Golf Rules :-

The rules of golf are a standard set of regulations and procedures by which the sport of golf should be played. They are jointly written and administered by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the sport's governing body in the United States and Mexico, and The R&A, the governing body in the rest of the world. The rule book, entitled "Rules of Golf", is published on a regular basis and also includes rules governing amateur status.

A central principle, although not one of the numbered rules, is found on the R&A rule book's back cover:

Play the ball as it lies, play the course as you find it, and if you cannot do either, do what is fair. But to do what is fair, you need to know the Rules of Golf. In addition to the rules golf adheres to a code of conduct, known as etiquette, which generally means playing the game with due respect for the golf course and other players.

Before commencing your round:

(1) Read the Local Rules on the score card.
(2) Put an identification mark on your ball. Many golfers play the same brand of ball and if you can't identify your ball, it's lost.
(3) Count your clubs. You are allowed a maximum of 14 clubs.

During the round, don't ask for "advice" from anyone except your partner or caddie. Don't give advice to anyone except your partner. During a hole you may not play a practice stroke.

PLAYING THE BALL

Play the ball as it lies. Don't improve your lie, the area of your intended swing or your line of play by moving, bending or breaking anything fixed or growing except in fairly taking your stance or making your swing. Don't press anything down or build a stance.

If your ball lies in a bunker or a water hazard don't touch the ground in the bunker, or the ground or water in the water hazard, before your downswing. The ball must be fairly struck, not pushed or spooned.