competitor plays a second ball under Rule 3-3, the
strokes made after this Rule has been invoked with the ball
ruled not to count and penalty strokes incurred solely by
playing that ball are disregarded.
Note 2: A second ball played under Rule 3-3 is not a
provisional ball under Rule 27-2.

3-4. Refusal to Comply with a Rule
If a competitor refuses to comply with a Rule affecting the
rights of another competitor, he is disqualified.

3-5. General Penalty
The penalty for a breach of a Rule in stroke play is two strokes
except when otherwise provided.

CLUBS AND THE BALL
The R&A reserves the right, at any time, to change the Rules
relating to clubs and balls (see Appendices II and III) and make
or change the interpretations relating to these Rules.
A player in doubt as to the conformity of a club should consult
the R&A.

A manufacturer should submit to the R&A a sample of a club
to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether the club
conforms with the Rules. If a manufacturer fails to submit a
sample or to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or
marketing the club, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a
ruling that the club does not conform with the Rules. Any
sample submitted to the R&A becomes its property for
reference purposes.

Definitions
All defined terms are listed in the Definitions section.

4-1. Form and Make of Clubs

a. General
The player’s clubs must conform with this Rule and the
provisions, specifications and interpretations set forth in
Appendix II.

b. Wear and Alteration
A club that conforms with the Rules when new is deemed to
conform after wear through normal use. Any part of a club
that has been purposely altered is regarded as new and must,
in its altered state, conform with the Rules.

4-2. Playing Characteristics Changed and Foreign Material

a. Playing Characteristics Changed
During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a
club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any
other means.

b. Foreign Material
Foreign material must not be applied to the club face for the
purpose of influencing the movement of the ball.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-1 or 4-2:
Disqualification.

4-3. Damaged Clubs: Repair and Replacement
a. Damage in Normal Course of Play
If, during a stipulated round, a player’s club is damaged in the
normal course of play, he may:
(i) use the club in its damaged state for the remainder of the
stipulated round; or
(ii) without unduly delaying play, repair it or have it repaired;
or
(iii) as an additional option available only if the club is unfit
for play, replace the damaged club with any club. The
replacement of a club must not unduly delay play and
must not be made by borrowing any club selected for play
by any other person playing on the course.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-3a:
See Penalty Statement for Rule 4-4a or b, and c.
Note: A club is unfit for play if it is substantially damaged, e.g.
the shaft is dented, significantly bent or breaks into pieces; the
clubhead becomes loose, detached or significantly deformed;
or the grip becomes loose. A club is not unfit for play solely
because the club’s lie or loft has been altered, or the clubhead
is scratched.

b. Damage Other Than in Normal Course of Play
If, during a stipulated round, a player’s club is damaged other
than in the normal course of play rendering it non-conforming
or changing its playing characteristics, the club must not
subsequently be used or replaced during the round.

c. Damage Prior to Round
A player may use a club damaged prior to a round provided
the club, in its damaged state, conforms with the Rules.
Damage to a club that occurred prior to a round may be
repaired during the round, provided the playing
characteristics are not changed and play is not unduly delayed.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-3b or c:
Disqualification.
(Undue delay – see Rule 6-7)

4-4. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs

a. Selection and Addition of Clubs
The player must not start a stipulated round with more than
fourteen clubs. He is limited to the clubs thus selected for that
round except that, if he started with fewer than fourteen clubs,
he may add any number provided his total number does not
exceed fourteen.

The addition of a club or clubs must not unduly delay play
(Rule 6-7) and the player must not add or borrow any club
selected for play by any other person playing on the course.

b. Partners May Share Clubs
Partners may share clubs, provided that the total number
of clubs carried by the partners so sharing does not
exceed fourteen.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4a or b,
REGARDLESS OF NUMBER OF EXCESS CLUBS CARRIED:
Match play – At the conclusion of the hole at which the
breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by
deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred.
Maximum deduction per round: Two holes.
Stroke play – Two strokes for each hole at which any breach
occurred; maximum penalty per round: Four strokes.
Bogey and par competitions – Penalties as in match play.
Stableford competitions – See Note 1 to Rule 32-1b.

c. Excess Club Declared Out of Play

Any club or clubs carried or used in breach of Rule 4-3a(iii) or
Rule 4-4 must be declared out of play by the player to his
opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor
in stroke play immediately upon discovery that a breach has
occurred. The player must not use the club or clubs for the
remainder of the stipulated round.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4c:
Disqualification.

Definitions
All defined terms are in the Definitions section.

5-1. General
The ball the player plays must conform to requirements
specified in Appendix III.

Note: The Committee may require, in the conditions of a
competition (Rule 33-1), that the ball the player plays must be
named on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by
the R&A.

5-2. Foreign Material
Foreign material must not be applied to a ball for the purpose
of changing its playing characteristics.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5-1 or 5-2:
Disqualification.

5-3. Ball Unfit for Play

A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut, cracked or out of
shape. A ball is not unfit for play solely because mud or other
materials adhere to it, its surface is scratched or scraped or its
paint is damaged or discoloured.

If a player has reason to believe his ball has become unfit for
play during play of the hole being played, he may lift the ball
without penalty to determine whether it is unfit.

Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his intention
to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellowcompetitor
in stroke play and mark the position of the ball.

He may then lift and examine it provided that he gives his
opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to
examine the ball and observe the lifting and replacement. The
ball must not be cleaned when lifted under Rule 5-3. If the
player fails to comply with all or any part of this procedure, he
incurs a penalty of one stroke.

If it is determined that the ball has become unfit for play
during play of the hole being played, the player may substitute
another ball, placing it on the spot where the original ball lay.
Otherwise, the original ball must be replaced. If a player
substitutes a ball when not permitted and he makes a stroke at
the wrongly substituted ball, he incurs the general penalty for
a breach of Rule 5-3, but there is no additional penalty under
this Rule or Rule 15-1.

If a ball breaks into pieces as a result of a stroke, the stroke is
cancelled and the player must play a ball without penalty as
nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was
played (see Rule 20-5).

Rule 5 The Ball
*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 5-3:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
*If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule
5-3, there is no additional penalty under this Rule.
Note: If the opponent, marker or fellow-competitor wishes to
dispute a claim of unfitness, he must do so before the player
plays another ball.
(Cleaning ball lifted from putting green or under any other
Rule – see Rule 21)

PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Definitions
All defined terms are in the Definitions section.

6-1. Rules
The player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the
Rules. During a stipulated round, for any breach of a Rule by
his caddie, the player incurs the applicable penalty.

6-2. Handicap
a. Match Play
Before starting a match in a handicap competition, the players
should determine from one another their respective handicaps.
If a player begins a match having declared a handicap higher
than that to which he is entitled and this affects the number of
strokes given or received, he is disqualified; otherwise, the
player must play off the declared handicap.

b. Stroke Play
In any round of a handicap competition, the competitor must
ensure that his handicap is recorded on his score card before it
is returned to the Committee. If no handicap is recorded on his
score card before it is returned (Rule 6-6b), or if the recorded
handicap is higher than that to which he is entitled and this
affects the number of strokes received, he is disqualified from
the handicap competition; otherwise, the score stands.
Note: It is the player’s responsibility to know the holes at
which handicap strokes are to be given or received.

6-3. Time of Starting and Groups

a. Time of Starting
The player must start at the time established by
the Committee.
b. Groups
In stroke play, the competitor must remain throughout the
round in the group arranged by the Committee unless the
Committee authorises or ratifies a change.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-3:
Disqualification.

(Best-ball and four-ball play – see Rules 30-3a and 31-2)
Note: The Committee may provide in the conditions of a
competition (Rule 33-1) that, if the player arrives at his
starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his
starting time, in the absence of circumstances that warrant
waiving the penalty of disqualification as provided in Rule
33-7, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first
hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke
play instead of disqualification.

6-4. Caddie
The player may be assisted by a caddie, but he is limited to
only one caddie at any one time.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-4:

Match play – At the conclusion of the hole at which the
breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by
deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred;
maximum deduction per round – Two holes.

Stroke play – Two strokes for each hole at which any breach
occurred; maximum penalty per round – Four strokes.

Match or stroke play – In the event of a breach between the
play of two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

A player having more than one caddie in breach of this Rule
must immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred
ensure that he has no more than one caddie at any one time
during the remainder of the stipulated round. Otherwise, the
player is disqualified.

Bogey and par competitions – Penalties as in match play.
Stableford competitions – See Note 2 to Rule 32-1b.
Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a competition
(Rule 33-1), prohibit the use of caddies or restrict a player in
his choice of caddie.

6-5. Ball
The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the
player. Each player should put an identification mark on his ball.

6-6. Scoring in Stroke Play

a. Recording Scores
After each hole the marker should check the score with the
competitor and record it. On completion of the round the
marker must sign the score card and hand it to the competitor.
If more than one marker records the scores, each must sign for
the part for which he is responsible.

b. Signing and Returning Score Card
After completion of the round, the competitor should check
his score for each hole and settle any doubtful points with the
Committee. He must ensure that the marker or markers have
signed the score card, sign the score card himself and return it
to the Committee as soon as possible.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-6b:
Disqualification.

c. Alteration of Score Card
No alteration may be made on a score card after the
competitor has returned it to the Committee.

d. Wrong Score for Hole
The competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score
recorded for each hole on his score card. If he returns a score
for any hole lower than actually taken, he is disqualified. If he
returns a score for any hole higher than actually taken, the
score as returned stands.

Note 1: The Committee is responsible for the addition of
scores and application of the handicap recorded on the score
card – see Rule 33-5.
Note 2: In four-ball stroke play, see also Rule 31-4 and -7a.

6-7. Undue Delay; Slow Play
The player must play without undue delay and in accordance
with any pace of play guidelines that the Committee may
establish. Between completion of a hole and playing from the
next teeing ground, the player must not unduly delay play.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-7:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
Bogey and par competitions – See Note 3 to Rule 32-1a.
Stableford competitions – See Note 3 to Rule 32-1b.
For subsequent offence – Disqualification.

Note 1: If the player unduly delays play between holes, he is
delaying the play of the next hole and, except for bogey, par and Stableford competitions (see Rule 32), the penalty applies
to that hole.

Note 2: For the purpose of preventing slow play, the
Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule
33-1), establish pace of play guidelines including maximum
periods of time allowed to complete a stipulated round, a hole
or a stroke.

In stroke play only, the Committee may, in such a condition,
modify the penalty for a breach of this Rule as follows:
First offence – One stroke;
Second offence – Two strokes.
For subsequent offence – Disqualification.

6-8. Discontinuance of Play; Resumption of Play

a. When Permitted
The player must not discontinue play unless:
(i) the Committee has suspended play;
(ii) he believes there is danger from lightning;
(iii) he is seeking a decision from the Committee on a doubtful
or disputed point (see Rules 2-5 and 34-3); or
(iv) there is some other good reason such as sudden illness.
Bad weather is not of itself a good reason for
discontinuing play.

If the player discontinues play without specific permission
from the Committee, he must report to the Committee as soon
as practicable. If he does so and the Committee considers his
reason satisfactory, there is no penalty. Otherwise, the player
is disqualified.

Exception in match play: Players discontinuing match play by
agreement are not subject to disqualification unless by so
doing the competition is delayed.
Note: Leaving the course does not of itself constitute
discontinuance of play.

b. Procedure When Play Suspended by Committee
When play is suspended by the Committee, if the players in a
match or group are between the play of two holes, they must
not resume play until the Committee has ordered a resumption
of play. If they have started play of a hole, they may
discontinue play immediately or continue play of the hole,
provided they do so without delay. If the players choose to
continue play of the hole, they are permitted to discontinue
play before completing it. In any case, play must be
discontinued after the hole is completed.

The players must resume play when the Committee has
ordered a resumption of play.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8b:
Disqualification.

Note: The Committee may provide in the conditions of a
competition (Rule 33-1) that, in potentially dangerous
situations, play must be discontinued immediately following a
suspension of play by the Committee. If a player fails to
discontinue play immediately, he is disqualified unless
circumstances warrant waiving the penalty as provided in
Rule 33-7.

c. Lifting Ball When Play Discontinued
When a player discontinues play of a hole under Rule 6-8a, he
may lift his ball without penalty only if the Committee has
suspended play or there is a good reason to lift it. Before lifting
the ball the player must mark its position. If the player
discontinues play and lifts his ball without specific permission
from the Committee, he must, when reporting to the
Committee (Rule 6-8a), report the lifting of the ball.
If the player lifts the ball without a good reason to do so, fails
to mark the position of the ball before lifting it or fails to
report the lifting of the ball, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

d. Procedure When Play Resumed
Play must be resumed from where it was discontinued, even if
resumption occurs on a subsequent day. The player must,
either before or when play is resumed, proceed as follows:
(i) if the player has lifted the ball, he must, provided he was
entitled to lift it under Rule 6-8c, place a ball on the spot
from which the original ball was lifted. Otherwise, the
original ball must be placed on the spot from which it
was lifted;
(ii) if the player entitled to lift his ball under Rule 6-8c has not
done so, he may lift, clean and replace the ball, or
substitute a ball on the spot from which the original ball
was lifted. Before lifting the ball he must mark its
position; or
(iii) if the player’s ball or ball-marker is moved (including by
wind or water) while play is discontinued, a ball or ballmarker
must be placed on the spot from which the original
ball or ball-marker was moved.

Note: If the spot where the ball is to be placed is impossible to
determine, it must be estimated and the ball placed on the
estimated spot. The provisions of Rule 20-3c do not apply.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 6-8c or d:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
*If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule
6-8d, there is no additional penalty under Rule 6-8c.

Definitions
All defined terms are in the Definitions section.

7-1. Before or Between Rounds
a. Match Play
On any day of a match play competition, a player may practise
on the competition course before a round.
b. Stroke Play
Before a round or play-off on any day of a stroke play
competition, a competitor must not practise on the
competition course or test the surface of any putting green on
the course by rolling a ball or roughening or scraping
the surface.

When two or more rounds of a stroke play competition are to
be played over consecutive days, a competitor must not
practise between those rounds on any competition course
remaining to be played, or test the surface of any putting green
on such course by rolling a ball or roughening or scraping
the surface.

Exception: Practice putting or chipping on or near the first
teeing ground before starting a round or play-off is permitted.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-1b:
Disqualification.

Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a competition
(Rule 33-1), prohibit practice on the competition course on
any day of a match play competition or permit practice on the
competition course or part of the course (Rule 33-2c) on any
day of or between rounds of a stroke play competition.

7-2. During Round
A player must not make a practice stroke during play of a hole.
Between the play of two holes a player must not make a
practice stroke, except that he may practise putting or
chipping on or near:

(a) the putting green of the hole last played,
Rule 7 Practice
(b) any practice putting green, or
(c) the teeing ground of the next hole to be played in
the round,
provided a practice stroke is not made from a hazard and does
not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7).
Strokes made in continuing the play of a hole, the result of
which has been decided, are not practice strokes.

Exception: When play has been suspended by the Committee,
a player may, prior to resumption of play, practise (a) as
provided in this Rule, (b) anywhere other than on the
competition course and (c) as otherwise permitted by
the Committee.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 7-2:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
In the event of a breach between the play of two holes, the
penalty applies to the next hole.

Note 1: A practice swing is not a practice stroke and may be
taken at any place, provided the player does not breach
the Rules.

Note 2: The Committee may, in the conditions of a
competition (Rule 33-1), prohibit:
(a) practice on or near the putting green of the hole last
played, and
(b) rolling a ball on the putting green of the hole last played.

Definitions
All defined terms are in the Definitions section.

8-1. Advice
During a stipulated round, a player must not:
(a) give advice to anyone in the competition playing on the
course other than his partner, or
(b) ask for advice from anyone other than his partner or either
of their caddies.

8-2. Indicating Line of Play
a. Other Than on Putting Green
Except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play
indicated to him by anyone, but no one may be positioned by
the player on or close to the line or an extension of the line
beyond the hole while the stroke is being made. Any mark
placed by the player or with his knowledge to indicate the line
must be removed before the stroke is made.
Exception: Flagstick attended or held up – see Rule 17-1.

b. On the Putting Green
When the player’s ball is on the putting green, the player, his
partner or either of their caddies may, before but not during
the stroke, point out a line for putting, but in so doing the
putting green must not be touched. A mark must not be placed
anywhere to indicate a line for putting.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

Note: The Committee may, in the conditions of a team
competition (Rule 33-1), permit each team to appoint one
person who may give advice (including pointing out a line for
putting) to members of that team. The Committee may
establish conditions relating to the appointment and permitted
conduct of that person, who must be identified to the
Committee before giving advice.

9-1. General
The number of strokes a player has taken includes any penalty
strokes incurred.

9-2. Match Play
a. Information as to Strokes Taken
An opponent is entitled to ascertain from the player, during the
play of a hole, the number of strokes he has taken and, after
play of a hole, the number of strokes taken on the hole
just completed.

b. Wrong Information
A player must not give wrong information to his opponent. If
a player gives wrong information, he loses the hole.

A player is deemed to have given wrong information if he:
(i) fails to inform his opponent as soon as practicable that he
has incurred a penalty, unless (a) he was obviously
proceeding under a Rule involving a penalty and this was
observed by his opponent, or (b) he corrects the mistake
before his opponent makes his next stroke; or
(ii) gives incorrect information during play of a hole regarding
the number of strokes taken and does not correct the
mistake before his opponent makes his next stroke; or
(iii) gives incorrect information regarding the number of
strokes taken to complete a hole and this affects the
opponent’s understanding of the result of the hole, unless
he corrects the mistake before any player makes a stroke
from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole
of the match, before all players leave the putting green.
A player has given wrong information even if it is due to the
failure to include a penalty that he did not know he had
incurred. It is the player’s responsibility to know the Rules.

9-3. Stroke Play
A competitor who has incurred a penalty should inform his
marker as soon as practicable.

ORDER OF PLAY

Definitions
All defined terms are in the Definitions section.

10-1. Match
a. When Starting Play of Hole Play

The side that has the honour at the first teeing ground is
determined by the order of the draw. In the absence of a draw,
the honour should be decided by lot.
The side that wins a hole takes the honour at the next teeing
ground. If a hole has been halved, the side that had the honour
at the previous teeing ground retains it.

b. During Play of Hole
After both players have started play of the hole, the ball farther
from the hole is played first. If the balls are equidistant from the
hole or their positions relative to the hole are not determinable,
the ball to be played first should be decided by lot.

