Section 4: Players & Officials
Players (Rule 1.2)
Rule 1.2a requires all players to act with integrity (by following the Rules and being honest in all aspects of play), show consideration to others (by playing at a prompt pace, keeping noise down, and ensuring their safety), and take care of the course. Conduct that is considered seriously contrary to the spirit of the game may result in disqualification under Rule 1.2b, even if no specific Rule addresses the conduct.
Player Responsibilities During a Round
Under Rule 5.3, the player is responsible for starting on time at the correct teeing area. Under Rule 5.6a, the player must not delay play or allow play to be unreasonably slow. Under Rule 5.7a, a player must stop play immediately when the Committee signals suspension of play for a dangerous situation.
Caddies (Rule 10.3)
Rule 10.3a allows a player to have one caddie at a time to carry their clubs and provide advice and other assistance. Having more than one caddie at a time is a breach; the penalty is two strokes (stroke play) or loss of hole (match play) for each hole at which the breach occurs, with a maximum penalty of four strokes per round.
A caddie may assist the player in searching for the ball (Rule 7.1), tend the flagstick (Rule 13.2b), lift and replace the ball on the putting green (Rule 14.1b), mark the ball's position, and carry equipment. However, a caddie may not concede a putt or a hole in match play on the player's behalf, stand behind the player while they make a stroke (Rule 10.2b(4)), or physically assist the player's stance or swing.
Advice (Rule 10.2a): A player must not give advice to anyone in the competition except their partner (in four-ball or foursomes), and must not ask for advice from anyone other than their caddie or partner. "Advice" means any counsel or suggestion that could influence how a player plays, chooses a club, or makes a stroke. It does not include publicly available information such as the position of hazards or hole locations.
Order of Play
Match Play (Rule 6.4a): The player whose ball is farthest from the hole plays first ("honors" on the first tee goes to the player determined by the Committee or by lot). If a player plays out of turn in match play, the opponent may cancel the stroke and require the player to replay it in the correct order (no penalty, but the replay must be done promptly).
Stroke Play (Rule 6.4b): The player farthest from the hole plays first. Ready golf (playing when ready, out of strict order) is encouraged to improve pace and is not a breach, provided it does not unduly affect another player. Note: The Committee may adopt a Local Rule requiring strict order of play.
Referees and Committees
Referees (Rule 20.2): A referee is an official authorised by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules. A player must follow a referee's decision. A referee may intervene before or after a player makes a stroke, and may impose any penalty even if not requested.
The Committee (Rule 20.3): The Committee is responsible for organising and supervising the competition. It may adopt Local Rules for abnormal conditions, define the course, fix conditions of competition, and resolve rules disputes. Committee decisions on questions of fact are final.
Rules Issues During a Round (Rule 20.1): In stroke play, if players disagree on the application of a Rule, the player must play two balls under Rule 20.1c: one under the procedure they believe is correct and one under the other procedure. The player must report the facts to the Committee before returning the scorecard. The Committee then determines which ball counts.