Golf Rules and Definitions
More definitions of Golf - F thru L
Flag stick
The movable straight indicator, with or without bunting or other material attached,
centered in the hole to show its position. It shall be circular in cross-section.
Ground Under Repair
Ground under repair is considered any part of the course that is marked by order
of the Committee or so declared by its authorized representative. It includes
material piled for removal and a hole made by a green keeper, even if not so
marked. All ground and any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing within the
ground under repair is part of the ground under repair. The margin of ground
under repair extends vertically downwards, but not upwards. Stakes and lines
defining ground under repair are in such ground such stakes are obstructions.
A ball is in ground under repair when it lies in or any part of it touches the
ground under repair.
Hazards
Any bunker or water hazard.
Hole
The “hole’’ shall be 4¼ inches in diameter and at least 4 inches
deep. If a lining is used, it
shall be sunk at least 1 inch below the putting green surface
unless the nature of the soil makes it impracticable to do so; its outer diameter shall not exceed 4¼
inches.
Holed
A ball is “holed’’ when it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all
of it is below the level of the lip of the hole.
Honour
The player who is to play first from the teeing ground is said to have the “honour.’’
Lateral Water Hazard
A water hazard or that part of a water hazard so situated that it is not possible
or is deemed by the Committee to be impracticable to drop a ball behind the
water hazard in accordance with That part of a water hazard to be played as
a lateral water hazard should be distinctively marked. A ball is in a lateral
water hazard when it lies in or any part of it touches the lateral water hazard.
Line of Play
The direction which the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke, plus a reasonable distance on either side
of the intended direction. The line of play extends vertically upwards from the ground, but does not extend beyond
the hole.
Line of Putt
The line which the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke on the putting green. The line of putt does not
extend beyond the hole.
Loose Impediments
Natural objects such as stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like, worms and insects and casts or heaps made by
them, provided they are not fixed or growing, are not solidly embedded and do not adhere to the ball. Sand and
loose soil are considered loose impediments on the putting green, but not elsewhere. Snow and natural ice, other
than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player.
Lost Ball
A ball is “lost’’ when it is not found or identified as his by the player within five minutes after
the player’s side or his or their caddies have begun to search for it; or if the player has put another ball
into play under the Rules, even though he may not have searched for the original ball; or the player has played any
stroke with a provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the
hole than that place, whereupon the provisional ball becomes the ball in play.
