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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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 (c) the point where the original ball last crossed the
margin of the water hazard or lateral water hazard
(Rule 26-1).
If the ball when re-dropped rolls into any position listed above,
it must be placed as near as possible to the spot where it first
struck a part of the course when re-dropped.
If a ball to be re-dropped or placed under this Rule is not
immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
Note: If a ball when dropped or re-dropped comes to rest and
subsequently moves, the ball must be played as it lies, unless
the provisions of any other Rule apply.

20-3. Placing and Replacing
a. By Whom and Where
A ball to be placed under the Rules must be placed by the
player or his partner. If a ball is to be replaced, the player, his
partner or the person who lifted or moved it must place it on
the spot from which it was lifted or moved. In any such case,
the player is responsible for any breach of the Rules.
If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of
placing or replacing the ball, 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
placing or replacing the ball or removing the ball-marker.
Otherwise, the player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule
18-2a or 20-1.
b. Lie of Ball to be Placed or Replaced Altered
If the original lie of a ball to be placed or replaced has
been altered:
(i) except in a hazard, the ball must be placed in the nearest
lie most similar to the original lie that is not more than one
club-length from the original lie, not nearer the hole and
not in a hazard;
(ii) in a water hazard, the ball must be placed in accordance
with Clause (i) above, except that the ball must be placed
in the water hazard;
(iii) in a bunker, the original lie must be re-created as nearly as
possible and the ball must be placed in that lie.
c. Spot Not Determinable
If it is impossible to determine the spot where the ball is to be
placed or replaced:
(i) through the green, the ball must be dropped as near as
possible to the place where it lay but not in a hazard or on
a putting green;
(ii) in a hazard, the ball must be dropped in the hazard as near
as possible to the place where it lay;
(iii) on the putting green, the ball must be placed as near as
possible to the place where it lay but not in a hazard.
Exception: When resuming play (Rule 6-8d), 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.
d. Ball Fails to Come to Rest on Spot
If a ball when placed fails to come to rest on the spot on which
it was placed, there is no penalty and the ball must
be replaced. If it still fails to come to rest on that spot:
(i) except in a hazard, it must be placed at the nearest spot
where it can be placed at rest that is not nearer the hole
and not in a hazard;
(ii) in a hazard, it must be placed in the hazard at the nearest
spot where it can be placed at rest that is not nearer
the hole.
If a 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.

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.

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
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.