Exception: Rule 30-3c (best-ball and four-ball match play).
Note: When the original ball is not to be played as it lies and
the player is required to play a ball as nearly as possible at the
spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule
20-5), the order of play is determined by the spot from which the previous stroke was made. When a ball may be played from a spot other than where the previous stroke was made,the order of play is determined by the position where the
original ball came to rest.

c. Playing Out of Turn
If a player plays when his opponent should have played, there
is no penalty, but the opponent may immediately require the
player to cancel the stroke so made and, in correct order, play
a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original
ball was last played (see Rule 20-5).

10-2. Stroke Play
a. When Starting Play of Hole
The competitor who has the honour at the first teeing ground
is determined by the order of the draw. In the absence of a
draw, the honour should be decided by lot.
The competitor with the lowest score at a hole takes the
honour at the next teeing ground. The competitor with the
second lowest score plays next and so on. If two or more
competitors have the same score at a hole, they play from the
next teeing ground in the same order as at the previous
teeing ground.

b. During Play of Hole
After the competitors have started play of the hole, the ball
farthest from the hole is played first. If two or more balls are
equidistant from the hole or their positions relative to the hole
are not determinable, the ball to be played first should be
decided by lot.

Exceptions: Rules 22 (ball assisting or interfering with play)
and 31-5 (four-ball stroke play).

Note: When the original ball is not to be played as it lies and
the player is required to play a ball as nearly as possible at the
spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule
20-5), the order of play is determined by the spot from which
the previous stroke was made. When a ball may be played
from a spot other than where the previous stroke was made,
the order of play is determined by the position where the
original ball came to rest.

c. Playing Out of Turn
If a competitor plays out of turn, there is no penalty and the
ball is played as it lies. If, however, the Committee determines
that competitors have agreed to play out of turn to give one of
them an advantage, they are disqualified.

(Making stroke while another ball in motion after stroke from
putting green – see Rule 16-1f)
(Incorrect order of play in threesomes and foursomes stroke
play – see Rule 29-3)

10-3. Provisional Ball or Second Ball from Teeing Ground
If a player plays a provisional ball or a second ball from a teeing
ground, he must do so after his opponent or fellow-competitor
has played his first stroke. If a player plays a provisional ball or
a second ball out of turn, Rule 10-1c or -2c applies.

TEEING GROUND

11-1. Teeing
When the player’s ball is to be teed within the teeing ground,
it must be placed on:
• the surface of the teeing ground, including an irregularity of
surface (whether or not created by the player), or
• a tee placed in or on the surface of the teeing ground, or
• sand or other natural substance placed on the surface of the
teeing ground.
A player may stand outside the teeing ground to play a ball
within it.

In teeing, if a player uses a non-conforming tee or any other
object to raise the ball off the ground, he is disqualified.

11-2. Tee-Markers
Before a player makes his first stroke with any ball on the
teeing ground of the hole being played, the tee-markers are
deemed to be fixed. In these circumstances, if the player moves
or allows to be moved a tee-marker for the purpose of
avoiding interference with his stance, the area of his intended
swing or his line of play, he incurs the penalty for a breach of
Rule 13-2.

11-3. Ball Falling off Tee
If a ball, when not in play, falls off a tee or is knocked off a tee
by the player in addressing it, it may be re-teed without
penalty. However, if a stroke is made at the ball in these
circumstances, whether the ball is moving or not, the stroke
counts but there is no penalty.

11-4. Playing from Outside Teeing Ground

a. Match Play
If a player, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside the
teeing ground there is no penalty, but the opponent may
immediately require the player to cancel the stroke and play a
ball from within the teeing ground.

b. Stroke Play
If a competitor, when starting a hole, plays a ball from outside
the teeing ground, he incurs a penalty of two strokes and must
then play a ball from within the teeing ground.
If the competitor plays a stroke from the next teeing ground
without first correcting his mistake or, in the case of the last
hole of the round, leaves the putting green without first
declaring his intention to correct his mistake, he is disqualified.
The stroke from outside the teeing ground and any subsequent
strokes by the competitor on the hole prior to his correction of
the mistake do not count in his score.

11-5. Playing from Wrong Teeing Ground
The provisions of Rule 11-4 apply.

PLAYING THE BALL

12-1. Searching for Ball; Seeing Ball
In searching for his ball anywhere on the course, the player
may touch or bend long grass, rushes, bushes, whins, heather
or the like, but only to the extent necessary to find and identify
it, provided that this does not improve the lie of the ball, the
area of his intended stance or swing or his line of play.
A player is not necessarily entitled to see his ball when making
a stroke.

In a hazard, if a ball is believed to be covered by loose
impediments or sand, the player may remove by probing or
raking with a club or otherwise, as many loose impediments or
as much sand as will enable him to see a part of the ball. If an
excess is removed, there is no penalty and the ball must be recovered
so that only a part of it is visible. If the ball is moved
during the removal, there is no penalty; the ball must be replaced and, if necessary, re-covered. As to removal of loose impediments outside a hazard, see Rule 23.

If a ball lying in an abnormal ground condition is accidentally
moved during search, there is no penalty; the ball must be
replaced, unless the player elects to proceed under Rule 25-1b.
If the player replaces the ball, he may still proceed under Rule
25-1b if applicable.

If a ball is believed to be lying in water in a water hazard, the
player may probe for it with a club or otherwise. If the ball is
moved in probing, it must be replaced, unless the player elects
to proceed under Rule 26-1. There is no penalty for causing
the ball to move provided the movement of the ball was
directly attributable to the specific act of probing. Otherwise,
the player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 12-1:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

12-2. Identifying Ball
The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with
the player. Each player should put an identification mark on
his ball.

Except in a hazard, if a player has reason to believe a ball is
his, he may lift the ball without penalty to identify it.
Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his intention
to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellowcompetitor
in stroke play and mark the position of the ball.

He may then lift the ball and identify it provided that he gives
his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to
observe the lifting and replacement. The ball must not be
cleaned beyond the extent necessary for identification when
lifted under Rule 12-2. If the player fails to comply with all
or any part of this procedure, or if he lifts his ball for
identification in a hazard, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

If the lifted ball is the player’s ball he must replace it. If he fails
to do so, he incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule
12-2, but there is no additional penalty under this Rule.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 12-2:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
*If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule
12-2, there is no additional penalty under this Rule.

13-1. General
The ball must be played as it lies, except as otherwise provided
in the Rules.
(Ball at rest moved – see Rule 18)

13-2. Improving Lie, Area of Intended Stance or Swing, or
Line of Play
A player must not improve or allow to be improved:
• the position or lie of his ball,
• the area of his intended stance or swing,
• his line of play or a reasonable extension of that line beyond
the hole, or
• the area in which he is to drop or place a ball,
by any of the following actions:
• moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed
(including immovable obstructions and objects defining out
of bounds),
• creating or eliminating irregularities of surface, 64
• removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots
or other cut turf placed in position, or
• removing dew, frost or water.
However, the player incurs no penalty if the action occurs:
• in fairly taking his stance,
• in making a stroke or the backward movement of his club
for a stroke and the stroke is made,
• on the teeing ground in creating or eliminating irregularities
of surface (Rule 11-1), or
• on the putting green in removing sand and loose soil or in
repairing damage (Rule 16-1).
The club may be grounded only lightly and must not be
pressed on the ground.

Exception: Ball in hazard – see Rule 13-4.

13-3. Building Stance
A player is entitled to place his feet firmly in taking his stance,
but he must not build a stance.

13-4. Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions
Except 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.
(Searching for ball – see Rule 12-1)
(Relief for ball in water hazard – see Rule 26)

14-1. Ball to be Fairly Struck At
The ball must be fairly struck at with the head of the club and
must not be pushed, scraped or spooned.

14-2. Assistance
In making a stroke, a player must not:
a. accept physical assistance or protection from the
elements; or
b. allow his caddie, his partner or his partner’s caddie to
position himself on or close to an extension of the line of
play or the line of putt behind the ball.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-1 or 14-2:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

14-3. Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment
The R&A reserves the right, at any time, to change the Rules
relating to artificial devices and unusual equipment and make
or change the interpretations relating to these Rules.

A player in doubt as to whether use of an item would
constitute a breach of Rule 14-3 should consult the R&A.

A manufacturer may submit to the R&A a sample of an item
to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether its use during a
stipulated round would cause a player to be in breach of Rule
14-3. The sample becomes the property of the R&A for
reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample
before manufacturing and/or marketing the item, the
manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that use of the item
would be contrary to the Rules.

Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the
player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment:
a. That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or
b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or
conditions that might affect his play; or
c. That might assist him in gripping the club, except that:
(i) plain gloves may be worn;
(ii) resin, powder and drying or moisturising agents may
be used; and
(iii) a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around
the grip.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-3:
Disqualification.

14-4. Striking the Ball More than Once
If a player’s club strikes the ball more than once in the course
of a stroke, the player must count the stroke and add a penalty
stroke, making two strokes in all.
14-5. Playing Moving Ball
A player must not make a stroke at his ball while it is moving.

Exceptions:• Ball falling off tee – Rule 11-3
• Striking the ball more than once – Rule 14-4
• Ball moving in water – Rule 14-6

When the ball begins to move only after the player has begun
the stroke or the backward movement of his club for the
stroke, he incurs no penalty under this Rule for playing a
moving ball, but he is not exempt from any penalty under the
following Rules:

• Ball at rest moved by player – Rule 18-2a
• Ball at rest moving after address – Rule 18-2b
(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by player, partner or
caddie – see Rule 1-2)

14-6. Ball Moving in Water
When a ball is moving in water in a water hazard, the player
may, without penalty, make a stroke, but he must not delay
making his stroke in order to allow the wind or current to
improve the position of the ball. A ball moving in water in
a water hazard may be lifted if the player elects to invoke
Rule 26.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 14-5 or 14-6:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

15-1. General
A player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing
ground unless the ball is lost, out of bounds or the player
substitutes another ball, whether or not substitution is
permitted (see Rule 15-2). If a player plays a wrong ball, see
Rule 15-3.

15-2. Substituted Ball
A player may substitute a ball when proceeding under a Rule
that permits the player to play, drop or place another ball in
completing the play of a hole. The substituted ball becomes the
ball in play.

If a player substitutes a ball when not permitted to do so under
the Rules, that substituted ball is not a wrong ball; it becomes
the ball in play. If the mistake is not corrected as provided in
Rule 20-6 and the player makes a stroke at a wrongly
substituted ball, he incurs the penalty prescribed by the
applicable Rule and, in stroke play, must play out the hole
with the substituted ball.
(Playing from Wrong Place – see Rule 20-7)

15-3. Wrong Ball

a. Match Play
If a player makes a stroke at a wrong ball that is not in a
hazard, he loses the hole.

There is no penalty if a player makes a stroke at a wrong ball
in a hazard. Any strokes made at a wrong ball in a hazard do
not count in the player’s score.

If the wrong ball belongs to another player, its owner must
place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was
first played.

If the player and opponent exchange balls during the play of a
hole, the first to make a stroke at a wrong ball that is not in a
hazard, loses the hole; when this cannot be determined, the
hole must be played out with the balls exchanged.

b. Stroke Play
If a competitor makes a stroke or strokes at a wrong ball that
is not in a hazard, he incurs a penalty of two strokes.

There is no penalty if a competitor makes a stroke at a wrong
ball in a hazard. Any strokes made at a wrong ball in a hazard
do not count in the competitor’s score.

The competitor must correct his mistake by playing the correct
ball or by proceeding under the Rules. If he fails to correct his
mistake before making a stroke on the next teeing ground or,
in the case of the last hole of the round, fails to declare his
intention to correct his mistake before leaving the putting
green, he is disqualified.

Strokes made by a competitor with a wrong ball do not count
in his score.

If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner
must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was
first played.

(Lie of ball to be placed or replaced altered – see Rule 20-3b)
(Spot not determinable – see Rule 20-3c)

16-1. General
a. Touching Line of Putt
The line of putt must not be touched except:
(i) the player may remove loose impediments, provided he
does not press anything down;
(ii) the player may place the club in front of the ball when
addressing it, provided he does not press anything down;
(iii) in measuring – Rule 18-6;
(iv) in lifting the ball – Rule 16-1b;
(v) in pressing down a ball-marker;
(vi) in repairing old hole plugs or ball marks on the putting
green – Rule 16-1c; and
(vii) in removing movable obstructions – Rule 24-1
(Indicating line for putting on putting green – see Rule 8-2b)

b. Lifting and Cleaning Ball
A ball on the putting green may be lifted and, if desired,
cleaned. The position of the ball must be marked before it is
lifted and the ball must be replaced (see Rule 20-1).

c. Repair of Hole Plugs, Ball Marks and Other Damage
The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the
putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not
the player’s ball lies on the putting green. If a ball or ballmarker
is accidentally moved in the process of the repair, the
ball or ball-marker must be replaced. There is no penalty
provided the movement of the ball is directly attributable to
the specific act of repairing an old hole plug or damage to the
putting green caused by the impact of a ball. Otherwise, the
player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a.

Any other damage to the putting green must not be repaired if
it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.

d. Testing Surface
During the play of a hole, a player must not test the surface of
the putting green by rolling a ball or roughening or scraping
the surface.

e. Standing Astride or on Line of Putt
The player must not make a stroke on the putting green from
a stance astride, or with either foot touching, the line of putt
or an extension of that line behind the ball.

f. Making Stroke While Another Ball in Motion
The player must not make a stroke while another ball is in
motion after a stroke from the putting green, except that, if a
player does so, there is no penalty if it was his turn to play.
(Lifting ball assisting or interfering with play while another
ball in motion – see Rule 22)

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 16-1:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
(Position of caddie or partner – see Rule 14-2)
(Wrong putting green – see Rule 25-3)

16-2. Ball Overhanging Hole
When any part of the ball overhangs the lip of the hole, the
player is allowed enough time to reach the hole without
unreasonable delay and an additional ten seconds to determine
whether the ball is at rest. If by then the ball has not fallen into the hole, it is deemed to be at rest. If the ball subsequently falls into the hole, the player is deemed to have holed out with his last stroke, and must add a penalty stroke to his score for the hole; otherwise, there is no penalty under this Rule.
(Undue delay – see Rule 6-7)

17-1. Flagstick Attended, Removed or Held Up
Before making a stroke from anywhere on the course, the
player may have the flagstick attended, removed or held up to
indicate the position of the hole.

If the flagstick is not attended, removed or held up before the
player makes a stroke, it must not be attended, removed or
held up during the stroke or while the player’s ball is in motion
if doing so might influence the movement of the ball.

Note 1: If the flagstick is in the hole and anyone stands near it
while a stroke is being made, he is deemed to be attending
the flagstick.

Note 2: If, prior to the stroke, the flagstick is attended,
removed or held up by anyone with the player’s knowledge
and he makes no objection, the player is deemed to have
authorised it.

Note 3: If anyone attends or holds up the flagstick while a
stroke is being made, he is deemed to be attending the flagstick
until the ball comes to rest.

17-2. Unauthorised Attendance
If an opponent or his caddie in match play or a fellowcompetitor
or his caddie in stroke play, without the player’s
authority or prior knowledge, attends, removes or holds up the
flagstick during the stroke or while the ball is in motion, and
the act might influence the movement of the ball, the opponent
or fellow-competitor incurs the applicable penalty.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 17-1 or 17-2:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

*In stroke play, if a breach of Rule 17-2 occurs and the
competitor’s ball subsequently strikes the flagstick, the person
attending or holding it or anything carried by him, the
competitor incurs no penalty. The ball is played as it lies
except that, if the stroke was made on the putting green, the
stroke is cancelled and the ball must be replaced and replayed.

17-3. Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant
The player’s ball must not strike:
a. The flagstick when it is being attended, removed or
held up;
b. The person attending or holding up the flagstick; or
c. The flagstick in the hole, unattended, when the stroke has
been made on the putting green.
Exception: When the flagstick is attended, removed or held up
without the player’s authority – see Rule 17-2.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 17-3:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes and the
ball must be played as it lies.

17-4. Ball Resting Against Flagstick
When the flagstick is in the hole and a player’s ball when not
holed rests against it, the player or another person authorised
by him may move or remove the flagstick and if the ball falls
into the hole, the player is deemed to have holed out with his
last stroke; otherwise, the ball, if moved, must be placed on the
lip of the hole, without penalty.

BALL MOVED, DEFLECTED OR STOPPED

18-1. By Outside Agency
If a ball at rest is moved by an outside agency, there is no
penalty and the ball must be replaced.
(Player’s ball at rest moved by another ball – see Rule 18-5)

18-2. By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment
a. General
When a player’s ball is in play, if:

(i) the player, his partner or either of their caddies lifts or
moves it, touches it purposely (except with a club in the
act of addressing it) or causes it to move except as
permitted by a Rule, or

(ii) equipment of the player or his partner causes the ball
to move, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke. If the ball is moved,
it must be replaced unless the movement of the ball occurs
after the player has begun the stroke or the backward
movement of the club for the stroke and the stroke is made.
Under the Rules there is no penalty if a player accidentally
causes his ball to move in the following circumstances:

• In searching for a ball in a hazard covered by loose
impediments or sand, for a ball in an abnormal ground
condition or for a ball believed to be in water in a water
hazard – Rule 12-1
• In repairing a hole plug or ball mark – Rule 16-1c
• In measuring – Rule 18-6
• In lifting a ball under a Rule – Rule 20-1
• In placing or replacing a ball under a Rule – Rule 20-3a
• In removing a loose impediment on the putting green –
Rule 23-1
• In removing movable obstructions – Rule 24-1

b. Ball Moving After Address
If a player’s ball in play moves after he has addressed it (other
than as a result of a stroke), the player is deemed to have
moved the ball and incurs a penalty of one stroke. The ball
must be replaced unless the movement of the ball occurs after
the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of
the club for the stroke and the stroke is made.

18-3. By Opponent, Caddie or Equipment in Match Play

a. During Search
If, during search for a player’s ball, an opponent, his caddie
or his equipment moves the ball, touches it or causes it
to move, there is no penalty. If the ball is moved, it must
be replaced.

b. Other Than During Search
If, other than during search for a player’s ball, an opponent,
his caddie or his equipment moves the ball, touches it
purposely or causes it to move, except as otherwise provided
in the Rules, the opponent incurs a penalty of one stroke. If the
ball is moved, it must be replaced.

