RULE 13

“Play the ball as it lies, and the course as you find it.”
- Traditional Golfing Wisdom

Many golfers lament the length and complexity of the Rules of Golf, and it has often been claimed that the game could be palyed perfectly well with fewer rules. It has been suggested that stating the two principles suffice. Our present Rule 13 combines these two basic principles.

Richard S. Tufts emphasized their importance in 1960 in his excellent collection of essays, “The Principles Behind the Rules of Golf.”

One of the great features of golf is that it tests the player’s ability to execute a great assortment of strokes under a perplexing variety of conditions. Golf would cease to be a game of skill if the player were permitted to get the best of conditions which confront him through their elimination rather than to overcome tem by the expert execution of his stroke…the acceptance of the conditions which the player finds on the course is therefore a vital part of the game.

Rule 13: Ball Played as it Lies
13-1. The ball shall be played as it lies, except otherwise provided in the Rules.
A. Improving lie, area of intended stance or swing, or line of play.
B. Building stance.
C. Ball in hazard.
(See the Rules of Golf for a more detailed explanation of Rule 13.)

Common Violations
- Pressing down behind the ball so that it sits up better.
- During a practice swing, a branch is snapped or leaves removed and the next stroke is easier to play.
- Brushing aside or lifting sand or loose soil on the apron of a putting green.
- Bending with a hand a branch obscuring the ball after taking a stance.
- Your ball is in a hazard and you move a loose impediment in the hazard. (Loose impediments include stones and leaves.)

For other questions on the Rules of Golf, check out the other articles in NOGA's USGA Rules Corner! Play well, and get to know the Rules of Golf!