Rule 25: Golf for everyone: Rule 25 modifications
What this is about
This rule ensures fair play for golfers with certain disabilities. It adjusts some golf rules so that everyone can enjoy the sport.
What you need to do
If you're visually impaired or blind, you're allowed to have an assistant and a caddie at the same time. Your assistant helps you with your stance and the direction of your stroke. Your assistant may also give you advice.
You may place an object, such as a club, on the ground to help you determine your alignment. Just make sure you remove it before you make your stroke, otherwise you'll get a general penalty (this means two penalty strokes or loss of hole).
Your assistant or caddie may stand behind you on the line of play. They may not help you during the actual stroke. You can only have one assistant at a time. If you have more than one, you'll get a general penalty per hole.
Common mistake
A common mistake is thinking your assistant is allowed to carry or hold your clubs. Your assistant is mainly there for guidance and help with your stance, not for your equipment.
Example
You're facing a short chip to the putting green. Your assistant points with a hand to show the line your ball should follow. As soon as you've taken your position, your assistant withdraws the hand. You can then calmly play the chip, this is completely within the rules.
Practise this rule with real exam questions in the free app.
25.1 Overview
Rule 25 applies to all competitions and forms of play. The category of the disability determines which modified rules apply. There are four categories.
25.2 Adjustments for players who are blind
Players who are blind (including certain levels of visual impairment) may:
- Bring an assistant onto the course
- Get help locating and identifying balls
- Get help lining up and planning strokes
- Have another person drop the ball on their behalf
25.3 Adjustments for players missing a limb
Players who are missing a limb are allowed to:
- Use a prosthesis (artificial arm or leg) without this being treated as a breach of Rule 4.3
- Anchor the club against their body while making a stroke
- Get help with dropping, placing and replacing the ball
25.4 Adjustments for players who use mobility devices
Players who use wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches may:
- Use these devices on the course
- Receive certain adjustments for movement and making a stroke
25.5 Adjustments for players with an intellectual disability
Players with an intellectual disability may:
- Get support in understanding the Rules
- Receive help in making decisions during play