(Playing a wrong ball – see Rule 15-3)
(Ball moved in measuring – see Rule 18-6)

18-4. By Fellow-Competitor, Caddie or Equipment in
Stroke Play

If a fellow-competitor, his caddie or his equipment moves
the player’s ball, touches it or causes it to move, there is
no penalty.

Rule 18 Ball at Rest Moved

If the ball is moved, it must be replaced.
(Playing a wrong ball – see Rule 15-3)

18-5. By Another Ball
If a ball in play and at rest is moved by another ball in motion
after a stroke, the moved ball must be replaced.

18-6. Ball Moved in Measuring
If a ball or ball-marker is moved in measuring while
proceeding under or in determining the application of a Rule,
the ball or ball-marker must be replaced. There is no penalty
provided the movement of the ball or ball-marker is directly
attributable to the specific act of measuring. Otherwise, the
provisions of Rules 18-2a, 18-3b or 18-4 apply.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

*If a player who is required to replace a ball fails to do so, he
incurs the general penalty for breach of Rule 18. There is no
additional penalty under Rule 18, except in the case of a
wrongly substituted ball (Rule 15-2).

Note 1: If a ball to be replaced under this Rule is not
immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
Note 2: If the original lie of a ball to be placed or replaced has
been altered, see Rule 20-3b.

Note 3: If it is impossible to determine the spot on which a ball
is to be placed, see Rule 20-3c.

19-1. By Outside Agency
If a ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by any
outside agency, it is a rub of the green, there is no penalty and
the ball must be played as it lies except:

a. If a ball in motion after a stroke other than on the putting
green comes to rest in or on any moving or animate
outside agency, the player must, through the green or in a
hazard, drop the ball, or on the putting green place the
ball, as near as possible to the spot where the outside
agency was when the ball came to rest in or on it, and

b. If a ball in motion after a stroke on the putting green is
deflected or stopped by, or comes to rest in or on, any
moving or animate outside agency except a worm or an
insect, the stroke is cancelled. The ball must be replaced
and the stroke replayed.

If the ball is not immediately recoverable, another ball may
be substituted.

(Player’s ball deflected or stopped by another ball – see
Rule 19-5)

Note: If the referee or the Committee determines that a
player’s ball has been purposely deflected or stopped by an
outside agency, Rule 1-4 applies to the player. If the outside
agency is a fellow-competitor or his caddie, Rule 1-2 applies to
the fellow competitor.

19-2. By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment

If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by himself,
his partner or either of their caddies or equipment, he loses
the hole.
b. Stroke Play
If a competitor’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by
himself, his partner or either of their caddies or equipment, the competitor incurs a penalty of two strokes. The ball must be
played as it lies, except when it comes to rest in or on the
competitor’s, his partner’s or either of their caddies’ clothes or
equipment, in which case the competitor must through the
green or in a hazard drop the ball, or on the putting green
place the ball, as near as possible to where the article was
when the ball came to rest in or on it.
Exception: Dropped ball – see Rule 20-2a.
(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by player, partner or
caddie – see Rule 1-2)
19-3. By Opponent, Caddie or Equipment in Match Play
If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by an
opponent, his caddie or his equipment, there is no penalty. The
player may, before another stroke is made by either side,
cancel the stroke and play a ball without penalty as nearly as
possible at the spot from which the original ball was last
played (see Rule 20-5) or he may play the ball as it lies.
However, if the player elects not to cancel the stroke and the
ball has come to rest in or on the opponent’s or his caddie’s
clothes or equipment, the player must through the green or in
a hazard drop the ball, or on the putting green place the ball,
as near as possible to where the article was when the ball came
to rest in or on it.

Exception: Ball striking person attending flagstick – see
Rule 17-3b.
(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by opponent or caddie –
see Rule 1-2)
19-4. By Fellow-Competitor, Caddie or Equipment in
Stroke Play

See Rule 19-1 regarding ball deflected by outside agency.

19-5. By Another Ball
a. At Rest
If a player’s ball in motion after a stroke is deflected or stopped
by a ball in play and at rest, the player must play his ball as it
lies. In match play, there is no penalty. In stroke play, there is
no penalty unless both balls lay on the putting green prior to
the stroke, in which case the player incurs a penalty of
two strokes.

b. In Motion
If a player’s ball in motion after a stroke is deflected or stopped
by another ball in motion after a stroke, the player must play
his ball as it lies. There is no penalty unless the player was in
breach of Rule 16-1f, in which case he incurs the penalty for
breach of that Rule.

Exception: If the player’s ball is in motion after a stroke on the
putting green and the other ball in motion is an outside agency
– see Rule 19-1b.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

RELIEF SITUATIONS AND PROCEDURE

20-1. Lifting and Marking
A ball to be lifted under the Rules may be lifted by the player,
his partner or another person authorised by the player. In any
such case, the player is responsible for any breach of
the Rules.

The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted
under a Rule that requires it to be replaced. If it is not marked,
the player incurs a penalty of one stroke and the ball must be
replaced. If it is not replaced, the player incurs the general
penalty for breach of this Rule but there is no additional
penalty under Rule 20-1.

If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of
lifting the ball under a Rule or marking its position, the ball or
ball-marker must be replaced. There is no penalty provided the
movement of the ball or ball-marker is directly attributable to
the specific act of marking the position of or lifting the ball.
Otherwise, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke under this
Rule or Rule 18-2a.

Exception: If a player incurs a penalty for failing to act in
accordance with Rule 5-3 or 12-2, there is no additional
penalty under Rule 20-1.

Note: The position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by
placing a ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object
immediately behind the ball. If the ball-marker interferes with
the play, stance or stroke of another player, it should be placed
one or more clubhead-lengths to one side.

20-2. Dropping and Re-Dropping
a. By Whom and How
A ball to be dropped under the Rules must be dropped by the
player himself. He must stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder
height and arm’s length and drop it. If a ball is dropped by any
other person or in any other manner and the error is not
corrected as provided in Rule 20-6, the player incurs a penalty
of one stroke.

If the ball touches the player, his partner, either of their caddies
or their equipment before or after it strikes a part of the
course, the ball must be re-dropped, without penalty. There is
no limit to the number of times a ball must be re-dropped in
these circumstances.
(Taking action to influence position or movement of ball – see
Rule 1-2)

b. Where to Drop
When a ball is to be dropped as near as possible to a specific
spot, it must be dropped not nearer the hole than the specific
spot which, if it is not precisely known to the player, must
be estimated.

A ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course
where the applicable Rule requires it to be dropped. If it is not
so dropped, Rules 20-6 and -7 apply.

c. When to Re-Drop
A dropped ball must be re-dropped without penalty if it:

(i) rolls into and comes to rest in a hazard;

(ii) rolls out of and comes to rest outside a hazard;

(iii) rolls onto and comes to rest on a putting green;

(iv) rolls and comes to rest out of bounds;

(v) rolls to and comes to rest in a position where there is
interference by the condition from which relief was taken
under Rule 24-2b (immovable obstruction), Rule 25-1
(abnormal ground conditions), Rule 25-3 (wrong putting
green) or a Local Rule (Rule 33-8a), or rolls back into the
pitch-mark from which it was lifted under Rule 25-2
(embedded ball);

(vi) rolls and comes to rest more than two club-lengths from
where it first struck a part of the course; or

(vii)rolls and comes to rest nearer the hole than:

(a) its original position or estimated position (see Rule
20-2b) unless otherwise permitted by the Rules; or
(b) the nearest point of relief or maximum available relief
(Rule 24-2, 25-1 or 25-3); or
84
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 20-1, 20-2 or 20-3:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
20-4. When Ball Dropped or Placed is in Play
If the player’s ball in play has been lifted, it is again in play
when dropped or placed.
A substituted ball becomes the ball in play when it has been
dropped or placed.
(Ball incorrectly substituted – see Rule 15-2)
(Lifting ball incorrectly substituted, dropped or placed – see
Rule 20-6)
20-5. Making Next Stroke from Where Previous Stroke Made
When a player elects or is required to make his next stroke
from where a previous stroke was made, he must proceed
as follows:
a. On the Teeing Ground: The ball to be played must be
played from within the teeing ground. It may be played
from anywhere within the teeing ground and may be teed.
b. Through the Green and in a Hazard: The ball to be played
must be dropped.
c. On the Putting Green: The ball to be played must
be placed.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 20-5:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
20-6. Lifting Ball Incorrectly Substituted, Dropped or Placed
A ball incorrectly substituted, dropped or placed in a wrong
place or otherwise not in accordance with the Rules but not
played may be lifted, without penalty, and the player must
then proceed correctly.
20-7. Playing from Wrong Place
a. General
A player has played from a wrong place if he makes a stroke
with his ball in play:
(i) on a part of the course where the Rules do not permit a
stroke to be played or a ball to be dropped or placed; or
(ii) when the Rules require a dropped ball to be re-dropped or
a moved ball to be replaced.

Note: For a ball played from outside the teeing ground or from
a wrong teeing ground – see Rule 11-4.

b. Match Play
If a player makes a stroke from a wrong place, he loses
the hole.

c. Stroke Play
If a competitor makes a stroke from a wrong place, he incurs
a penalty of two strokes under the applicable Rule. He must
play out the hole with the ball played from the wrong place,
without correcting his error, provided he has not committed a
serious breach (see Note 1).

If a competitor becomes aware that he has played from a
wrong place and believes that he may have committed a
serious breach, he must, before making a stroke on the next
teeing ground, play out the hole with a second ball dropped
or placed in accordance with the Rules. If the hole being
played is the last hole of the round, he must declare, before
leaving the putting green, that he will play out the hole with
a second ball dropped or placed in accordance with the Rules.

The competitor must report the facts to the Committee before
returning his score card; if he fails to do so, he is disqualified.
The Committee must determine whether the competitor has
committed a serious breach of the applicable Rule. If he has,
the score with the second ball counts and the competitor must 86
add two penalty strokes to his score with that ball. If the
competitor has committed a serious breach and has failed to
correct it as outlined above, he is disqualified.

Note 1: A competitor is deemed to have committed a serious
breach of the applicable Rule if the Committee considers he
has gained a significant advantage as a result of playing from
a wrong place.

Note 2: If a competitor plays a second ball under Rule 20-7c
and it is ruled not to count, strokes made with that ball and
penalty strokes incurred solely by playing that ball are
disregarded. If the second ball is ruled to count, the stroke
made from the wrong place and any strokes subsequently
taken with the original ball including penalty strokes incurred
solely by playing that ball are disregarded.

A ball on the putting green may be cleaned when lifted under
Rule 16-1b. Elsewhere, a ball may be cleaned when lifted
except when it has been lifted:

a. To determine if it is unfit for play (Rule 5-3);

b. For identification (Rule 12-2), in which case it may be
cleaned only to the extent necessary for identification; or

c. Because it is assisting or interfering with play (Rule 22).
If a player cleans his ball during play of a hole except as
provided in this Rule, he incurs a penalty of one stroke and the
ball, if lifted, must be replaced.

If a player who is required to replace a ball fails to do so, he
incurs the penalty for breach of Rule 20-3a, but there is no
additional penalty under Rule 21.

Exception: If a player incurs a penalty for failing to act in
accordance with Rule 5-3, 12-2 or 22, there is no additional
penalty under Rule 21.

22-1. Ball Assisting Play
Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that a
ball might assist any other player, he may:

a. lift the ball if it is his ball; or

b. have any other ball lifted.

A ball lifted under this Rule must be replaced (see Rule 20-3).
The ball must not be cleaned unless it lies on the putting green
(see Rule 21).

In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first
rather than lift the ball.

In stroke play, if the Committee determines that competitors
have agreed not to lift a ball that might assist any other player,
they are disqualified.

22-2. Ball Interfering with Play
Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that the
ball of another player might interfere with his play, he may
have it lifted.

A ball lifted under this Rule must be replaced (see Rule 20-3).
The ball must not be cleaned unless it lies on the putting green
(see Rule 21).

In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first
rather than lift the ball.

Note: Except on the putting green, a player may not lift his ball
solely because he considers that it might interfere with the play
of another player. If a player lifts his ball without being asked
to do so, he incurs a penalty of one stroke for a breach of Rule
18-2a, but there is no additional penalty under Rule 22.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in
the Definitions section – see pages 23-35.

23-1. Relief
Except when both the loose impediment and the ball lie in or
touch the same hazard, any loose impediment may be removed
without penalty.

If the ball lies anywhere other than on the putting green and
the removal of a loose impediment by the player causes the
ball to move, Rule 18-2a applies.

On the putting green, if the ball or ball-marker moves in the
process of the player removing any loose impediment, the ball
or ball-marker must be replaced. There is no penalty provided
the movement of the ball or ball-marker is directly attributable
to the removal of the loose impediment. Otherwise, if the
player causes the ball to move, he incurs a penalty of one
stroke under Rule 18-2a.

When a ball is in motion, a loose impediment that might
influence the movement of the ball must not be removed.
Note: If the ball lies in a hazard, the player must not touch or
move any loose impediment lying in or touching the same
hazard – see Rule 13-4c.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
(Searching for ball in hazard – see Rule 12-1)
(Touching line of putt – see Rule 16-1a)

24-1. Movable Obstruction
A player may take relief without penalty from a movable
obstruction as follows:

a. If the ball does not lie in or on the obstruction, the
obstruction may be removed. If the ball moves, it must be
replaced, and there is no penalty provided that the
movement of the ball is directly attributable to the removal
of the obstruction. Otherwise, Rule 18-2a applies.

b. If the ball lies in or on the obstruction, the ball may be
lifted and the obstruction removed. The ball must through
the green or in a hazard be dropped, or on the putting
green be placed, as near as possible to the spot directly
under the place where the ball lay in or on the obstruction,
but not nearer the hole.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.

When a ball is in motion, an obstruction that might influence
the movement of the ball, other than an attended flagstick or
equipment of the players, must not be removed (Exerting influence on ball – see Rule 1-2)

Note: If a ball to be dropped or placed under this Rule is not
immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

24-2. Immovable Obstruction
a. Interference
Interference by an immovable obstruction occurs when a ball
lies in or on the obstruction, or when the obstruction interferes
with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing. If the
player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs
if an immovable obstruction on the putting green intervenes on
his line of putt. Otherwise, intervention on the line of play is
not, of itself, interference under this Rule.

b. Relief
Except when the ball is in a water hazard or a lateral water
hazard, a player may take relief from interference by an
immovable obstruction as follows:

(i) Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the
player must lift the ball and drop it without penalty within
one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest
point of relief. The nearest point of relief must not be in a
hazard or on a putting green. When the ball is dropped
within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, the
ball must first strike a part of the course at a spot that
avoids interference by the immovable obstruction and is
not in a hazard and not on a putting green.

(ii) In a Bunker: If the ball is in a bunker, the player must lift
the ball and drop it either:

(a) Without penalty, in accordance with Clause (i) above,
except that the nearest point of relief must be in the
bunker and the ball must be dropped in the bunker; or
(b) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the bunker
keeping the point where the ball lay directly between
the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped,
with no limit to how far behind the bunker the ball
may be dropped.

(iii) On the Putting Green: If the ball lies on the putting green,
the player must lift the ball and place it without penalty at
the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard.
The nearest point of relief may be off the putting green.
(iv) On the Teeing Ground: If the ball lies on the teeing
ground, the player must lift the ball and drop it without
penalty in accordance with Clause (i) above.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.

(Ball rolling to a position where there is interference by the
condition from which relief was taken – see Rule 20-2c(v))
Exception: A player may not take relief under this Rule if (a)
it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke because of
interference by anything other than an immovable obstruction
or (b) interference by an immovable obstruction would occur
only through use of an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing
or direction of play.

Note 1: If a ball is in a water hazard (including a lateral water
hazard), the player may not take relief from interference by an
immovable obstruction. The player must play the ball as it lies
or proceed under Rule 26-1.

Note 2: If a ball to be dropped or placed under this Rule is not
immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
Note 3: The Committee may make a Local Rule stating that
the player must determine the nearest point of relief without
crossing over, through or under the obstruction.

24-3. Ball Lost in Obstruction
It is a question of fact whether a ball lost after having been
struck toward an obstruction is lost in the obstruction. In
order to treat the ball as lost in the obstruction, there must be reasonable evidence to that effect. In the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated as a lost ball and Rule 27 applies.

a. Ball Lost in Movable Obstruction
If a ball is lost in a movable obstruction, a player may, without
penalty, remove the obstruction and must through the green or
in a hazard drop a ball, or on the putting green place a ball, as
near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the
ball last crossed the outermost limits of the movable
obstruction, but not nearer the hole.

b. Ball Lost in Immovable Obstruction
If a ball is lost in an immovable obstruction, the spot where the
ball last crossed the outermost limits of the obstruction must
be determined and, for the purpose of applying this Rule, the
ball is deemed to lie at this spot and the player may take relief
as follows:

(i) Through the Green: If the ball last crossed the outermost
limits of the immovable obstruction at a spot through the
green, the player may substitute another ball without
penalty and take relief as prescribed in Rule 24-2b(i).

(ii) In a Bunker: If the ball last crossed the outermost limits of
the immovable obstruction at a spot in a bunker, the
player may substitute another ball without penalty and
take relief as prescribed in Rule 24-2b(ii).

(iii) In a Water Hazard (including a Lateral Water Hazard): If
the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the immovable
obstruction at a spot in a water hazard, the player is not
entitled to relief without penalty. The player must proceed
under Rule 26-1.

(iv) On the Putting Green: If the ball last crossed the
outermost limits of the immovable obstruction at a spot
on the putting green, the player may substitute another
ball without penalty and take relief as prescribed in Rule
24-2b(iii).

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

25-1. Abnormal Ground Conditions
a. Interference
Interference by an abnormal ground condition occurs when a
ball lies in or touches the condition or when the condition
interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended
swing. If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference
also occurs if an abnormal ground condition on the putting
green intervenes on his line of putt. Otherwise, intervention on
the line of play is not, of itself, interference under this Rule.

Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule denying the
player relief from interference with his stance by an abnormal
ground condition.

b. Relief
Except when the ball is in a water hazard or a lateral water
hazard, a player may take relief from interference by an
abnormal ground condition as follows:

(i) Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the
player must lift the ball and drop it without penalty within
one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest
point of relief. The nearest point of relief must not be in a
hazard or on a putting green. When the ball is dropped within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, the ball must first strike a part of the course at a spot that avoids interference by the condition and is not in a hazard
and not on a putting green.

(ii) In a Bunker: If the ball is in a bunker, the player must lift
the ball and drop it either:

(a) Without penalty, in accordance with Clause (i) above,
except that the nearest point of relief must be in the
bunker and the ball must be dropped in the bunker, or
if complete relief is impossible, as near as possible to
the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, on
a part of the course in the bunker that affords
maximum available relief from the condition; or

(b) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the bunker
keeping the point where the ball lay directly between
the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped,
with no limit to how far behind the bunker the ball
may be dropped.

(iii) On the Putting Green: If the ball lies on the putting green,
the player must lift the ball and place it without penalty at
the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard, or if
complete relief is impossible, at the nearest position to
where it lay that affords maximum available relief from
the condition, but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard.
The nearest point of relief or maximum available relief
may be off the putting green.

(iv) On the Teeing Ground: If the ball lies on the teeing
ground, the player must lift the ball and drop it without
penalty in accordance with Clause (i) above.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Rule 25-1b.
(Ball rolling to a position where there is interference by the
condition from which relief was taken – see Rule 20-2c(v))
Exception: A player may not take relief under this Rule if (a)
it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke because of
interference by anything other than an abnormal ground
condition or (b) interference by an abnormal ground condition
would occur only through use of an unnecessarily abnormal
stance, swing or direction of play.

Note 1: If a ball is in a water hazard (including a lateral water
hazard), the player is not entitled to relief without penalty
from interference by an abnormal ground condition. The
player must play the ball as it lies (unless prohibited by Local
Rule) or proceed under Rule 26-1.

Note 2: If a ball to be dropped or placed under this Rule is not
immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

c. Ball Lost
It is a question of fact whether a ball lost after having been
struck toward an abnormal ground condition is lost in such
condition. In order to treat the ball as lost in the abnormal
ground condition, there must be reasonable evidence to that
effect. In the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated
as a lost ball and Rule 27 applies.

If a ball is lost in an abnormal ground condition, the spot
where the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the
condition must be determined and, for the purpose of applying
this Rule, the ball is deemed to lie at this spot and the player
may take relief as follows:

(i) Through the Green: If the ball last crossed the outermost
limits of the abnormal ground condition at a spot through
the green, the player may substitute another ball without
penalty and take relief as prescribed in Rule 25-1b(i).

(ii) In a Bunker: If the ball last crossed the outermost limits of
the abnormal ground condition at a spot in a bunker, the
player may substitute another ball without penalty and
take relief as prescribed in Rule 25-1b(ii).

(iii) In a Water Hazard (including a Lateral Water Hazard): If
the ball last crossed the outermost limits of the abnormal
ground condition at a spot in a water hazard, the player is
not entitled to relief without penalty. The player must
proceed under Rule 26-1.

(iv) On the Putting Green: If the ball last crossed the
outermost limits of the abnormal ground condition at a
spot on the putting green, the player may substitute
another ball without penalty and take relief as prescribed
in Rule 25-1b(iii).

25-2. Embedded Ball
A ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground in any
closely-mown area through the green may be lifted, cleaned
and dropped, without penalty, as near as possible to the spot
where it lay but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped
must first strike a part of the course through the green.
“Closely-mown area” means any area of the course, including
paths through the rough, cut to fairway height or less.

25-3. Wrong Putting Green

a. Interference
Interference by a wrong putting green occurs when a ball is on
the wrong putting green.
Interference to a player’s stance or the area of his intended
swing is not, of itself, interference under this Rule.

b. Relief
If a player’s ball lies on a wrong putting green, he must not
play the ball as it lies. He must take relief, without penalty,
as follows:

The player must lift the ball and drop it within one club-length
of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief. The
nearest point of relief must not be in a hazard or on a putting
green. When dropping the ball within one club-length of the
nearest point of relief, the ball must first strike a part of the
course at a spot that avoids interference by the wrong putting
green and is not in a hazard and not on a putting green. The
ball may be cleaned when lifted under this Rule.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

26-1. Relief for Ball in Water Hazard
It is a question of fact whether a ball lost after having been
struck toward a water hazard is lost inside or outside the
hazard. In order to treat the ball as lost in the hazard, there
must be reasonable evidence that the ball lodged in it. In the
absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated as a lost ball
and Rule 27 applies.

If a ball is in or is lost in a water hazard (whether the ball lies
in water or not), the player may under penalty of one stroke:
a. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the
original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or

b. Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at
which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water
hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which
the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind the
water hazard the ball may be dropped; or

c. As additional options available only if the ball last crossed
the margin of a lateral water hazard, drop a ball outside
the water hazard within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than (i) the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard or (ii) a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant
from the hole.

The ball may be lifted and cleaned when proceeding under
this Rule.

(Prohibited actions when ball is in a hazard – see Rule 13-4)
(Ball moving in water in a water hazard – see Rule 14-6)

26-2. Ball Played Within Water Hazard
a. Ball Comes to Rest in Same or Another Water Hazard
If a ball played from within a water hazard comes to rest in the
same or another water hazard after the stroke, the player may:

(i) proceed under Rule 26-1a. If, after dropping in
the hazard, the player elects not to play the dropped ball,
he may:
(a) with reference to this hazard, proceed under Rule
26-1b, or if applicable Rule 26-1c, adding the additional penalty of one stroke prescribed by that Rule; or

(b) add an additional penalty of one stroke and play a ball
as nearly as possible at the spot from which the last
stroke from outside a water hazard was made (see
Rule 20-5); or

(ii) proceed under Rule 26-1b, or if applicable Rule 26-1c; or

(iii) under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as nearly as
possible at the spot from which the last stroke from
outside a water hazard was made (see Rule 20-5).

b. Ball Lost or Unplayable Outside Hazard or Out of Bounds
If a ball played from within a water hazard is lost or declared
unplayable outside the hazard or is out of bounds, the player
may, after taking a penalty of one stroke under Rule 27-1
or 28a:

(i) play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot in the hazard
from which the original ball was last played (see Rule
20-5); or

(ii) proceed under Rule 26-1b, or if applicable Rule 26-1c,
adding the additional penalty of one stroke prescribed by
the Rule and using as the reference point the point where
the original ball last crossed the margin of the hazard
before it came to rest in the hazard; or

(iii) add an additional penalty of one stroke and play a ball as
nearly as possible at the spot from which the last stroke
from outside the hazard was made (see Rule 20-5).

Note 1: When proceeding under Rule 26-2b, the player is not
required to drop a ball under Rule 27-1 or 28a. If he does drop
a ball, he is not required to play it. He may alternatively
proceed under Rule 26-2b(ii) or (iii).

Note 2: If a ball played from within a water hazard is declared
unplayable outside the hazard, nothing in Rule 26-2b
precludes the player from proceeding under Rule 28b or c.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

27-1. Ball Lost or Out of Bounds
If a ball is lost or is out of bounds, the player must play a ball,
under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot
from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5).

Exceptions:
1. If there is reasonable evidence that the original ball is lost in
a water hazard, the player must proceed in accordance with
Rule 26-1.

2. If there is reasonable evidence that the original ball is lost in
an obstruction (Rule 24-3) or an abnormal ground condition
(Rule 25-1c) the player may proceed under the applicable Rule.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 27-1:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

27-2. Provisional Ball
a. Procedure
If a ball may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of
bounds, to save time the player may play another ball
provisionally in accordance with Rule 27-1. The player must
inform his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellowcompetitor
in stroke play that he intends to play a provisional
ball, and he must play it before he or his partner goes forward
to search for the original ball.

If he fails to do so and plays another ball, that ball is not a
provisional ball and becomes the ball in play under penalty of
stroke and distance (Rule 27-1); the original ball is lost.
(Order of play from teeing ground – see Rule 10-3)

Note: If a provisional ball played under Rule 27-2a might be
lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, the player may
play another provisional ball. If another provisional ball is
played, it bears the same relationship to the previous
provisional ball as the first provisional ball bears to the
original ball.

b. When Provisional Ball Becomes Ball in Play
The player may play a provisional ball until he reaches the
place where the original ball is likely to be. If he makes a
stroke with the provisional ball from the place where the
original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than
that place, the original ball is lost and the provisional ball
becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance
(Rule 27-1).

If the original ball is lost outside a water hazard or is out of
bounds, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play, under
penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1).

If there is reasonable evidence that the original ball is lost in a
water hazard, the player must proceed in accordance with
Rule 26-1.

Exception: If there is reasonable evidence that the original ball
is lost in an obstruction (Rule 24-3) or an abnormal ground
condition (Rule 25-1c) the player may proceed under the
applicable Rule.

c. When Provisional Ball to be Abandoned
If the original ball is neither lost nor out of bounds, the player
must abandon the provisional ball and continue play with
the original ball. If he makes any further strokes at the
provisional ball, he is playing a wrong ball and the provisions
of Rule 15 apply.

Note: If a player plays a provisional ball under Rule 27-2a, the
strokes made after this Rule has been invoked with a
provisional ball subsequently abandoned under Rule 27-2c
and penalty strokes incurred solely by playing that ball
are disregarded.

The player may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the
course except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is
the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.
If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he must, under
penalty of one stroke:

a. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the
original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or

b. Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that
point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball
is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball
may be dropped; or

c. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the
ball lay, but not nearer the hole.
If the unplayable ball is in a bunker, the player may proceed
under Clause a, b or c. If he elects to proceed under Clause b
or c, a ball must be dropped in the bunker.
The ball may be lifted and cleaned when proceeding under
this Rule.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

OTHER FORMS OF PLAY

29-1. General
In a threesome or a foursome, during any stipulated round the
partners must play alternately from the teeing grounds and
alternately during the play of each hole. Penalty strokes do not
affect the order of play.

29-2. Match Play
If a player plays when his partner should have played, his side
loses the hole.

29-3. Stroke Play
If the partners make a stroke or strokes in incorrect order, such
stroke or strokes are cancelled and the side incurs a penalty of
two strokes. The side must correct the error by playing a ball
in correct order as nearly as possible at the spot from which it
first played in incorrect order (see Rule 20-5). If the side makes
a stroke on the next teeing ground without first correcting the
error or, in the case of the last hole of the round, leaves the
putting green without declaring its intention to correct the
error, the side is disqualified.

30-1. Rules of Golf Apply
The Rules of Golf, so far as they are not at variance with the
following specific Rules, apply to three-ball, best-ball and fourball
matches.

30-2. Three-Ball Match Play

a. Ball at Rest Moved by an Opponent
Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, if the player’s ball
is touched or moved by an opponent, his caddie or equipment
other than during search, Rule 18-3b applies. That opponent
incurs a penalty of one stroke in his match with the player, but
not in his match with the other opponent.

b. Ball Deflected or Stopped by an Opponent Accidentally
If a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by an
opponent, his caddie or equipment, there is no penalty. In his
match with that opponent the player may play the ball as it lies
or, before another stroke is played by either side, he may cancel
the stroke and play a ball without penalty as nearly as possible
at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see
Rule 20-5). In his match with the other opponent, the ball
must be played as it lies.

Exception: Ball striking person attending flagstick – see
Rule 17-3b.
(Ball purposely deflected or stopped by opponent – see
Rule 1-2)

30-3. Best-Ball and Four-Ball Match Play

a. Representation of Side
A side may be represented by one partner for all or any part
of a match; all partners need not be present. An absent partner
may join a match between holes, but not during play of a hole.

b. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs
The side is penalised for a breach of Rules 4-3a(iii) and 4-4 by
any partner.

c. Order of Play
Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the
side considers best.

d. Wrong Ball
If a player makes a stroke at a wrong ball that is not in a
hazard, he is disqualified for that hole, but his partner incurs
no penalty even if the wrong ball belongs to him. If the wrong
ball belongs to another player, its owner must place a ball on
the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.

e. Disqualification of Side

(i) A side is disqualified for a breach of any of the following
by any partner:
• Rule 1-3 Agreement to Waive Rules
• Rule 4-1 or -2 Clubs
• Rule 5-1 or -2 The Ball
• Rule 6-2a Handicap (playing off higher handicap)
• Rule 6-4 Caddie (having more than one caddie;
failure to correct breach immediately)
• Rule 6-7 Undue Delay; Slow Play (repeated
offence)

• Rule 14-3 Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment
(ii) A side is disqualified for a breach of any of the following
by all partners:

• Rule 6-3 Time of Starting and Groups
• Rule 6-8 Discontinuance of Play
(iii) In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would result in
disqualification, the player is disqualified for that
hole only.

f. Effect of Other Penalties
If a player’s breach of a Rule assists his partner’s play or
adversely affects an opponent’s play, the partner incurs the
applicable penalty in addition to any penalty incurred by
the player.

In all other cases where a player incurs a penalty for breach of
a Rule, the penalty does not apply to his partner. Where the
penalty is stated to be loss of hole, the effect is to disqualify the
player for that hole.

g. Another Form of Match Played Concurrently
In a best-ball or four-ball match when another form of match
is played concurrently, the above specific Rules apply.

31-1. General
In four-ball stroke play two competitors play as partners, each
playing his own ball. The lower score of the partners is the
score for the hole. If one partner fails to complete the play of
a hole, there is no penalty.

The Rules of Golf, so far as they are not at variance with the
following specific Rules, apply to four-ball stroke play.

31-2. Representation of Side
A side may be represented by either partner for all or any part
of a stipulated round; both partners need not be present. An
absent competitor may join his partner between holes, but not
during play of a hole.

31-3. Maximum of Fourteen Clubs
The side is penalised for a breach of Rules 4-3a (iii) and 4-4 by
either partner.

31-4. Scoring
The marker is required to record for each hole only the gross
score of whichever partner’s score is to count. The gross scores
to count must be individually identifiable; otherwise the side is
disqualified. Only one of the partners need be responsible for
complying with Rule 6-6b.
(Wrong score – see Rule 31-7a)

31-5. Order of Play
Balls belonging to the same side may be played in the order the
side considers best.

31-6. Wrong Ball
If a competitor makes a stroke at a wrong ball that is not in a
hazard, he incurs a penalty of two strokes and must correct his
mistake by playing the correct ball or by proceeding under the
Rules. His partner incurs no penalty even if the wrong ball
belongs to him.

If the wrong ball belongs to another competitor, its owner
must place a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was
first played.

31-7. Disqualification Penalties

a. Breach by One Partner
A side is disqualified from the competition for a breach of any
of the following by either partner:

• Rule 1-3 Agreement to Waive Rules
• Rule 3-4 Refusal to Comply with Rule
• Rule 4-1 or -2 Clubs
• Rule 5-1 or -2 The Ball
• Rule 6-2b Handicap (playing off higher handicap;
failure to record handicap)
• Rule 6-4 Caddie (having more than one caddie;
failure to correct breach immediately)
• Rule 6-6b Signing and Returning Score Card
• Rule 6-6d Wrong Score for Hole, i.e. when the
recorded score of the partner whose score is
to count is lower than actually taken. If the
recorded score of the partner whose score is
to count is higher than actually taken, it
must stand as returned • Rule 6-7 Undue Delay; Slow Play (repeated offence)
• Rule 7-1 Practice Before or Between Rounds
• Rule 14-3 Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment
• Rule 31-4 Gross Scores to Count Not Individually
Identifiable

b. Breach by Both Partners
A side is disqualified:

(i) for a breach by both of Rule 6-3 (Time of Starting and
Groups) or Rule 6-8 (Discontinuance of Play), or
(ii) if, at the same hole, each partner is in breach of a Rule the
penalty for which is disqualification from the competition
or for a hole.

c. For the Hole Only
In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would result in
disqualification, the competitor is disqualified only for the hole
at which the breach occurred.

31-8. Effect of Other Penalties
If a competitor’s breach of a Rule assists his partner’s play, the
partner incurs the applicable penalty in addition to any penalty
incurred by the competitor.

In all other cases where a competitor incurs a penalty for
breach of a Rule, the penalty does not apply to his partner.

32-1. Conditions
Bogey, par and Stableford competitions are forms of stroke
play in which play is against a fixed score at each hole. The
Rules for stroke play, so far as they are not at variance with the
following specific Rules, apply.

a. Bogey and Par Competitions
The scoring for bogey and par competitions is made as in
match play. Any hole for which a competitor makes no return
is regarded as a loss. The winner is the competitor who is most
successful in the aggregate of holes.

The marker is responsible for marking only the gross number
of strokes for each hole where the competitor makes a net
score equal to or less than the fixed score.

Note 1: Maximum of Fourteen Clubs – Penalties as in match
play – see Rule 4-4.

Note 2: One Caddie at Any One Time – Penalties as in match
play – see Rule 6-4.

Note 3: Undue Delay; Slow Play (Rule 6-7) – The competitor’s
score is adjusted by deducting one hole from the overall result.

b. Stableford Competitions
The scoring in Stableford competitions is made by points
awarded in relation to a fixed score at each hole as follows:

Hole Played In Points
More than one over fixed score or no score returned ........0
One over fixed score ..........................................................1
Fixed score....................................................................2
One under fixed score .........................................................3
Two under fixed score .........................................................4
Three under fixed score .......................................................5
Four under fixed score.........................................................6

The winner is the competitor who scores the highest number
of points.

The marker is responsible for marking only the gross number
of strokes at each hole where the competitor’s net score earns
one or more points.

Note 1: Maximum of Fourteen Clubs (Rule 4-4) – Penalties
applied as follows: From total points scored for the round,
deduction of two points for each hole at which any breach
occurred; maximum deduction per round: four points.

Note 2: One Caddie at Any One Time (Rule 6-4) – Penalties
applied as follows: From the points scored for the round,
deduction of two points for each hole at which any breach
occurred; maximum deduction per round: four points.

Note 3: Undue Delay; Slow Play (Rule 6-7) – The competitor’s
score is adjusted by deducting two points from the total points
scored for the round.

