R&A LEVEL 1 INTRODUCTORY RULES SCHOOL 2016 PREPARATION GUIDE

R&A LEVEL 1 INTRODUCTORY RULES SCHOOL 2016 PREPARATION GUIDE

Contents Welcome Introduction Level 1 Introductory Rules School Programme - Specimen Course Materials Preparation Recommendations How to Use the Rule Book Definitions Example Level 1 Examination Questions Example Level 1 Examination - Answers

WELCOME On behalf of The R&A, thank you for choosing to attend a Level 1 Introductory Rules School. Golf is a great game and one that I have been privileged to be a part of for many years. The Rules of Golf and etiquette are at the heart of golf and it is important that all golfers know the basic Rules for everyday situations like what to do when a ball is in a water hazard, or on an immovable obstruction, or unplayable; how and when to play a provisional ball, and what to do when a ball is lost. Equally important is a golfer s on-course behaviour: being respectful of others and of the course itself. The Level 1 programme is based on etiquette and these commonly occurring Rules as summarised in A Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf. Not everyone needs or wants to know the Rules in detail, but a knowledge of etiquette and the mostcommonly occurring Rules will help you enjoy your golf more, enable you to navigate your way around the course more easily, and it might even save you a precious stroke or two every now and then! In July 2013 The R&A launched an online Rules and etiquette course The Rules Academy. The Rules Academy was developed in order to reach as many golfers as possible around the world, particularly those that do not have the time or opportunity to attend any form of Rules course. While the Rules Academy is already proving to be successful, I believe that attending an actual Level 1 School has a number of benefits and advantages over any online experience, not least the following: the on-course practical demonstration is invaluable, delegates have the opportunity to ask questions of knowledgeable instructors, delegates can share their experiences and learn from each other, and valuable friendships and contacts are made. I hope, therefore, that you maximise the unique opportunities to learn when attending a Level 1 School. Enjoy the School. Have fun and good luck. DAVID RICKMAN Executive Director Rules and Equipment Standards

INTRODUCTION The R&A Rules Education Programme consists of three tiers, the aim being to increase the Rules knowledge of delegates as they progress through the three Levels. The Education Programme is designed to provide basic instruction for those newer to the game, as well as meeting the demands of more experienced officials looking for tournament specific guidance. Ideally, delegates should successfully complete each stage before progressing to the next Level, thus building a comprehensive Rules knowledge in the process. However, it is acknowledged that not everyone desires, or has the need, to complete all three Levels. The three Levels are: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Introductory Rules School Rules School Tournament Administrators and Referees School At each Level, the opportunity to sit the appropriate Exam (Level 1, 2 or 3) is made available. Level 3 Schools concentrate on the practical aspects of running and organising golf tournaments and refereeing. As such, delegates intent on attending a Level 3 School should ideally have some experience in organising events and refereeing. NOTE: This Preparation Guide has been supplied to you as a delegate attending a Level 1 Introductory Rules School. As such, it should not be copied, sold, or distributed to any other third party. R&A Level 1 Introductory Rules School The Level 1 Introductory Rules School is, in general, conducted over one day and focuses on Etiquette, the principal Definitions and the Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf; an on-course demonstration is a fundamental aspect of each School. Further details can be found in the Programme of Events. The R&A Level 1 Examination will be held as part of the School. The R&A Level 1 Examination is based on the Etiquette Section and the Quick Guide as contained in the 2016 edition of the Rules of Golf. The pass mark for the Level 1 Examination is 70% and whilst the Exam is optional, it is considered to be an important part of the School. All delegates are strongly recommended to take the Level 1 Exam before considering progressing to Level 2. The following pages provide guidance and sample questions for preparation purposes in advance of attending an Introductory Rules School.

Status of The R&A Level 1 Examination on the Rules of Golf The R&A Level 1 Examination is intended to equip individuals with a sound knowledge of the basic Rules of Golf. The Level 1 course and Examination does not discuss the Rules and etiquette in depth. Individuals intent on refereeing must strive to master the Rules and Decisions on the Rules of Golf in more detail: these are focused on in Levels 2 and 3. It is a matter for each National Union/Association affiliated to The R&A to decide how it regards The R&A Level 1 Examination, and whether it includes the Level 1 Examination, or any of the other Levels of examination, as part of its own national qualification process. Passing the Level 1 Examination does not mean that the individual has become an R&A Qualified Referee or R&A Rules Official, and it is not permissible for individuals to state that they are R&A Qualified Referees/Rules Officials. Any written examination, whether that of The R&A or a National Union/Association, should be seen simply as a stepping-stone to becoming a good referee. Although a good knowledge of the Rules is essential for any referee, in order to become proficient it is necessary to gain practical on-course experience. A National Union/Association may, therefore, make it a further requirement of its qualification process that refereeing skills are developed over a number of years at events that it organises or endorses. NOTE: No electronic devices are permitted to be used in the Exam.

