Rules of Golf - Rule 22: Ball Assisting or Interfering
with Play
22-1. Ball Assisting Play
Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that a ball might
assist any other player, he may:
(a) lift the ball if it is his ball, or
(b) have any other ball lifted.
A ball lifted under this Rule must be replaced (see Rule 20-3). The ball
must not be cleaned unless it lies on the putting green (see Rule 21).
In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first rather
than lift the ball.
In stroke play, if the Committee determines that competitors have agreed
not to lift a ball that might assist any other player, they are
disqualified.
22-2. Ball Interfering with Play
Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that the ball of
another player might interfere with his play, he may have it lifted.
A ball lifted under this Rule must be replaced (see Rule 20-3). The ball
must not be cleaned unless it lies on the putting green (see Rule 21).
In stroke play, a player required to lift his ball may play first rather
than lift the ball.
Note: Except on the putting green, a player may not lift his ball solely
because he considers that it might interfere with the play of another
player. If a player lifts his ball without being asked to do so, he
incurs a penalty of one stroke for a breach of Rule 18-2a, but there is
no additional penalty under Rule 22.
Penalty for Breach of Rule:
Match play — Loss of hole; Stroke play — Two strokes.
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