32-2. Disqualification Penalties
a. From the Competition
A competitor is disqualified from the competition for a breach
of any of the following:
• Rule 1-3 Agreement to Waive Rules
• Rule 3-4 Refusal to Comply with Rule
• Rule 4-1 or -2 Clubs
• Rule 5-1 or -2 The Ball
• Rule 6-2b Handicap (playing off higher handicap;
failure to record handicap)
• Rule 6-3 Time of Starting and Groups
• Rule 6-4 Caddie (having more than one caddie;
failure to correct breach immediately)
• Rule 6-6b Signing and Returning Score Card
• Rule 6-6d Wrong Score for Hole, i.e. when the
recorded score is lower than actually taken,
except that no penalty is incurred when a
breach of this Rule does not affect the result
of the hole
• Rule 6-7 Undue Delay; Slow Play (repeated offence)
• Rule 6-8 Discontinuance of Play
• Rule 7-1 Practice Before or Between Rounds
• Rule 14-3 Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment

b. For a Hole
In all other cases where a breach of a Rule would result in
disqualification, the competitor is disqualified only for the
hole at which the breach occurred.

ADMINISTRATION

33-1. Conditions; Waiving Rule
The Committee must establish the conditions under which a
competition is to be played.
The Committee has no power to waive a Rule of Golf.

Certain specific Rules governing stroke play are so
substantially different from those governing match play that
combining the two forms of play is not practicable and is not
permitted. The results of matches played and the scores
returned in these circumstances must not be accepted.
In stroke play the Committee may limit a referee’s duties.

33-2. The Course
a. Defining Bounds and Margins
The Committee must define accurately:
(i) the course and out of bounds,
(ii) the margins of water hazards and lateral water hazards,
(iii) ground under repair, and
(iv) obstructions and integral parts of the course.

b. New Holes
New holes should be made on the day on which a stroke play
competition begins and at such other times as the Committee
considers necessary, provided all competitors in a single round
play with each hole cut in the same position.

Exception: When it is impossible for a damaged hole to be
repaired so that it conforms with the Definition, the
Committee may make a new hole in a nearby similar position.
Note: Where a single round is to be played on more than one
day, the Committee may provide in the conditions of a
competition that the holes and teeing grounds may be
differently situated on each day of the competition, provided
that, on any one day, all competitors play with each hole and
each teeing ground in the same position.

c. Practice Ground
Where there is no practice ground available outside the area of
a competition course, the Committee should establish the area
on which players may practise on any day of a competition, if
it is practicable to do so. On any day of a stroke play
competition, the Committee should not normally permit
practice on or to a putting green or from a hazard of the
competition course.

d. Course Unplayable
If the Committee or its authorised representative considers
that for any reason the course is not in a playable condition or
that there are circumstances that render the proper playing of
the game impossible, it may, in match play or stroke play,
order a temporary suspension of play or, in stroke play, declare
play null and void and cancel all scores for the round in
question. When a round is cancelled, all penalties incurred in
that round are cancelled.

(Procedure in discontinuing and resuming play – see Rule 6-8)

33-3. Times of Starting and Groups
The Committee must establish the times of starting and, in
stroke play, arrange the groups in which competitors
must play.

When a match play competition is played over an extended
period, the Committee establishes the limit of time within
which each round must be completed. When players are
allowed to arrange the date of their match within these limits,
the Committee should announce that the match must be
played at a stated time on the last day of the period unless the
players agree to a prior date.

33-4. Handicap Stroke Table
The Committee must publish a table indicating the order of
holes at which handicap strokes are to be given or received.

33-5. Score Card
In stroke play, the Committee must provide each competitor
with a score card containing the date and the competitor’s
name or, in foursome or four-ball stroke play, the
competitors’ names.

In stroke play, the Committee is responsible for the addition
of scores and application of the handicap recorded on the
score card.

In four-ball stroke play, the Committee is responsible for
recording the better-ball score for each hole and in the process
applying the handicaps recorded on the score card, and adding
the better-ball scores.

In bogey, par and Stableford competitions, the Committee is
responsible for applying the handicap recorded on the score
card and determining the result of each hole and the overall
result or points total.

Note: The Committee may request that each competitor
records the date and his name on his score card.

33-6. Decision of Ties
The Committee must announce the manner, day and time for
the decision of a halved match or of a tie, whether played on
level terms or under handicap.

A halved match must not be decided by stroke play. A tie in
stroke play must not be decided by a match.

33-7. Disqualification Penalty; Committee Discretion
A penalty of disqualification may in exceptional individual
cases be waived, modified or imposed if the Committee
considers such action warranted.

Any penalty less than disqualification must not be waived
or modified.

If a Committee considers that a player is guilty of a serious
breach of etiquette, it may impose a penalty of disqualification
under this Rule.

33-8. Local Rulesa. Policy
The Committee may establish Local Rules for local abnormal
conditions if they are consistent with the policy set forth in
Appendix I.
b. Waiving or Modifying a Rule
A Rule of Golf must not be waived by a Local Rule. However,
if a Committee considers that local abnormal conditions
interfere with the proper playing of the game to the extent that
it is necessary to make a Local Rule that modifies the Rules of
Golf, the Local Rule must be authorised by the R&A.

34-1. Claims and Penalties
a. Match Play
If a claim is lodged with the Committee under Rule 2-5, a
decision should be given as soon as possible so that the state
of the match may, if necessary, be adjusted. If a claim is not
made in accordance with Rule 2-5, it must not be considered
by the Committee.

There is no time limit on applying the disqualification penalty
for a breach of Rule 1-3.

b. Stroke Play
In stroke play, a penalty must not be rescinded, modified or
imposed after the competition has closed. A competition is
closed when the result has been officially announced or, in
stroke play qualifying followed by match play, when the player
has teed off in his first match.

Exceptions: A penalty of disqualification must be imposed
after the competition has closed if a competitor:

(i) was in breach of Rule 1-3 (Agreement to Waive Rules); or

(ii) returned a score card on which he had recorded a
handicap that, before the competition closed, he knew was
higher than that to which he was entitled, and this affected
the number of strokes received (Rule 6-2b); or

(iii) returned a score for any hole lower than actually taken
(Rule 6-6d) for any reason other than failure to include a
penalty that, before the competition closed, he did not
know he had incurred; or

(iv) knew, before the competition closed, that he had been in
breach of any other Rule for which the penalty
is disqualification.

34-2. Referee’s Decision
If a referee has been appointed by the Committee, his decision
is final.

34-3. Committee’s Decision
In the absence of a referee, any dispute or doubtful point on
the Rules must be referred to the Committee, whose decision
is final.

If the Committee cannot come to a decision, it may refer the
dispute or doubtful point to the Rules of Golf Committee of
the R&A, whose decision is final.

If the dispute or doubtful point has not been referred to the
Rules of Golf Committee, the player or players may request
that an agreed statement be referred through a duly authorised
representative of the Committee to the Rules of Golf
Committee for an opinion as to the correctness of the decision
given. The reply will be sent to this authorised representative.
If play is conducted other than in accordance with the Rules of
Golf, the Rules of Golf Committee will not give a decision on
any question.

APPENDIX I – CONTENTS
Page
Part A Local Rules ............................................................119
1. Defining Bounds and Margins ..............................119
2. Water Hazards ......................................................119
a. Lateral Water Hazards ......................................119
b. Provisional Ball ..................................................119
3. Areas of the Course Requiring Preservation;
Environmentally-Sensitive Areas ............................120
4. Temporary Conditions – Mud, Extreme Wetness,
Poor Conditions and Protection of the Course......120
a. Lifting an Embedded Ball, Cleaning ..................120
b. “Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules” ................120
5. Obstructions ..........................................................120
a. General ..............................................................120
b. Stones in Bunkers ..............................................121
c. Roads and Paths ................................................121
d. Immovable Obstructions Close to
Putting Green ....................................................121
e. Protection of Young Trees ..................................121
f. Temporary Obstructions ....................................121
6. Dropping Zones (Ball Drops) ................................121
Part B Specimen Local Rules ............................................121
1. Areas of the Course Requiring Preservation;
Environmentally-Sensitive Areas ............................122
a. Ground Under Repair; Play Prohibited..............122
b. Environmentally-Sensitive Areas........................122

2. Protection of Young Trees......................................125
3. Temporary Conditions – Mud, Extreme Wetness,
Poor Conditions and Protection of the Course......125
a. Relief for Embedded Ball; Cleaning Ball ............125
b. “Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules” ................126
c. Aeration Holes ..................................................127
4. Stones in Bunkers ..................................................128
5. Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Green ..128
6. Temporary Obstructions ........................................129
a. Temporary Immovable Obstructions ................129
b. Temporary Power Lines and Cables ..................133
Part C Conditions of the Competition ..............................134
1. Specification of the Ball..........................................134
a. List of Conforming Golf Balls............................134
b. One Ball Condition ............................................134
2. Time of Starting ....................................................135
3. Caddie ....................................................................136
4. Pace of Play ............................................................136
5. Suspension of Play Due to a Dangerous Situation 137
6. Practice ..................................................................137
a. General ..............................................................137
b. Practice Between Holes ......................................137
7. Advice in Team Competitions ................................138
8. New Holes ............................................................138
9. Transportation........................................................138
10. Anti-Doping ..........................................................139
11. How to Decide Ties................................................139
12. Draw for Match Play ............................................140

As provided in Rule 33-8a, the Committee may make and
publish Local Rules for local abnormal conditions if they are
consistent with the policy established in this Appendix. In
addition, detailed information regarding acceptable and
prohibited Local Rules is provided in “Decisions on the Rules
of Golf” under Rule 33-8 and in “Guidance on Running a
Competition”.

If local abnormal conditions interfere with the proper playing
of the game and the Committee considers it necessary to
modify a Rule of Golf, authorisation from the R&A must be
obtained.

1. Defining Bounds and Margins
Specifying means used to define out of bounds, water hazards,
lateral water hazards, ground under repair, obstructions and
integral parts of the course (Rule 33-2a).

2. Water Hazards
a. Lateral Water Hazards
Clarifying the status of water hazards that may be lateral
water hazards (Rule 26).

b. Provisional Ball
Permitting play of a provisional ball under Rule 26-1 for a ball
that may be in a water hazard of such character that if the
original ball is not found, there is reasonable evidence that it is
lost in the water hazard and it would be impracticable to
determine whether the ball is in the hazard or to do so would
unduly delay play. The ball is played provisionally under any
of the available options under Rule 26-1 or any applicable
Local Rule. In such a case, if a provisional ball is played and
the original ball is in a water hazard, the player may play the
original ball as it lies or continue with the provisional ball in play, but he may not proceed under Rule 26-1 with regard to
the original ball.

3. Areas of the Course Requiring Preservation;
Environmentally-Sensitive Areas
Assisting preservation of the course by defining areas,
including turf nurseries, young plantations and other parts of
the course under cultivation as “ground under repair” from
which play is prohibited.

When the Committee is required to prohibit play from
environmentally-sensitive areas that are on or adjoin the
course, it should make a Local Rule clarifying the
relief procedure.

4. Temporary Conditions – Mud, Extreme Wetness, Poor
Conditions and Protection of Course

a. Lifting an Embedded Ball, Cleaning
Temporary conditions that might interfere with proper playing
of the game, including mud and extreme wetness, warranting
relief for an embedded ball anywhere through the green or
permitting lifting, cleaning and replacing a ball anywhere
through the green or on a closely-mown area through the green.

b. “Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules”Adverse conditions, including the poor condition of the course
or the existence of mud, are sometimes so general, particularly
during winter months, that the Committee may decide to
grant relief by temporary Local Rule either to protect the
course or to promote fair and pleasant play. The Local Rule
must be withdrawn as soon as the conditions warrant.

5. Obstructions
a. General
Clarifying status of objects that may be obstructions (Rule 24)
Declaring any construction to be an integral part of the course
and, accordingly, not an obstruction, e.g., built-up sides of
teeing grounds, putting greens and bunkers (Rules 24 and
33-2a).

b. Stones in Bunkers
Allowing the removal of stones in bunkers by declaring them
to be “movable obstructions” (Rule 24-1).

c. Roads and Paths
(i) Declaring artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths
to be integral parts of the course, or

(ii) Providing relief of the type afforded under Rule 24-2b
from roads and paths not having artificial surfaces and
sides if they could unfairly affect play.

d. Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Green
Providing relief from intervention by immovable obstructions
on or within two club-lengths of the putting green when the
ball lies within two club-lengths of the obstruction.

e. Protection of Young Trees
Providing relief for the protection of young trees.

f. Temporary Obstructions
Providing relief from interference by temporary obstructions
(e.g., grandstands, television cables and equipment, etc).

6. Dropping Zones (Ball Drops)
Establishing special areas on which balls may or must be
dropped when it is not feasible or practicable to proceed
exactly in conformity with Rule 24-2b or 24-3 (Immovable
Obstruction), Rule 25-1b or 25-1c (Abnormal Ground
Conditions), Rule 25-3 (Wrong Putting Green), Rule 26-1
(Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards) or Rule 28
(Ball Unplayable).

Within the policy established in Part A of this Appendix, the
Committee may adopt a Specimen Local Rule by referring, on
a score card or notice board, to the examples given below.
However, Specimen Local Rules 3a, 3b, 3c, 6a and 6b should
not be printed or referred to on a score card as they are all of
limited duration.

1. Areas of the Course Requiring Preservation;
Environmentally-Sensitive Areas

a. Ground Under Repair; Play Prohibited
If the Committee wishes to protect any area of the course, it
should declare it to be ground under repair and prohibit play
from within that area. The following Local Rule
is recommended:

“The _____________(defined by ____) is ground under repair
from which play is prohibited. If a player’s ball lies in the area,
or if it interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his
intended swing, the player must take relief under Rule 25-1.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.”

b. Environmentally-Sensitive Areas
If an appropriate authority (i.e. a Government Agency or the
like) prohibits entry into and/or play from an area on or
adjoining the course for environmental reasons, the
Committee should make a Local Rule clarifying the
relief procedure.

The Committee has some discretion in terms of whether the
area is defined as ground under repair, a water hazard or out
of bounds. However, it may not simply define the area to be a
water hazard if it does not meet the Definition of a “Water
Hazard” and it should attempt to preserve the character of
the hole.

The following Local Rule is recommended:
“I. Definition
An environmentally-sensitive area is an area so declared by an
appropriate authority, entry into and/or play from which is
prohibited for environmental reasons. These areas may be
defined as ground under repair, a water hazard, a lateral water
hazard or out of bounds at the discretion of the Committee
provided that, in the case of an environmentally-sensitive area
which has been defined as a water hazard or a lateral water
hazard, the area is, by Definition, a water hazard.
Note: The Committee may not declare an area to be
environmentally-sensitive.

II. Ball in Environmentally-Sensitive Area
a. Ground Under Repair
If a ball is in an environmentally-sensitive area that is defined
as ground under repair, a ball must be dropped in accordance
with Rule 25-1b.

If there is reasonable evidence that a ball is lost within an
environmentally-sensitive area that is defined as ground under
repair, the player may take relief without penalty as prescribed
in Rule 25-1c.

b. Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards
If a ball is in or there is reasonable evidence that it is lost in an
environmentally-sensitive area that is defined as a water
hazard or lateral water hazard, the player must, under penalty
of one stroke, proceed under Rule 26-1.

Note: If a ball, dropped in accordance with Rule 26 rolls into
a position where the environmentally-sensitive area interferes
with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing, the
player must take relief as provided in Clause III of this
Local Rule.

Part B Specimen Local Rules

c. Out of Bounds
If a ball is in an environmentally-sensitive area that is defined
as out of bounds, the player must play a ball, under penalty of
one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the
original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5).

III. Interference with Stance or Area of Intended Swing
Interference by an environmentally-sensitive area occurs when
the condition interferes with the player’s stance or the area of
his intended swing. If interference exists, the player must take
relief as follows:

(a) Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the
point on the course nearest to where the ball lies must be
determined that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids
interference by the condition and (c) is not in a hazard or
on a putting green. The player must lift the ball and drop
it without penalty within one club-length of the point so
determined on a part of the course that fulfils (a), (b) and
(c) above.

(b) In a Hazard: If the ball is in a hazard, the player must lift
the ball and drop it either:

(i) Without penalty, in the hazard, as near as possible to
the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, on
a part of the course that provides complete relief from
the condition; or

(ii) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard,
keeping the point where the ball lay directly between
the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped,
with no limit to how far behind the hazard the ball
may be dropped. Additionally, the player may proceed under Rule 26 or 28 if applicable

(c) On the Putting Green: If the ball lies on the putting green,
the player must lift the ball and place it without penalty in
the nearest position to where it lay that affords complete
relief from the condition, but not nearer the hole or in
a hazard.

The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Clause III of this
Local Rule.

Exception: A player may not obtain relief under Clause III of
this Local Rule if (a) it is clearly unreasonable for him to make
a stroke because of interference by anything other than a
condition covered by this Local Rule or (b) interference by the
condition would occur only through use of an unnecessarily
abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.
Note: In the case of a serious breach of this Local Rule, the
Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification.”

2. Protection of Young Trees
When it is desired to prevent damage to young trees, the
following Local Rule is recommended:

“Protection of young trees identified by ______. If such a tree
interferes with a player’s stance or the area of his intended
swing, the ball must be lifted, without penalty, and dropped in
accordance with the procedure prescribed in Rule 24-2b
(Immovable Obstruction). If the ball lies in a water hazard, the
player must lift and drop the ball in accordance with Rule
24-2b(i) except that the nearest point of relief must be in the
water hazard and the ball must be dropped in the water hazard
or the player may proceed under Rule 26. The ball may be
cleaned when lifted under this Local Rule.

Exception: A player may not obtain relief under this Local
Rule if (a) it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke
because of interference by anything other than the tree or (b)
interference by the tree would occur only through use of an
unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing or direction of play.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.”

3. Temporary Conditions – Mud, Extreme Wetness, Poor
Conditions and Protection of the Course

a. Relief for Embedded Ball; Cleaning Ball
Rule 25-2 provides relief without penalty for a ball embedded
in its own pitch-mark in any closely-mown area through the
green. On the putting green, a ball may be lifted and damage
caused by the impact of a ball may be repaired (Rules 16-1b
and c). When permission to take relief for an embedded ball
anywhere through the green would be warranted, the
following Local Rule is recommended:

“Through the green, a ball that is embedded in its own pitchmark
in the ground, other than sand, may be lifted without
penalty, cleaned and dropped as near as possible to where it
lay but not nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first
strike a part of the course through the green.