R&A LEVEL 1 INTRODUCTORY RULES SCHOOL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 08.30 Registration 08.40 Introduction 08.50 Etiquette and Basic Principles of the Rules 09.30 Quick Guide General Points, Tee Shot and Playing the Ball SPECIMEN 10.00 Putting Green, Flagstick and Ball Moved, Deflected or Stopped 10.30 Tea/Coffee Break 11.00 Lifting, Dropping, Assisting, Interfering and Loose Impediments 11.30 Obstructions and Abnormal Ground Conditions 12.10 Embedded Ball and Water Hazards 12.30 Ball Lost, Out of Bounds or Unplayable 13.00 Lunch 14.00 On-Course Practical Demonstration 15.30 Tea/Coffee Break 16.00 R&A Level 1 Examination 17.00 Close of School

COURSE MATERIALS Please note that the Level 1 Introductory Rules School concentrates on the Etiquette Section (of the Rules of Golf) and the summary of the most commonly occurring Rules A Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf. Both of these can be found in the 2016 edition of the Rules of Golf. Each delegate should be provided with a complimentary copy of the Rules of Golf, A Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf and The Etiquette of Golf DVD. PREPARATION RECOMMENDATIONS Set aside some time each day at least a couple of weeks in advance of the School to do some preparation. For example: Watch the Padraig Harrington Quick Guide and Etiquette of Golf video at the following link: http://www.randa.org/rulesequipment/rules/quickguide/start Read the Etiquette Section of the Rules of Golf. Read a different section of A Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf each day. Review the abbreviated Definitions contained in this Preparation Guide. Once you have reviewed the abbreviated Definitions and A Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf, attempt the sample questions in this Preparation Guide, following the relevant instructions. For more information: The R&A s online Rules course the Rules Academy can be viewed at www.randa.org/rulesacademy. The content of the Rules Academy is closely related to that of a Level 1 Introductory Rules School; therefore, the Rules Academy is ideal preparation for attending a Level 1 School. The Rules of Golf and other Rules resources can be found online at the R&A s website, www.randa.org. To view the Rules online, click on Explore the Rules in the Rules of Golf section. There you will find the Rules, frequently asked questions, photos and videos illustrating and explaining the Rules. You can download, free of charge, the Rules of Golf App for the iphone (English, Chinese, German, Japanese and Spanish) and Android operating systems. Quiz Questions - test your knowledge at www.randa.org,.

HOW TO USE THE RULE BOOK Understand the Words The Rule book and the Quick Guide to the Rules of Golf are written in a very precise and deliberate fashion. You should be aware of and understand the following differences in word use: May = optional Should = recommendation Must = instruction (and penalty if not carried out) A ball = you may substitute another ball (e.g. Rules 26, 27 and 28) The ball = you must not substitute another ball (e.g. Rules 24-2 and 25-1) KNOW THE DEFINITIONS There are over fifty defined terms (e.g. abnormal ground condition, through the green, etc.) and these form the foundation around which the Rules of Play are written. A good knowledge of the defined terms (which are italicised throughout the book) is very important to the correct application of the Rules. Abbreviated Definitions Below are the defined terms used in the Level 1 Introductory Rules School. Some of them are abbreviated from those found in the Rules of Golf. Not all of the defined terms in the Rules of Golf are referenced at a Level 1 Introductory Rules School. A Abnormal Ground Conditions An abnormal ground condition is any casual water, ground under repair or hole, cast or runway on the course made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird. Addressing the Ball A player has "addressed the ball" when he has grounded his club immediately in front of or immediately behind the ball, whether or not he has taken his stance. Advice Advice is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. Information on the Rules, distance or matters of public information, such as the position of hazards or the flagstick on the putting green, is not advice. B Bunker A bunker is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like. Grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker is not part of the bunker. A wall or lip of the bunker not covered with grass is part of the bunker. Burrowing Animal A "burrowing animal" is an animal (other than a worm, insect or the like) that makes a hole for habitation or shelter, such as a rabbit, mole, groundhog, gopher or salamander.

