In golf, as in law, ignorance is no excuse.

Inadvertently lifting a ball without permission, or removing a certain type of obstruction, will lead to penalty strokes and possibly mean the difference between victory and defeat. The rules of golf have been formulated to ensure orderly play, resolve disputes and answer a host of questions about various likely scenarios. Every four years R&A (the governing body for the Rules of Golf) and the United States Golf Association agree any necessary amendments or clarifications to the rules.

This edition of Golf Rules Explained has been revised and updated to include all of the latest developments for the 2012-2015 period.

Following an extended introduction featuring points of etiquette, equipment, useful definitions and the rules of play, Golf Rules Explained outlines the rules in an easy-to-follow, plain-language form. What is or is not permissable on the putting green? What are the rules concerning a lost ball? What constitutes an outside agency? These and many more questions are answered thoroughly and comprehensively. Illustrated with over 100 colour photographs, and produced in handy-sized format, this book is your essential fairway companion.