Exception: A player may not obtain relief under this Local
Rule if it is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke
because of interference by anything other than the condition
covered by this Local Rule.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.”
Alternatively, conditions may be such that permission to lift,
clean and replace the ball will suffice. In these circumstances,
the following Local Rule is recommended:
“(Specify area) a ball may be lifted, cleaned and replaced
without penalty.

Note: The position of the ball must be marked before it is
lifted under this Local Rule – see Rule 20-1.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.”
b. “Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules”
Ground under repair is provided for in Rule 25 and occasional
local abnormal conditions that might interfere with fair play
and are not widespread should be defined as ground
under repair.

However, adverse conditions, such as heavy snows, spring
thaws, prolonged rains or extreme heat can make fairways
unsatisfactory and sometimes prevent use of heavy mowing
equipment. When such conditions are so general throughout a
course that the Committee believes “preferred lies” or “winter
rules” would promote fair play or help protect the course, the
following Local Rule is recommended:

“A ball lying on a closely-mown area through the green [or
specify a more restricted area, e.g. at the 6th hole] may be
lifted without penalty and cleaned. Before lifting the ball, the
player must mark its position. Having lifted the ball, he must
place it on a spot within [specify area, e.g. six inches, one clublength,
etc.] of and not nearer the hole than where it originally
lay, that is not in a hazard and not on a putting green.

A player may place his ball only once, and it is in play when it
has been placed (Rule 20-4). If the ball fails to come to rest on
the spot on which it is placed, Rule 20-3d applies. If the ball
when placed comes to rest on the spot on which it is placed
and it subsequently moves, there is no penalty and the ball
must be played as it lies, unless the provisions of any other
Rule apply.

If the player fails to mark the position of the ball before lifting
it or moves the ball in any other manner, such as rolling it with
a club, he incurs a penalty of one stroke.

*PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes
*If a player incurs the general penalty for a breach of this
Local Rule, no additional penalty under the Local Rule
is applied.”

c. Aeration Holes
When a course has been aerated, a Local Rule permitting
relief, without penalty, from an aeration hole may be
warranted. The following Local Rule is recommended:
“Through the green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an
aeration hole may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and
dropped, as near as possible to the spot where it lay but not
nearer the hole. The ball when dropped must first strike a part
of the course through the green.

On the putting green, a ball that comes to rest in or on an
aeration hole may be placed at the nearest spot not nearer the
hole that avoids the situation.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.”

4. Stones in Bunkers
Stones are, by definition, loose impediments and, when a
player’s ball is in a hazard, a stone lying in or touching the
hazard may not be touched or moved (Rule 13-4). However,
stones in bunkers may represent a danger to players (a player
could be injured by a stone struck by the player’s club in an
attempt to play the ball) and they may interfere with the
proper playing of the game.

When permission to lift a stone in a bunker would be
warranted, the following Local Rule is recommended:
“Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rule
24-1 applies).”

5. Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Green
Rule 24-2 provides relief without penalty from interference by
an immovable obstruction, but it also provides that, except on
the putting green, intervention on the line of play is not, of
itself, interference under this Rule.

However, on some courses, the aprons of the putting greens
are so closely mown that players may wish to putt from just
off the green. In such conditions, immovable obstructions on
the apron may interfere with the proper playing of the game
and the introduction of the following Local Rule providing
additional relief without penalty from intervention by an
immovable obstruction would be warranted:

“Relief from interference by an immovable obstruction may be
obtained under Rule 24-2. In addition, if a ball lies off the
putting green but not in a hazard and an immovable
obstruction on or within two club-lengths of the putting green
and within two club-lengths of the ball intervenes on the line
of play between the ball and the hole, the player may take
relief as follows:

The ball must be lifted and dropped at the nearest point to
where the ball lay that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids
intervention and (c) is not in a hazard or on a putting
green. The ball may be cleaned when lifted.

Relief under this Local Rule is also available if the player’s ball
lies on the putting green and an immovable obstruction within
two club-lengths of the putting green intervenes on his line of
putt. The player may take relief as follows:

The ball must be lifted and placed at the nearest point
where the ball lay that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids
intervention and (c) is not in a hazard. The ball may be
cleaned when lifted.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.”

6. Temporary Obstructions
When temporary obstructions are installed on or adjoining the
course, the Committee should define the status of such
obstructions as movable, immovable or temporary
immovable obstructions.

a. Temporary Immovable Obstructions
If the Committee defines such obstructions as temporary
immovable obstructions, the following Local Rule
is recommended:

“I. Definition
A temporary immovable obstruction is a non-permanent
artificial object that is often erected in conjunction with a
competition and is fixed or not readily movable.

Examples of temporary immovable obstructions include, but
are not limited to, tents, scoreboards, grandstands, television
towers and lavatories.

Supporting guy wires are part of the temporary immovable
obstruction unless the Committee declares that they are to be
treated as elevated power lines or cables.

II. Interference
Interference by a temporary immovable obstruction occurs
when (a) the ball lies in front of and so close to the obstruction
that the obstruction interferes with the player’s stance or the
area of his intended swing, or (b) the ball lies in, on, under or
behind the obstruction so that any part of the obstruction
intervenes directly between the player’s ball and the hole;
interference also exists if the ball lies within one club-length of
a spot equidistant from the hole where such intervention
would exist.

Note: A ball is under a temporary immovable obstruction
when it is below the outer most edges of the obstruction, even
if these edges do not extend downwards to the ground.

III. Relief
A player may obtain relief from interference by a temporary
immovable obstruction, including a temporary immovable
obstruction that is out of bounds, as follows:

(a) Through the Green: If the ball lies through the green, the
point on the course nearest to where the ball lies must be
determined that (a) is not nearer the hole, (b) avoids
interference as defined in Clause II and (c) is not in a
hazard or on a putting green. The player must lift the ball
and drop it without penalty within one club-length of the
point so determined on a part of the course that fulfils (a),
(b) and (c) above.

(b) In a Hazard: If the ball is in a hazard, the player must lift
and drop the ball either:

(i) Without penalty, in accordance with Clause IIIa above,
except that the nearest part of the course affording
complete relief must be in the hazard and the ball must
be dropped in the hazard or, if complete relief is
impossible, on a part of the course within the hazard
that affords maximum available relief; or

(ii) Under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard as
follows: the point on the course nearest to where the
ball lies must be determined that

(a) is not nearer the
hole,

(b) avoids interference as defined in Clause II and

(c) is not in a hazard. The player must drop the ball
within one club-length of the point so determined on
a part of the course that fulfils (a), (b) and (c) above.
The ball may be cleaned when lifted under Clause III.
Note 1: If the ball lies in a hazard, nothing in this Local Rule
precludes the player from proceeding under Rule 26 or Rule
28, if applicable.

Note 2: If a ball to be dropped under this Local Rule is not
immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.

Note 3: A Committee may make a Local Rule (a) permitting or
requiring a player to use a dropping zone or ball drop when
taking relief from a temporary immovable obstruction or (b)
permitting a player, as an additional relief option, to drop the
ball on the opposite side of the obstruction from the point established under Clause III, but otherwise in accordance
with Clause III.

Exceptions: If a player’s ball lies in front of or behind the
temporary immovable obstruction (not in, on or under the
obstruction) he may not obtain relief under Clause III if:

1. It is clearly unreasonable for him to make a stroke or, in
the case of intervention, to make a stroke such that the ball
could finish on a direct line to the hole, because of interference
by anything other than the temporary immovable obstruction;

2. Interference by the temporary immovable obstruction
would occur only through use of an unnecessarily abnormal
stance, swing or direction of play; or

3. In the case of intervention, it would be clearly
unreasonable to expect the player to be able to strike the ball
far enough towards the hole to reach the temporary
immovable obstruction.

Note: A player not entitled to relief due to these exceptions
may proceed under Rule 24-2, if applicable.

IV. Ball Lost
If there is reasonable evidence that the ball is lost in, on or
under a temporary immovable obstruction, a ball may be
dropped under the provisions of Clause III or Clause V, if
applicable. For the purpose of applying Clauses III and V, the
ball is deemed to lie at the spot where it last crossed the
outermost limits of the obstruction (Rule 24-3).

V. Dropping Zones (Ball Drops)
If the player has interference from a temporary immovable
obstruction, the Committee may permit or require the use of a
dropping zone or ball drop. If the player uses a dropping zone
in taking relief, he must drop the ball in the dropping zone
nearest to where his ball originally lay or is deemed to lie under
Clause IV (even though the nearest dropping zone may be
nearer the hole).

Note 1: A Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting the
use of a dropping zone or ball drop that is nearer the hole.

Note 2: If the ball is dropped in a dropping zone, the ball must
not be re-dropped if it comes to rest within two club-lengths of
the spot where it first struck a part of the course even though
it may come to rest nearer the hole or outside the boundaries
of the dropping zone.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF LOCAL RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.”

b. Temporary Power Lines and Cables
When temporary power lines, cables, or telephone lines are
installed on the course, the following Local Rule
is recommended:

“Temporary power lines, cables, telephone lines and mats
covering or stanchions supporting them are obstructions:

1. If they are readily movable, Rule 24-1 applies.

2. If they are fixed or not readily movable, the player may, if
the ball lies through the green or in a bunker, obtain relief as
provided in Rule 24-2b. If the ball lies in a water hazard, the
player may lift and drop the ball in accordance with Rule
24-2b(i) except that the nearest point of relief must be in the
water hazard and the ball must be dropped in the water hazard
or the player may proceed under Rule 26.

3. If a ball strikes an elevated power line or cable, the stroke
must be cancelled and replayed, without penalty (see Rule
20-5). If the ball is not immediately recoverable another ball
may be substituted.

Note: Guy wires supporting a temporary immovable
obstruction are part of the temporary immovable obstruction
unless the Committee, by Local Rule, declares that they are to
be treated as elevated power lines or cables.

Exception: Ball striking elevated junction section of cable
rising from the ground must not be replayed.

4. Grass-covered cable trenches are ground under repair even
if not marked and Rule 25-1b applies.”

Rule 33-1 provides, “The Committee must establish the
conditions under which a competition is to be played.” The
conditions should include many matters such as method of
entry, eligibility, number of rounds to be played, etc. which it
is not appropriate to deal with in the Rules of Golf or this
Appendix. Detailed information regarding these conditions is
provided in “Decisions on the Rules of Golf” under Rule
33-1 and in “Guidance on Running a Competition”.

However, there are a number of matters that might be covered
in the Conditions of the Competition to which the
Committee’s attention is specifically drawn. These are:
1. Specification of the Ball (Note to Rule 5-1)
The following two conditions are recommended only for
competitions involving expert players:

a. List of Conforming Golf Balls
The R&A periodically issues a List of Conforming Golf Balls
which lists balls that have been tested and found to conform.
If the Committee wishes to require players to play a brand of
golf ball on the List, the List should be posted and the
following condition of competition used:
“The ball the player plays must be named on the current List
of Conforming Golf Balls issued by the R&A.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF CONDITION:
Disqualification.”
b. One Ball Condition
If it is desired to prohibit changing brands and types of golf
balls during a stipulated round, the following condition
is recommended:
“Limitation on Balls Used During Round: (Note to Rule 5-1)
(i) “One Ball” Condition
During a stipulated round, the balls a player plays must be
of the same brand and type as detailed by a single entry on
the current List of Conforming Golf Balls.

Note: If a ball of a different brand and/or type is dropped or
placed it may be lifted, without penalty, and the player must
then proceed by dropping or placing a proper ball (Rule 20-6).

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF CONDITION:
Match Play – At the conclusion of the hole at which the
breach is discovered, the state of the match must be adjusted
by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach
occurred; maximum deduction per round: Two holes.

Stroke Play – Two strokes for each hole at which any breach
occurred; maximum penalty per round: Four strokes.

(ii) Procedure When Breach Discovered
When a player discovers that he has played a ball in
breach of this condition, he must abandon that ball before
playing from the next teeing ground and complete the
round with a proper ball; otherwise, the player is
disqualified. If discovery is made during play of a hole and
the player elects to substitute a proper ball before
completing that hole, the player must place a proper ball
on the spot where the ball played in breach of the
condition lay.”

2. Time of Starting (Note to Rule 6-3a)
If the Committee wishes to act in accordance with the Note,
the following wording is recommended:

“If the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within
five minutes after his starting time, in the absence of
circumstances that warrant waiving the penalty of disqualification as provided in Rule 33-7, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole to be played in match play or two strokes in stroke play. Penalty for lateness
beyond five minutes is disqualification.”

3. Caddie (Note to Rule 6-4)
Rule 6-4 permits a player to use a caddie provided he has only
one caddie at any one time. However, there may be
circumstances where a Committee may wish to ban caddies or
restrict a player in his choice of caddie, e.g. professional golfer,
sibling, parent, another player in the competition, etc. In such
cases, the following wording is recommended:

Use of Caddie Prohibited“A player is prohibited from using a caddie during the
stipulated round.”

Restriction on Who May Serve as Caddie
“A player is prohibited from having ___________ serve as his
caddie during the stipulated round.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF CONDITION:
Match play – At the conclusion of the hole at which the
breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by
deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred;
maximum deduction per round – Two holes.

Stroke play – Two strokes for each hole at which any breach
occurred; maximum penalty per round – Four strokes.
Match or stroke play – In the event of a breach between the
play of two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.

A player having a caddie in breach of this condition must
immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred
ensure that he conforms with this condition for the
remainder of the stipulated round. Otherwise, the player
is disqualified.

4. Pace of Play (Note 2 to Rule 6-7)
The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines to help
prevent slow play, in accordance with Note 2 to Rule 6-7.

5. Suspension of Play Due to a Dangerous Situation (Note to
Rule 6-8b)
As there have been many deaths and injuries from lightning on
golf courses, all clubs and sponsors of golf competitions are
urged to take precautions for the protection of persons against
lightning. Attention is called to Rules 6-8 and 33-2d. If the
Committee desires to adopt the condition in the Note under
Rule 6-8b, the following wording is recommended:

“When play is suspended by the Committee for a dangerous
situation, if the players in a match or group are between the
play of two holes, they must not resume play until the
Committee has ordered a resumption of play. If they are in the
process of playing a hole, they must discontinue play
immediately and not resume play until the Committee has
ordered a resumption of play. If a player fails to discontinue
play immediately, he is disqualified unless circumstances
warrant waiving the penalty as provided in Rule 33-7.
The signal for suspending play due to a dangerous situation
will be a prolonged note of the siren.”

The following signals are generally used and it is
recommended that all Committees do similarly:
Discontinue Play Immediately: One prolonged note of siren
Discontinue Play: Three consecutive notes of siren, repeated
Resume Play: Two short notes of siren, repeated

6. Practice
a. General
The Committee may make regulations governing practice in
accordance with the Note to Rule 7-1, Exception (c) to Rule
7-2, Note 2 to Rule 7 and Rule 33-2c.

b. Practice Between Holes (Note 2 to Rule 7)
It is recommended that a condition of competition prohibiting
practice putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the
hole last played be introduced only in stroke play
competitions. The following wording is recommended:

“A player must not play any practice stroke on or near the
putting green of the hole last played. If a practice stroke is
played on or near the putting green of the hole last played, the
player incurs a penalty of two strokes at the next hole, except
that in the case of the last hole of the round, he incurs the
penalty at that hole.”

7. Advice in Team Competitions (Note to Rule 8)
If the Committee wishes to act in accordance with the Note
under Rule 8, the following wording is recommended:
“In accordance with the Note to Rule 8 of the Rules of Golf,
each team may appoint one person (in addition to the persons
from whom advice may be asked under that Rule) who may
give advice to members of that team. Such person (if it is
desired to insert any restriction on who may be nominated
insert such restriction here) must be identified to the
Committee before giving advice.”

8. New Holes (Note to Rule 33-2b)
The Committee may provide, in accordance with the Note to
Rule 33-2b, that the holes and teeing grounds for a single
round competition, being held on more than one day, may be
differently situated on each day.

9. Transportation
If it is desired to require players to walk in a competition, the
following condition is recommended:
“Players must walk at all times during a stipulated round.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF CONDITION:
Match play – At the conclusion of the hole at which the
breach is discovered, the state of the match must be adjusted
by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach
occurred. Maximum deduction per round: Two holes.

Stroke play – Two strokes for each hole at which any breach
occurred; maximum penalty per round: Four strokes. In the
event of a breach between the play of two holes, the penalty
applies to the next hole.

Match or stroke play – Use of any unauthorised form of
transportation must be discontinued immediately upon
discovery that a breach has occurred. Otherwise, the player
is disqualified.”

10. Anti-Doping
The Committee may require, in the Conditions of
Competition, that players comply with an anti-doping policy.

11. How to Decide Ties
Rule 33-6 empowers the Committee to determine how and
when a halved match or a stroke play tie is decided. The
decision should be published in advance.

The R&A recommends:
Match Play
A match which ends all square should be played off hole by
hole until one side wins a hole. The play-off should start on the
hole where the match began. In a handicap match, handicap
strokes should be allowed as in the prescribed round.

Stroke Play
(a) In the event of a tie in a scratch stroke play competition, a
play-off is recommended. Such a play-off may be over 18
holes or a smaller number of holes as specified by the
Committee. If that is not feasible or there is still a tie, a
hole-by-hole play-off is recommended.

(b) In the event of a tie in a handicap stroke play competition,
a play-off with handicaps is recommended. Such a play-off
may be over 18 holes or a smaller number of holes as
specified by the Committee. If the play-off is less than 18
holes the percentage of 18 holes to be played should be
applied to the players’ handicaps to determine their playoff
handicaps. Handicap stroke fractions of one-half
stroke or more should count as a full stroke and any lesser
fraction should be disregarded.

(c) In either a scratch or handicap stroke play competition, if
a play-off of any type is not feasible, matching score cards
is recommended. The method of matching cards should be
announced in advance. An acceptable method of matching
cards is to determine the winner on the basis of the best
score for the last nine holes. If the tying players have the
same score for the last nine, determine the winner on the
basis of the last six holes, last three holes and finally the
18th hole. If this method is used in a handicap stroke play
competition, one-half, one-third, one-sixth, etc. of the
handicaps should be deducted. Fractions should not be
disregarded. If this method is used in a competition with a
multiple tee start, it is recommended that the “last nine
holes, last six holes, etc.” is considered to be holes 10-18,
13-18, etc.

