Rule 10: Preparing for and Making a Stroke; Advice and Help; Caddies

The ball must be fairly struck with any part of the head of the club, not with the shaft or the grip.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1a · recall

There must be only momentary contact between club and ball; the ball must not be pushed, scraped or scooped.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1a · recall

An accidental double hit is still one stroke and there is no penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1a · applied

Pushing or raking the ball is not fairly striking it, a breach of Rule 10.1a with the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1a, Penalty · applied

Scooping the ball breaches the requirement to fairly strike at it with momentary contact.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1a · applied

The toe is part of the clubhead, so striking with it is a fair stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1a · applied

A stroke made in breach of Rule 10.1 counts, and in stroke play the player also gets two penalty strokes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1, Penalty · recall

The accidental second contact changes nothing: one stroke, and the ball is played from where it stops.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1a · applied

A fair stroke is a swing at the ball with only a brief contact with the clubhead.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1a · recall

A swings the head through the ball with brief contact. B pushes the ball along, C scoops it, and D hits it with the grip end rather than the head.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1a · applied

Rule 10.1b prohibits anchoring the club, directly or through an anchor point. Grip position and putter length are not restricted by it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b · recall

Holding the club against the body is direct anchoring. A long putter may be used, but not anchored.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b · applied

The club or a gripping hand may be held against a hand or forearm. It only matters what touches the body.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b · applied

Indirect anchoring holds a forearm against the body so that a gripping hand becomes a stable point for the other hand to swing around.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b · recall

A brush against clothing is not holding the arm there, so no anchor exists.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b · applied

For Rule 10.1b the forearm is the part of the arm below the elbow joint, including the wrist.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b · recall

Anchoring is banned for every stroke, not only putts. In stroke play the stroke counts and two penalty strokes are added.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b; Rule 10.1, Penalty · applied

The anchored stroke stands, and the two penalty strokes go on the score for that hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b; Rule 10.1, Penalty · applied

A long putter is fine once the club and the gripping hands are kept off the body.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b · applied

D holds the grip along the forearm with the arms clear of the body. A anchors on the chest, B clamps a forearm to the chest and C presses the club into the stomach.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1b · applied

A player must not deliberately place a foot on each side of the line of play, or deliberately touch it with either foot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c · recall

Rule 10.1c covers the line of play and its extension behind the ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c · recall

There is no penalty if the stance is taken to avoid another player's line of play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c, Exception · applied

The Rule targets deliberate placing; a stance taken accidentally brings no penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c, Exception · applied

For this Rule only, the line of play does not include the reasonable distance on either side that it normally does.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c · recall

Croquet-style putting puts one foot on each side of the line behind the ball, so the general penalty applies.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c · applied

The Rule is about a foot deliberately placed on each side of, or on, the line or its extension.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c · recall

Before the stroke there is no breach yet; a new stance beside the ball keeps it within the Rule.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c · applied

The hole sits at the far end, the line runs back to the ball, and beyond it lies the extension.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c · recall

B straddles the extension of the line behind the ball. A, C and D stand beside the ball, with both feet on one side of the line.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1c · applied

A ball in play is moving when it is not at rest on a spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1d · recall

A ball that only wobbles and stays on or returns to its spot is treated as being at rest.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1d · applied

Hitting a ball falling off a tee is covered by Rule 6.2b(5): the stroke counts and there is no penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1d, Exception 2; Rule 6.2b(5) · applied

A ball moving in water in a penalty area or in temporary water may be played without penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1d, Exception 3 · applied

The player must not unreasonably delay play to let the current or wind move the ball to a better place.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1d, Exception 3; Rule 5.6a · applied

The penalty for a breach of Rule 10.1 is the general penalty, which in match play is loss of hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1, Penalty · applied

The three are movement that began after the backswing, a ball falling off a tee, and a ball moving in water.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1d · recall

Playing a ball moving in water is allowed, as long as the player does not wait unreasonably for a better spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1d, Exception 3 · applied

Once the stroke has begun, a ball falling off the tee is played as it is struck.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 6.2b(5) · applied

D's ball was rolling down the slope before the stroke began. A fell off the tee, B is in water and C only wobbles, so none of those is penalised.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.1d · applied

A stroke is the forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke · recall

A player who decides during the downswing not to strike, and stops the clubhead before the ball, has not made a stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke · applied

The swing was made to strike the ball, so the miss is a stroke and counts in the score.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke · applied

If the player cannot stop, deliberately missing the ball also means no stroke has been made.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke · applied

Accidentally striking the ball in a practice swing is not a stroke. The player has moved the ball: one penalty stroke and it is replaced.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke; Rule 9.4 · applied

A score in strokes means all strokes made and any penalty strokes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke; Rule 3.1c · recall

Under the Definitions, playing a ball means the same as making a stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke · recall

Stopping the clubhead deliberately before it reaches the ball means no stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke · applied

A genuine attempt that misses is a stroke, and the ball is still where it lay.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke · applied

