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