(d) If the conditions of the competition provide that ties are to
be decided over the last nine, last six, last three and last
hole, they should also provide what will happen if this
procedure does not produce a winner.

12. Draw for Match Play
Although the draw for match play may be completely blind or
certain players may be distributed through different quarters
or eighths, the General Numerical Draw is recommended if
matches are determined by a qualifying round.

General Numerical Draw
For purposes of determining places in the draw, ties in
qualifying rounds other than those for the last qualifying place
are decided by the order in which scores are returned, with the
first score to be returned receiving the lowest available
number, etc. If it is impossible to determine the order in which
scores are returned, ties are determined by a blind draw.

UPPER HALF LOWER HALF UPPER HALF LOWER HALF
64 QUALIFIERS 32 QUALIFIERS
1 vs. 64 2 vs. 63 1 vs. 32 2 vs. 31
32 vs. 33 31 vs. 34 16 vs. 17 15 vs. 18
16 vs. 49 15 vs. 50 8 vs. 25 7 vs. 26
17 vs. 48 18 vs. 47 9 vs. 24 10 vs. 23
8 vs. 57 7 vs. 58 4 vs. 29 3 vs. 30
25 vs. 40 26 vs. 39 13 vs. 20 14 vs. 19
9 vs. 56 10 vs. 55 5 vs. 28 6 vs. 27
24 vs. 41 23 vs. 42 12 vs. 21 11 vs. 22
4 vs. 61 3 vs. 62 16 QUALIFIERS
29 vs. 36 30 vs. 35 1 vs. 16 2 vs.15
13 vs. 52 14 vs. 51 8 vs. 9 7 vs.10
20 vs. 45 19 vs. 46 4 vs. 13 3 vs.14
5 vs. 60 6 vs. 59 5 vs. 12 6 vs. 11
28 vs. 37 27 vs. 38 8 QUALIFIERS
12 vs. 53 11 vs. 54 1 vs. 8 2 vs. 7
21 vs. 44 22 vs. 43 4 vs. 5 3 vs. 6

Any design in a club or ball which is not covered by Rules 4
and 5 and Appendices II and III, or which might significantly
change the nature of the game, will be ruled on by the R&A.
The dimensions contained in Appendices II and III are
referenced in imperial measurements. A metric conversion is
also referenced for information, calculated using a conversion
rate of 1 inch = 25.4 mm. In the event of any dispute over the
conformity of a club or ball, the imperial measurement
takes precedence.
A player in doubt as to the conformity of a club should consult
the R&A.
A manufacturer should submit to the R&A a sample of a
club, which is to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether
the club conforms with the Rules. If a manufacturer fails to
submit a sample or to await a ruling before manufacturing
and/or marketing the club, the manufacturer assumes the risk
of a ruling that the club does not conform with the Rules.
Any sample submitted to the R&A becomes its property for
reference purposes.
The following paragraphs prescribe general regulations for the
design of clubs, together with specifications and
interpretations. Further information relating to these
regulations and their proper interpretation is provided in “A
Guide to the Rules on Clubs and Balls”.

Design of Clubs
Where a club, or part of a club, is required to have some
specific property, this means that it must be designed and
manufactured with the intention of having that property. The
finished club or part must have that property within
manufacturing tolerances appropriate to the material used.

1. Clubs
a. General
A club is an implement designed to be used for striking the ball
and generally comes in three forms: woods, irons and putters
distinguished by shape and intended use. A putter is a club
with a loft not exceeding ten degrees designed primarily for use
on the putting green.

The club must not be substantially different from the
traditional and customary form and make. The club must be
composed of a shaft and a head. All parts of the club must be
fixed so that the club is one unit, and it must have no external
attachments except as otherwise permitted by the Rules.

b. Adjustability
Woods and irons must not be designed to be adjustable except
for weight. Putters may be designed to be adjustable for weight
and some other forms of adjustability are also permitted. All
methods of adjustment permitted by the Rules require that:
(i) the adjustment cannot be readily made;

(ii) all adjustable parts are firmly fixed and there is no
reasonable likelihood of them working loose during a
round; and

(iii) all configurations of adjustment conform with the Rules.
The disqualification penalty for purposely changing the
playing characteristics of a club during a stipulated round
(Rule 4-2a) applies to all clubs including a putter.

The Ball

1. Weight
The weight of the ball must not be greater than 1.620 ounces
avoirdupois (45.93 gm).

2. Size
The diameter of the ball must not be less than 1.680 inches
(42.67 mm). This specification will be satisfied if, under its
own weight, a ball falls through a 1.680 inches diameter ring
gauge in fewer than 25 out of 100 randomly selected positions,
the test being carried out at a temperature of 23 +/- 1ºC.

3. Spherical Symmetry
The ball must not be designed, manufactured or intentionally
modified to have properties which differ from those of a
spherically symmetrical ball.

4. Initial Velocity
The initial velocity of the ball must not exceed the limit
specified (test on file) when measured on apparatus approved
by the R&A.

5. Overall Distance Standard
The combined carry and roll of the ball, when tested on
apparatus approved by the R&A, must not exceed the distance
specified under the conditions set forth in the Overall Distance
Standard for golf balls on file with the R&A.

Handicaps
The Rules of Golf do not legislate for the allocation and
adjustment of handicaps. Such matters are within the
jurisdiction of the National Union concerned and queries
should be directed accordingly.

RULES OF AMATEUR STATUS
as approved by
R&A Rules Limited
Effective from 1st January 2004

Preamble
The R&A reserves the right to change the Rules and to make
and change the interpretations relating to Amateur Status at
any time.

In the Rules of Amateur Status, the gender used in relation to
any person is understood to include both genders.

DEFINITIONS
The Definitions are listed alphabetically and, in the Rules
themselves, defined terms are in italics.

Amateur Golfer
An “Amateur Golfer” is one who plays the game as a nonremunerative
and non-profit making sport and who does not
receive remuneration for teaching golf or for other activities
because of golf skill or reputation, except as provided in
the Rules.

Committee
The “Committee” is the appropriate Committee of the
Governing Body.

Golf Skill or Reputation
Generally, an Amateur golfer is only considered to have golf
skill if he has gained representative honours at county or
national level. Golf reputation can only be gained through golf
skill and does not include prominence for service to the game
of golf as an administrator. It is a matter for a Governing Body
to decide whether a particular Amateur golfer has “golf skill
or reputation”.

Governing Body
The “Governing Body” for the Rules of Amateur Status in
any country is the national union of that country.
Note: In Great Britain and Ireland, the R&A is the
Governing Body.

Instruction
“Instruction” covers teaching the physical aspects of playing
golf i.e. the actual mechanics of swinging a golf club and
hitting a golf ball.

Junior Golfer
A “junior golfer” is an Amateur golfer who has not reached
his 18th birthday in the year prior to the event, unless a
different age is decided by the Governing Body.

Prize Voucher
A “prize voucher” is a voucher issued by the Committee in
charge of a competition for the purchase of goods from a
Professional’s shop or other retail source.

R&A
The “R&A” means R&A Rules Limited.

Retail Value
The “retail value” of a prize is the normal recommended
selling price at which merchandise is available to anyone at a
retail source.

Rule or Rules
The term “Rule” or “Rules” refers to the Rules of Amateur
Status as determined by the Governing Body.

Symbolic Prize
A “symbolic prize” is a trophy made of gold, silver,
ceramic, glass or the like which is permanently and
distinctively engraved.

Testimonial Award
A “testimonial award” relates to notable performances or
contributions to golf as distinguished from competition prizes.
A testimonial award may not be a monetary award.

1-1. General
An Amateur golfer must play the game and conduct himself in
accordance with the Rules.

1-2. Amateur Status
Amateur Status is a universal condition of eligibility for
playing in golf competitions as an Amateur golfer. A person
who acts contrary to the Rules may forfeit his status as an
Amateur golfer and as a result will be ineligible to play in
Amateur competitions.

1-3. Purpose and Spirit of the Rules
The purpose and spirit of the Rules is to maintain the
distinction between Amateur golf and Professional golf and
keep the Amateur game as free as possible from the abuses
which may follow from uncontrolled sponsorship and
financial incentive. It is considered necessary to safeguard
Amateur golf, which is largely self-regulating with regard to
the Rules of play and handicapping, so that it may be fully
enjoyed by all Amateur golfers.

1-4. Doubt as to Rules
Any person who wishes to be an Amateur golfer and who is in
Rule 1 Amateurism
doubt as to whether taking a proposed course of action is
permitted under the Rules should consult the Governing Body.
Any organiser or sponsor of an Amateur golf competition or a
competition involving Amateur golfers, who is in doubt as to
whether a proposal is in accordance with the Rules should
consult the Governing Body.

2-1. General
An Amateur golfer must not take any action for the purpose
of becoming a Professional golfer, including entering into an
agreement, written or oral, with a sponsor or
Professional agent.

Exception: Applying unsuccessfully for the position of an
Assistant Professional.

Note: An Amateur golfer may enquire as to his likely prospects
as a Professional and he may work in a Professional’s shop and
receive a salary, provided he does not infringe the Rules in any
other way.

2-2. Professional Golfers’ Associations
An Amateur golfer must not hold or retain membership of any
Professional Golfers’ Association.

2-3. Professional Tournament Players
An Amateur golfer must not hold or retain membership of a
Professional Tour.

Note: If an Amateur golfer must compete in one or more qualifying competitions in order to be eligible for membership of a Professional Tour, he may enter and play in such qualifying competitions without forfeiting his Amateur Status,
provided, in advance of play and in writing, he waives his right
to any prize money in the competition.

3-1. Playing for Prize Money
An Amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money.

3-2. Prize Limits
a. General
An Amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a
symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of
£500 or the equivalent, or such a lesser figure as may be
decided by the Governing Body. This limit applies to the total
prizes or prize vouchers received by an Amateur golfer in any
one competition or series of competitions, excluding any holein-
one prize.

b. Hole-in-One Prizes
The limits prescribed in Rule 3-2a apply to a prize for a holein-
one. However, such a prize may be accepted in addition to
any other prize won in the same competition.

c. Exchanging Prizes
An Amateur golfer must not exchange a prize or prize voucher
for cash.

Exception: An Amateur golfer may submit a prize voucher to
Rule 3 Prizes
a national or county union and thereafter be reimbursed from
the value of that voucher for expenses incurred in participating
in a golf competition, provided the reimbursement of such
expenses is permitted under Rule 4-2.

Note 1: The onus of proving the retail value of a particular
prize rests with the Committee in charge of the competition.

Note 2: It is recommended that the total prize value of scratch
prizes, or each division of handicap prizes, should not exceed
twice the prescribed limit in an 18-hole competition, three
times in a 36-hole competition, five times in a 54-hole
competition and six times in a 72-hole competition.

3-3. Testimonial Awards
a. General
An Amateur golfer must not accept a testimonial award of
retail value in excess of the limits prescribed in Rule 3-2a.

b. Multiple Awards
An Amateur golfer may accept more than one testimonial
award from different donors, even though their total retail
value exceeds the prescribed limit, provided they are not
presented so as to evade the limit for a single award.

4-1. General
Except as provided in the Rules, an Amateur golfer must not
accept expenses, in money or otherwise, from any source to
play in a golf competition or exhibition.

4-2. Receipt of Expenses
An Amateur golfer may receive expenses, not exceeding the
actual expenses incurred, to play in a golf competition or
exhibition as follows:-

a. Family support
An Amateur golfer may receive expenses from a member of his
family or a legal guardian.

b. Junior Golfers
A junior golfer may receive expenses when competing in a
competition limited exclusively to junior golfers.

c. Team Events
(i) An Amateur golfer, who is representing his country,
county or club (or similar body) in a team competition or
at a training camp may receive expenses; and

(ii) An Amateur golfer, who is representing his country by
taking part in a national championship abroad
immediately before or after an international team
competition may receive expenses.
The expenses must be paid by the body he represents or the
body controlling golf in the country he is visiting.

d. Individual Events
An Amateur golfer may receive expenses when competing in
individual events provided he complies with the
following provisions:

(i) The player must be nominated to play in the competition
by either his club, county or national union.

(ii) Where the competition is to take place in the player’s own
country and the nomination has been made by a club or
county union, the approval of the national union, or the
county union in the area in which the competition is to be
staged, must first be obtained.

(iii) Where the competition is to take place in another country,
the approval of the national union of the country in which
the competition is to be staged and, if the nominating
body is not the national union of the country from which
the nomination is made, the approval of the national
union must first be obtained by the nominating body.

(iv) The expenses must be paid only by the national union or
county union responsible in the area from which the
nomination is made or, subject to the approval of the
nominating body, by the body controlling golf in the
territory he is visiting.

(v) The expenses must be limited to a specific number of
competitive days in any one calendar year as may be
determined by the Governing Body in the country from
which the nomination is made. The expenses are deemed
to include reasonable travelling time and practice days in
connection with the competitive days.

e. Celebrities, Business Associates, etc.
An Amateur golfer who is invited to take part in a competition
for reasons unrelated to golf skill may receive expenses.

f. Exhibitions
An Amateur golfer who is participating in an exhibition in aid
of a recognised charity may receive expenses, provided that the
exhibition is not run in connection with another golfing event.

g. Sponsored Handicap Competitions
An Amateur golfer may receive expenses when competing in a
sponsored handicap competition, provided the competition
has been approved as follows:

(i) Where the competition is to take place in the player’s own
country, the annual approval of the Governing Body must
first be obtained in advance by the sponsor; and

(ii) Where the competition is to take place in more than one country or involves golfers from another country, the
approval of the two or more Governing Bodies must first
be obtained in advance by the sponsor. The application for
this approval should be sent to the Governing Body in the
country where the competition commences.

5-1. General
Except as provided in the Rules, an Amateur golfer must not
receive payment or compensation for giving instruction in
playing golf.

5-2. Where Payment Permitted
a. Schools, Colleges, etc.
An Amateur golfer, who is an employee of an educational
institution or system, may receive payment or compensation
for golf instruction to students of the institution or system,
provided that during a year the total time devoted to golf
instruction comprises less than 50 percent of the time spent in
the performance of all duties as such an employee.

b. Junior Golfers
An Amateur golfer may receive expenses, not exceeding the
actual expenses incurred, for giving golf instruction to junior
golfers as part of a programme which has been approved in
advance by the Governing Body.

5-3. Instruction in Writing
An Amateur golfer may receive payment or compensation for
instruction in writing, provided his ability or reputation as a
Rule 5 Instruction
golfer was not a major factor in his employment or in the
commission or sale of his work.
Note: Instruction does not cover the many psychological
aspects of the game or the Rules or Etiquette of Golf.

6-1. General
Except as provided in the Rules, an Amateur golfer of golf skill
or reputation must not use that skill or reputation to promote,
advertise or sell anything or for any financial gain.

6-2. Lending Name or Likeness
An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that
skill or reputation to obtain payment, compensation, personal
benefit or any financial gain for allowing his name or likeness
to be used for the advertisement or sale of anything.

Note: An Amateur golfer may accept equipment from anyone
dealing in such equipment provided no advertising is involved.

6-3. Personal Appearance
An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that
skill or reputation to obtain payment, compensation, personal
benefit or any financial gain for a personal appearance.
Exception: An Amateur golfer may receive actual expenses in
connection with a personal appearance provided no golf
competition or exhibition is involved.

6-4. Broadcasting and Writing
An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use Status
164
that skill or reputation to obtain payment, compensation,
personal benefit or any financial gain for broadcasting
concerning golf or writing golf articles or books.
Exception: An Amateur golfer may receive payment,
compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain from
broadcasting or writing provided:

(a) the player is actually the author of the commentary, article
or books; and

(b) instruction in playing golf is not included.
6-5. Grants, Scholarships and Bursaries
An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept
the benefits of a grant, scholarship or bursary, except one
whose terms and conditions have been approved by the
Governing Body.

6-6. Membership
An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept
an offer of membership in a Golf Club without full payment
for the class of membership if such an offer is made as an
inducement to play for that Club.

7-1. Conduct Detrimental to Amateurism
An Amateur golfer must not act in a manner which is
considered detrimental to the best interests of the
Amateur game.

7-2. Conduct Contrary to the Purpose and Spirit of the Rules
An Amateur golfer must not take any action, including actions
Other Conduct Incompatible
Rule 7 with Amateurism
relating to golf gambling, which is contrary to the purpose and
spirit of the Rules.

8-1. Decision on a Breach
If a possible breach of the Rules by a person claiming to be an
Amateur golfer comes to the attention of the Committee, it is
a matter for the Committee to decide whether a breach has
occurred. Each case will be investigated to the extent deemed
appropriate by the Committee and considered on its merits.
The decision of the Committee shall be final, subject to an
Appeal as provided in these Rules.

8-2. Enforcement
Upon a decision that a person has breached the Rules, the
Committee may declare the Amateur Status of the person
forfeited or require the person to refrain or desist from
specified actions as a condition of retaining his Amateur Status.
The Committee must use its best endeavours to ensure that the
person is notified and may notify any interested golf union of
any action taken under Rule 8-2.

8-3. Appeals Procedure
Each Governing Body should put in place a procedure
whereby any decision in respect of enforcement of these Rules
may be appealed by the person affected by such decision.
Note: If a person, whose Governing Body is the R&A, is
affected by a decision made by the Amateur Status Committee
of the R&A in respect of the enforcement of these Rules, that Status
166
person may raise an appeal of that decision with the Amateur
Status Appeals Committee of the R&A.

9-1. General
The Committee has sole power to reinstate a person to
Amateur Status or to deny reinstatement, subject to an Appeal
as provided in these Rules. Each application for reinstatement
shall be considered on its merits.

9-2. Applications for Reinstatement
In considering an application for reinstatement, the Committee
shall normally be guided by the following principles:

a. Awaiting Reinstatement
The Professional is considered to hold an advantage over the
Amateur golfer by reason of having devoted himself to the
game as his profession; other persons infringing the Rules also
obtain advantages not available to the Amateur golfer. They
do not necessarily lose such advantages merely by deciding to
cease infringing the Rules. Therefore, an applicant for
reinstatement to Amateur Status must undergo a period
awaiting reinstatement as prescribed by the Committee.
The period awaiting reinstatement starts from the date of the
person’s last breach of the Rules unless the Committee decides
that it starts from the date when the person’s last breach
became known to the Committee.

b. Period Awaiting Reinstatement
(i) Professionalism
The period awaiting reinstatement is normally related to the
period the person was in breach. However, no applicant is
normally eligible for reinstatement until he has conducted
himself in accordance with the Rules for a period of at least
one year.

