Rule 20: Resolving rules issues during your round
What this is about
This rule explains what you need to do if you have a question about the rules while playing golf. It protects you if you can't find an answer right away on the course.
What you need to do
- Don't wait too long: Don't hold up play unnecessarily while looking for a referee, an official on the course. You must continue playing.
- In match play: Tell your opponent that you want a ruling later. Do this before you start a new hole, or before the match officially ends. You can also reach a resolution together with your opponent, unless you're ignoring the rules.
- In stroke play: Play two golf balls. Play one ball the way you think is correct. Play the other ball based on the alternative option. Report your situation and your choice to the committee afterward.
- Reporting after the round: You must report your rules issue to the committee before you return your scorecard.
Common mistake
A common mistake is waiting too long to raise your rules question. If you report it too late, the committee may no longer accept your question.
Example
Your ball lies against a strange obstruction in the woods. You don't know if you're allowed to move the ball. There's no official nearby. In stroke play, you play the ball once as it lies. The second time, you play it after moving it, with a penalty stroke. You report this to the committee afterward.
Practise this rule with real exam questions in the free app.
20.1 Resolving rules issues during a round
20.1a Players must avoid unnecessary delay
Players must not unnecessarily delay play to resolve a rules issue. If the issue can't be resolved right away, the player should continue playing as quickly as possible.
20.1b Rules issues in match play
In match play, the player and opponent may agree on how to resolve a rules issue, as long as they don't knowingly disregard a rule. If they can't agree, the player may bring a request to the Committee.
20.1c Rules issues in stroke play, playing two balls
In stroke play, a player who is unsure of the correct procedure may play two balls. Before playing, the player must announce which ball they want to count if the Rules allow the procedure that was followed. After the round, the player must report the issue to the Committee, even if they made the same score with both balls.
20.2 Rulings on questions under the Rules
20.2a Rulings by a referee
If a referee has been assigned, they must make rulings on questions of fact and on the application of the Rules. The referee's ruling is final.
20.2b Rulings by the Committee
When no referee is available, or when a referee refers the matter onward, the Committee makes the decision. The Committee may gather evidence and consult with players.
20.2c Applying the standard of proof when determining facts
When determining facts, the standard of "virtual certainty" (at least 95% likelihood) is used. If there's no virtual certainty, the most likely explanation is used instead.
20.2d Incorrect application of the rules
If a ruling turns out to be incorrect afterward, it's reviewed and corrected where possible. If a revision is no longer possible, the original ruling stands.
20.3 Situations not covered by the Rules
A situation that is not specifically covered by the Rules is decided by the Committee based on fairness and reasonableness, taking all circumstances into account.