C swung through the ball's spot to hit it and missed, which is a stroke. A is a practice swing, B stopped the downswing and D has only soled the club.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Stroke · applied

Apart from a partner or the partner's caddie, the player's own caddie is the only person they may ask for advice.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2a; Definition of Caddie · recall

Asking anyone other than one's caddie for advice is a breach, whether or not an answer comes back.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2a, Penalty · applied

Distances between points are public information, so asking for one is not asking for advice.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Advice · applied

The location of things on the course, distances, wind direction and the Rules are public information.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Advice · recall

Touching another player's equipment to learn what would be advice is a breach of Rule 10.2a.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2a · applied

When both players are between two holes, the penalty is applied on the next hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2a, Penalty · applied

The advice Rule does not apply before a round, while play is stopped or between rounds.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2a · applied

Asking one's own caddie is the allowed route to advice.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2a · applied

When either player is playing a hole, the penalty is applied on the hole being played.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2a, Penalty · applied

B asks another competitor which club to hit. A asks their own caddie, and C (a distance) and D (the Rules) ask for public information.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2a; Definition of Advice · applied

Setting an object down to help with aiming or taking a stance is a breach, and removing it before the stroke does not avoid the penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(3) · applied

A mark made in sand or dew for a similar purpose is treated the same way as an object set down.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(3) · applied

A ball-marker used to mark the spot of a ball is outside Rule 10.2b(3).

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(3) · applied

A self-standing putter may be used for strokes, but setting it down to show the line is help with aiming.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Clarification 10.2b/1 · applied

An object is set down only when it touches the ground and the player is not holding it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Clarification 10.2b(3)/1 · applied

Away from the putting green, a person may stand as a target as long as they move away before the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(2) · applied

A caddie must not stand in a position for the player to play towards while the stroke is made.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(1) · applied

Once an object has been set down to help, taking it away before the stroke does not cancel the breach.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(1) · applied

Pointing out an object such as a tree that shows the line is giving public information.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(2) · applied

A has laid a club on the ground along the feet. B's coin marks the spot, C is still holding the club, and D shows someone attending the flagstick.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(3) · applied

It applies from when the player begins taking the stance, with at least one foot in position, until the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · recall

The zone runs back from the ball, opposite the target, hugging that extended direction.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · recall

Standing there to help with aiming is a breach even if the caddie moves away before the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · applied

There is no penalty if the player backs away and the caddie leaves before the stance is taken again.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · applied

Help other than aiming allows the caddie in the area if they move away before the stroke and it is not part of a routine.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · applied

There is no penalty if the caddie was inadvertently standing in the restricted area.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · applied

The Rule does not stop someone other than the caddie standing there to help follow the ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · applied

Backing away resets things, as long as the caddie is gone before the stance begins again.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · applied

The restriction covers the time from the start of the stance until the stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · recall

A stands on the extension behind the ball while the player is in the stance. B is to one side, C attends the flagstick, and in D the player has not yet begun a stance.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(4) · applied

A stroke must not be made with the caddie deliberately positioned to protect the player from the elements.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(5) · applied

Players may take their own actions against the elements, such as protective clothing or holding their own umbrella.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(5) · applied

A person not deliberately positioned by the player may be asked to stay or to move.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(5) · applied

A player must not have more than one caddie at any one time.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3a(1) · recall

Caddies may be changed, but not temporarily for the sole purpose of getting advice from the new one.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3a(1) · applied

Anyone who carries, transports or handles the player's clubs during play is the player's caddie, named or not.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definition of Caddie; Rule 10.3a(1) · applied

If no player directed the action and no ball was involved, all players sharing the caddie get the penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3a(2) · applied

Shelter is fine until the stroke; the caddie must not still be holding it there while the stroke is made.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(5) · applied

The general penalty applies for each hole during which the player had more than one caddie.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3a, Penalty · applied

In A the caddie shelters the player during the swing. B relies on their own waterproofs, C's caddie is well away, and D is sheltered while reading a putt, not during a stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.2b(5) · applied

Searching is on the list of actions a caddie may always take; dropping, conceding and deciding on relief are not.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3b(1) · recall

A caddie may not drop or place a ball in taking relief; the player must do it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3b(3); Rule 14.3b · applied

On the putting green the caddie may mark, lift and replace the ball, and may replace a ball they lifted.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3b(1); Rule 14.2b · applied

Off the green this lift needs the player's specific authorisation each time; without it the player gets one stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3b(2); Rule 14.1b · applied

Conceding a stroke, a hole or the match is one of the things a caddie may not do.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3b(3); Rule 3.2b · applied

The player answers for the caddie during a round and while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a, but not before or after.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3c · recall

Where a Rule depends on what the player knows, their knowledge includes whatever the caddie knows.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3c · applied

The caddie may advise, but the player decides; once that is clear the caddie may lift, and the player drops.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3b · applied

Authorisation must be given for that lift, not generally for the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3b(2) · applied

Dropping a ball in a relief area (B) is for the player alone. Raking a bunker (A), marking and lifting on the green (C) and searching (D) are allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 10.3b · applied