It is recommended that the following guidelines on periods
awaiting reinstatement are applied by the Committee:
Period of Breach: Period Awaiting Reinstatement:
under 5 years 1 year
5 years or more 2 years
The Committee reserves the right to extend or to shorten such
a period. Players of national prominence who have been in
breach for more than five years are not normally eligible
for reinstatement.

(ii) Other Breaches of the Rules
The period awaiting reinstatement is normally related to the
seriousness of the breach i.e. the value of the excessive prize,
the amount of unauthorised expenses received, etc. However,
no applicant is normally eligible for reinstatement until he has
conducted himself in accordance with the Rules for a period of
at least one year. It is recommended that the Committee
extends the period awaiting reinstatement as the seriousness of
the breach increases, with a period of up to five years applied
for the most serious cases.

The Committee reserves the right to extend or shorten such
a period.

c. Number of Reinstatements
A person is not normally reinstated more than twice.

d. Status While Awaiting Reinstatement
During the period awaiting reinstatement an applicant for
reinstatement must comply with these Rules as they apply to
an Amateur golfer.

He is not eligible to enter competitions as an Amateur golfer.
However, he may enter competitions and win a prize solely among members of a Club of which he is a member, subject to
the approval of the Club; but he may not represent such Club
against other Clubs.

9-3. Procedure for Applications
Each application for reinstatement must be submitted to the
Committee, in accordance with such procedures as may be laid
down and it must include such information as the Committee
may require.

9-4. Appeals Procedure
Each Governing Body should put in place a procedure whereby
any decision in respect of reinstatement of Amateur Status may
be appealed by the person affected by such decision.

Note: If a person, whose Governing Body is the R&A, is
affected by a decision made by the Amateur Status Committee
of the R&A in respect of reinstatement of Amateur Status, that
person may raise an appeal of that decision with the Amateur
Status Appeals Committee of the R&A.

Official PGA Tour Rules and Regulations Courtesy of www.dps.twiihosting.net/pga/doc/content/doc_528_99.pdf
Picture courtesy of www.moregolf.blogspot.com

Golf Definitions

2008-06-08T12:39:00.015-04:00

The Definitions are listed alphabetically and, in the Rules
themselves, defined terms are in italics.

Abnormal Ground Conditions

An “abnormal ground condition” is any casual water, ground
under repair or hole, cast or runway on the course made by a
burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird.

Addressing the Ball

A player has “addressed the ball’’ when he has taken his stance
and has also grounded his club, except that in a hazard a player
has addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.

Advice

“Advice’’ is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a
player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the
method of making a stroke.
Information on the Rules or on matters of public information,
such as the position of hazards or the flagstick on the putting
green, is not advice.

Ball Deemed to Move
See “Move or Moved’’.

Ball Holed
See “Holed’’.

Ball Lost
See “Lost Ball’’.

Ball in Play
A ball is “in play” as soon as the player has made a stroke on
the teeing ground. It remains in play until it is holed, except
when it is lost, out of bounds or lifted, or another ball has been
substituted whether or not the substitution is permitted; a ball
so substituted becomes the ball in play.

If a ball is played from outside the teeing ground when the
player is starting play of a hole, or when attempting to correct
this mistake, the ball is not in play and Rule 11-4 or 11-5
applies. Otherwise, ball in play includes a ball played from
outside the teeing ground when the player elects or is required
to play his next stroke from the teeing ground.
Exception in match play: Ball in play includes a ball played by
the player from outside the teeing ground when starting play of
a hole if the opponent does not require the stroke to be
cancelled in accordance with Rule 11-4a.

Best-Ball
See “Matches”.

Bunker
A “bunker’’ is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of
ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been
removed and replaced with sand or the like.
Grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker including
a stacked turf face (whether grass-covered or earthen), is not
part of the bunker. A wall or lip of the bunker not covered with
grass is part of the bunker.
The margin of a bunker extends vertically downwards, but not
upwards. A ball is in a bunker when it lies in or any part of it
touches the bunker.

Burrowing Animal
A “burrowing animal” is an animal that makes a hole for
habitation or shelter, such as a rabbit, mole, groundhog,
gopher or salamander.
Note: A hole made by a non-burrowing animal, such as a dog,
is not an abnormal ground condition unless marked or
declared as ground under repair.

Caddie
A “caddie” is one who assists the player in accordance with the
Rules, which may include carrying or handling the player’s
clubs during play.
When one caddie is employed by more than one player, he is
always deemed to be the caddie of the player whose ball is
involved, and equipment carried by him is deemed to be that
player’s equipment, except when the caddie acts upon specific
directions of another player, in which case he is considered to
be that other player’s caddie.

Casual Water
“Casual water’’ is any temporary accumulation of water on the
course that is visible before or after the player takes his stance
and is not in a water hazard. Snow and natural ice, other than
frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the
option of the player. Manufactured ice is an obstruction. Dew
and frost are not casual water. A ball is in casual water when
it lies in or any part of it touches the casual water.

Committee
The “Committee’’ is the committee in charge of the
competition or, if the matter does not arise in a competition,
the committee in charge of the course.

Competitor
A “competitor’’ is a player in a stroke play competition.
A “fellow-competitor’’ is any person with whom the
competitor plays. Neither is partner of the other.
In stroke play foursome and four-ball competitions, where the
context so admits, the word “competitor’’ or “fellowcompetitor’’
includes his partner.

Course
The “course’’ is the whole area within any boundaries
established by the Committee (see Rule 33-2).

Equipment
“Equipment’’ is anything used, worn or carried by or for the player except any ball he has played at the hole being played and any small object, such as a coin or a tee, when used to mark the position of a ball or the extent of an area in which a
ball is to be dropped. Equipment includes a golf cart, whether
or not motorised. If such a cart is shared by two or more
players, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be the
equipment of the player whose ball is involved except that,
when the cart is being moved by one of the players sharing it,
the cart and everything in it are deemed to be that player’s
equipment.
Note: A ball played at the hole being played is equipment when
it has been lifted and not put back into play.

Fellow-Competitor
See “Competitor’’.

Flagstick
The “flagstick” is a movable straight indicator, with or without
bunting or other material attached, centered in the hole to
show its position. It must be circular in cross-section. Padding
or shock absorbent material that might unduly influence the
movement of the ball is prohibited.

Forecaddie
A “forecaddie’’ is one who is employed by the Committee to
indicate to players the position of balls during play. He is an
outside agency.

Four-Ball
See “Matches”.

Foursome
See “Matches”.

Ground Under Repair
“Ground under repair’’ is any part of the course so marked by
order of the Committee or so declared by its authorised
representative. It includes material piled for removal and a hole
made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked.
All ground and any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing
within the ground under repair is part of the ground under
repair. The margin of ground under repair extends vertically
downwards, but not upwards. Stakes and lines defining
ground under repair are in such ground. Such stakes are
obstructions. A ball is in ground under repair when it lies in or
any part of it touches the ground under repair.
Note 1: Grass cuttings and other material left on the course
that have been abandoned and are not intended to be removed
are not ground under repair unless so marked.
Note 2: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting
play from ground under repair or an environmentally-sensitive
area defined as ground under repair.

Hazards
A “hazard’’ is any bunker or water hazard.

Hole
The “hole’’ must be 41⁄4 inches (108 mm) in diameter and at
least 4 inches (101.6 mm) deep. If a lining is used, it must be
sunk at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) below the putting green surface
unless the nature of the soil makes it impracticable to do so; its
outer diameter must not exceed 41⁄4 inches (108 mm).

Holed
A ball is “holed” when it is at rest within the circumference of
the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole.

Honour
The player who is to play first from the teeing ground is said
to have the “honour’’.

Lateral Water Hazard
A “lateral water hazard’’ is a water hazard or that part of a
water hazard so situated that it is not possible or is deemed by the Committee to be impracticable to drop a ball behind the water hazard in accordance with Rule 26-1b.
That part of a water hazard to be played as a lateral water
hazard should be distinctively marked. A ball is in a lateral
water hazard when it lies in or any part of it touches the lateral
water hazard.
Note 1: Stakes or lines used to define a lateral water hazard
must be red. When both stakes and lines are used to define
lateral water hazards, the stakes identify the hazard and the
lines define the hazard margin.
Note 2: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting
play from an environmentally-sensitive area defined as a lateral
water hazard.
Note 3: The Committee may define a lateral water hazard as a
water hazard.

Line of Play
The “line of play’’ is the direction that the player wishes his ball
to take after a stroke, plus a reasonable distance on either side
of the intended direction. The line of play extends vertically
upwards from the ground, but does not extend beyond the hole.

Line of Putt
The “line of putt’’ is the line that the player wishes his ball to
take after a stroke on the putting green. Except with respect to
Rule 16-1e, the line of putt includes a reasonable distance on
either side of the intended line. The line of putt does not extend
beyond the hole.

Loose Impediments
“Loose impediments’’ are natural objects, including:
• stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like,
• dung, and
• worms and insects and the casts and heaps made by them,
provided they are not:
• fixed or growing,
• solidly embedded, or
• adhering to the ball.
Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green,
but not elsewhere.
Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water
or loose impediments at the option of the player.
Dew and frost are not loose impediments.

Lost Ball
A ball is deemed “lost” if:
a. It is not found or identified as his by the player within five
minutes after the player’s side or his or their caddies have
begun to search for it; or
b. The player has made a stroke at a substituted ball; or
c. The player has made a stroke at a provisional ball from the
place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point
nearer the hole than that place.
Time spent in playing a wrong ball is not counted in the fiveminute
period allowed for search.

Marker
A “marker’’ is one who is appointed by the Committee to
record a competitor’s score in stroke play. He may be a fellowcompetitor.
He is not a referee.

Matches
Single: A match in which one plays against another.

Threesome: A match in which one plays against two, and each
side plays one ball.

Foursome: A match in which two play against two, and each
side plays one ball.

Three-Ball: A match play competition in which three play
against one another, each playing his own ball. Each player is
playing two distinct matches.

Best-Ball: A match in which one plays against the better ball of
two or the best ball of three players.

Four-Ball: A match in which two play their better ball against
the better ball of two other players.

Move or Moved
A ball is deemed to have “moved’’ if it leaves its position and
comes to rest in any other place.

Nearest Point of Relief
The “nearest point of relief” is the reference point for taking
relief without penalty from interference by an immovable
obstruction (Rule 24-2), an abnormal ground condition (Rule
25-1) or a wrong putting green (Rule 25-3).
It is the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies:
(i) that is not nearer the hole, and
(ii) where, if the ball were so positioned, no interference by the
condition from which relief is sought would exist for the
stroke the player would have made from the original
position if the condition were not there.
Note: In order to determine the nearest point of relief
accurately, the player should use the club with which he would
have made his next stroke if the condition were not there to
simulate the address position, direction of play and swing for
such a stroke.

Observer
An “observer’’ is one who is appointed by the Committee to
assist a referee to decide questions of fact and to report to him
any breach of a Rule. An observer should not attend the
flagstick, stand at or mark the position of the hole, or lift the
ball or mark its position.

Obstructions
An “obstruction’’ is anything artificial, including the artificial
surfaces and sides of roads and paths and manufactured
ice, except:
a. Objects defining out of bounds, such as walls, fences,
stakes and railings;
b. Any part of an immovable artificial object that is out of
bounds; and
c. Any construction declared by the Committee to be an
integral part of the course.
An obstruction is a movable obstruction if it may be moved
without unreasonable effort, without unduly delaying play
and without causing damage. Otherwise it is an
immovable obstruction.
Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule declaring a
movable obstruction to be an immovable obstruction.

Out of Bounds
“Out of bounds’’ is beyond the boundaries of the course or any
part of the course so marked by the Committee.
When out of bounds is defined by reference to stakes or a fence
or as being beyond stakes or a fence, the out of bounds line is
determined by the nearest inside points of the stakes or fence
posts at ground level excluding angled supports.
Objects defining out of bounds such as walls, fences, stakes
and railings, are not obstructions and are deemed to be fixed.
When out of bounds is defined by a line on the ground, the line
itself is out of bounds.
The out of bounds line extends vertically upwards
and downwards.
A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds.
A player may stand out of bounds to play a ball lying
within bounds.

Outside Agency
An “outside agency’’ is any agency not part of the match or, in
stroke play, not part of the competitor’s side, and includes a
referee, a marker, an observer and a forecaddie. Neither wind
nor water is an outside agency.

Partner
A “partner’’ is a player associated with another player on the
same side.
In a threesome, foursome, best-ball or four-ball match, where
the context so admits, the word “player” includes his partner
or partners.

Penalty Stroke
A “penalty stroke’’ is one added to the score of a player or side
under certain Rules. In a threesome or foursome, penalty
strokes do not affect the order of play.

Provisional Ball
A “provisional ball’’ is a ball played under Rule 27-2 for a ball
that may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out
of bounds.

Putting Green
The “putting green’’ is all ground of the hole being played that
is specially prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such
by the Committee. A ball is on the putting green when any part
of it touches the putting green.

R&A
The “R&A” means R&A Rules Limited.

Referee
A “referee’’ is one who is appointed by the Committee to
accompany players to decide questions of fact and apply
the Rules. He must act on any breach of a Rule that he
observes or is reported to him.
A referee should not attend the flagstick, stand at or mark the
position of the hole, or lift the ball or mark its position.

Rub of the Green
A “rub of the green’’ occurs when a ball in motion is
accidentally deflected or stopped by any outside agency (see
Rule 19-1).

Rule or Rules
The term “Rule’’ includes:
a. The Rules of Golf and their interpretations as contained in
Decisions on the Rules of Golf;
b. Any Conditions of Competition established by the
Committee under Rule 33-1 and Appendix I;
c. Any Local Rules established by the Committee under Rule
33-8a and Appendix I; and
d. The specifications on clubs and the ball in Appendices II
and III.
Side
A “side” is a player, or two or more players who are partners.

Single
See “Matches”.

Stance
Taking the “stance’’ consists in a player placing his feet in
position for and preparatory to making a stroke.

Stipulated Round
The “stipulated round’’ consists of playing the holes of the
course in their correct sequence unless otherwise authorised by
the Committee. The number of holes in a stipulated round is
18 unless a smaller number is authorised by the Committee. As
to extension of stipulated round in match play, see Rule 2-3.

Stroke
A “stroke’’ is the forward movement of the club made with the
intention of striking at and moving the ball, but if a player
checks his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches
the ball he has not made a stroke.

Substituted Ball
A “substituted ball” is a ball put into play for the original ball
that was either in play, lost, out of bounds or lifted.

Tee
A “tee” is a device designed to raise the ball off the ground. It
must not be longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm) and it must not
be designed or manufactured in such a way that it could
indicate the line of play or influence the movement of the ball.

Teeing Ground
The “teeing ground’’ is the starting place for the hole to be
played. It is a rectangular area two club-lengths in depth, the
front and the sides of which are defined by the outside limits of
two tee-markers. A ball is outside the teeing ground when all
of it lies outside the teeing ground.

Three-Ball
See “Matches”.

Threesome
See “Matches”.

Through the Green“Through the green’’ is the whole area of the course except:
a. The teeing ground and putting green of the hole being
played; and
b. All hazards on the course.

Water Hazard
A “water hazard’’ is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface
drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not
containing water) and anything of a similar nature on
the course.
All ground or water within the margin of a water hazard is part
of the water hazard. The margin of a water hazard extends
vertically upwards and downwards. Stakes and lines defining
the margins of water hazards are in the hazards. Such stakes
are obstructions. A ball is in a water hazard when it lies in or
any part of it touches the water hazard.
Note 1: Stakes or lines used to define a water hazard must be
yellow. When both stakes and lines are used to define water
hazards, the stakes identify the hazard and the lines define the
hazard margin.
Note 2: The Committee may make a Local Rule prohibiting
play from an environmentally-sensitive area defined as a
water hazard.

Wrong Ball
A “wrong ball’’ is any ball other than the player’s:
• ball in play;
• provisional ball; or
• second ball played under Rule 3-3 or Rule 20-7c in
stroke play;
and includes:
• another player’s ball;
• an abandoned ball; and
• the player’s original ball when it is no longer in play.
Note: Ball in play includes a ball substituted for the ball in
play, whether or not the substitution is permitted.

Wrong Putting Green
A “wrong putting green” is any putting green other than that
of the hole being played. Unless otherwise prescribed by the
Committee, this term includes a practice putting green or
pitching green on the course.

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Golf Etiquette

2008-06-08T12:34:00.010-04:00

Consideration for Other Players

No Disturbance or Distraction

Players should always show consideration for other players on
the course and should not disturb their play by moving,
talking or making unnecessary noise.

Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the
course does not distract other players.

On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it
is his turn to play.

Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or
directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.

On the Putting Green

On the putting green, players should not stand on another
player's line of putt or, when he is making a stroke, cast a
shadow over his line of putt.

Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all
other players in the group have holed out.

Scoring

In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if
necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the
player concerned and record it.

Pace of Play

Play at Good Pace and Keep Up

Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may
establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow.
It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front.
If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it
should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of
the number of players in that group.

Be Ready to Play

Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to
play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should
leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick
movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the
play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately
leave the putting green.

Lost Ball

If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water
hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a
provisional ball.

Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the
group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes
apparent that the ball will not easily be found. They should
not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed
the group behind to play through, they should not continue
play until that group has passed and is out of range.

Priority on the Course

Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the
course is determined by a group's pace of play. Any group
playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a
shorter round.

Care of the Course

Bunkers

Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and
smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any
nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable
proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for
this purpose.

Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes

Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them
and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a
ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On
completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to
the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.

Preventing Unnecessary Damage

Players should avoid causing damage to the course by
removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the
head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any
other reason.

Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting
green when putting down bags or the flagstick.

In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies
should not stand too close to the hole and should take care
during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball
from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to
remove a ball from the hole.

Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting
green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.
The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the
players leave the putting green.

Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be
strictly observed.

Penalties for Breach
If players follow the guidelines in this section, it will make the
game more enjoyable for everyone.

If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a
round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is
recommended that the Committee considers taking
appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player.
Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a
limited time on the course or in a certain number of
competitions. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of
protecting the interest of the majority of golfers who wish to
play in accordance with these guidelines.
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