Rule 1. The Game

1-1. General

The Game of Golf consists in playing a ball from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules.

1-2. Exerting Influence on Ball

No player or caddie shall take any action to influence the position or the movement of a ball except in accordance with the Rules.

(Removal of movable obstruction — see Rule 24-1.)

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 1-2:

Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.

Note: In the case of a serious breach of Rule 1-2, the Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification.

1-3. Agreement to Waive Rules

Players shall not agree to exclude the operation of any Rule or to waive any penalty incurred.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 1-3:

Match play - Disqualification of both sides;

Stroke play - Disqualification of competitors concerned.

(Agreeing to play out of turn in stroke play - see Rule 10-2c.

1-4. Points Not Covered by Rules

If any point in dispute is not covered by the Rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with equity.