| Like every other game, golf has certain | | | | for breach of the golf etiquettes, but it |
| rules, which are internationally standardized | | | | depends on the players whether they want to |
| and are strictly controlled by the Royal and | | | | create a good golfing experience. |
| Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the | | | | |
| United States Golf association (USGA). | | | | Rules are not always strict but depend upon |
| Established in 1754, the R&A has spread its | | | | the mood of the game. If you are playing for |
| popularity wing to far-flung areas in the | | | | leisure, then the rules are comparatively |
| world. The national golf associations of | | | | relaxed. "Winter Rules" is a new idea in the |
| other countries follow the same rules as laid | | | | game, which enables a player to escape any |
| down by the R&A. | | | | penalty shot. The members of golf team are |
| | | | expected to consent to rules and adhere them |
| R&A and USGA chalks out the basic rules and | | | | strictly. |
| regulation that is to be followed during the | | | | |
| game. However, every year the set of rules go | | | | When playing the game, you need to be careful |
| through a thorough revision and updating. | | | | with the ball, so that you do not lose it. If |
| | | | you do so, then the next player takes on the |
| As per Rule 13-1, the player is obliged to | | | | game. If the ball is truly lost then you can |
| play the ball from the spot where it has come | | | | play with the provisional ball and make as |
| to rest after a stroke. You cannot alter any | | | | many strokes you want, as long as you do not |
| part of the green stretch, unless mentioned | | | | go any further where you think the ball is |
| in the rules. As laid down in Rule 14-2, the | | | | lost. |
| player cannot seek assistance of a second | | | | |
| party when making the stroke. You cannot | | | | Sometimes players slow down the game when |
| replace the ball as you wish, unless it is | | | | they lose the first ball and are not ready to |
| unplayable (Rule 28), destroyed (Rule 5-3), | | | | use a provisional ball. In this case, the |
| lost (Rule 27-1). | | | | only solution is to play another ball right |
| | | | from where you thought that you had lost the |
| The golf players also have to abide by a set | | | | first ball. You declare the lost ball as the |
| of golf etiquettes, which determine few | | | | leaf ball. The advantage is that you are not |
| things such as fairness, safety, easiness and | | | | charged a stroke, since you play a leaf ball. |
| pace of play. However, there are no penalties | | | | |