C Caddie A "caddie" is one who assists the player in accordance with the Rules, which may include carrying or handling the player's clubs during play. Casual water Casual water is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Dew and frost are not casual water. Committee The Committee is the committee in charge of the competition or, if the matter does not arise in a competition, the committee in charge of the course. E Equipment Equipment is anything used, worn or carried by the player or anything carried for the player by his partner or either of their caddies, except any ball he has played at the hole being played. A ball played at the hole being played is equipment when it has been lifted and not put back into play. F Flagstick The flagstick is a movable straight indicator, with or without bunting or other material attached, centred in the hole to show its position. G General Penalty The term general penalty refers to a penalty of loss of hole in match or a penalty of two strokes in stroke play. Ground Under Repair Ground under repair is any part of the course so marked by the Committee. Ground under repair includes material piled for removal and a hole made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked. Grass cuttings and other material left on the course that have been abandoned and are not intended to be removed are not ground under repair unless so marked. H Hazards A hazard is any bunker or water hazard. Hole The hole must be 4¼ inches (108 mm) in diameter and at least 4 inches (101.6 mm) deep. If a lining is used, it must be sunk at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) below the putting green surface. 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.

L Lateral Water Hazard A lateral water hazard is 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 keeping a straight line to the hole. Line of Play The line of play is the direction that 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 of putt is the line that the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke on the putting green. The line of putt includes a reasonable distance on either side of the intended line. The line of putt does not extend beyond the hole. Loose Impediments Loose impediments are natural objects, including: o stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like, o worms, insects and the like, and the casts and heaps made by them, provided they are not: o fixed or growing, o solidly embedded, or o adhering to the ball. Sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green, but not elsewhere. Dew and frost are not loose impediments. Lost Ball A ball is deemed lost if: a. 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 b. The player has made a stroke at a provisional ball from the place where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place (see Rule 27-2b); or c. The player has put another ball into play under penalty of stroke and distance. M Marker A marker is one who is appointed by the Committee to record a competitor s score in stroke play. Move or Moved A ball is deemed to have moved if it leaves its position and comes to rest in any other place. N Nearest Point of Relief The nearest point of relief is the reference point for taking relief without penalty from interference by an immovable obstruction, an abnormal ground condition or a wrong putting green. It is the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies: (i) (ii) that is not nearer the hole, and where, if the ball were so positioned, no interference by the condition from which relief is sought would exist for the stroke the player would have made from the original position if the condition were not there.

O Obstruction An obstruction is anything artificial, except: a. Objects defining out of bounds, such as walls, fences, stakes and railings; b. Any part of an immovable artificial object that is out of bounds; and c. Any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course. An obstruction is a movable obstruction if it may be moved without unreasonable effort, without unduly delaying play and without causing damage. Otherwise, it is an immovable obstruction. Opponent An opponent is a member of a side against whom the player s side is competing in match play. Out of Bounds Out of bounds is beyond the boundaries of the course or any part of the course so marked by the Committee. When out of bounds is defined by reference to stakes or a fence or as being beyond stakes or a fence, the out of bounds line is determined by the nearest inside points at ground level of the stakes or fence posts. A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds. A player may stand out of bounds to play a ball lying within bounds. Outside Agency In match play, an outside agency is any agency other than either the player s or opponent s side, any caddie or either side, any ball played by either side at the hole being played or any equipment of either side. In stroke play, an outside agency is any agency other than the competitor s side, any caddie of the side, any ball played by the side at the hole being played or any equipment of the side. An outside agency includes a referee, a marker, an observer and a forecaddie. Neither wind or water is an outside agency. P Partner A partner is a player associated with another player on the same side. Penalty Stroke A penalty stroke is one added to the score of a player or side under certain Rules. Provisional Ball A provisional ball is a ball played under Rule 27-2 for a ball that may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds. Putting Green The putting green is all ground of the hole being played that is specially prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such by the Committee. A ball is on the putting green when any part of it touches the putting green. S Stance Taking the stance consists in a player placing his feet in position for and preparatory to making a stroke. Stroke A stroke is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball, but if a player checks his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches the ball he has not made a stroke.

T Teeing Ground The teeing ground is the starting place for the hole to be played. It is a rectangular area two club-lengths in depth, the front and the sides of which are defined by the outside limits of two tee-markers. A ball is outside the teeing ground when all of it lies outside the teeing ground. Through the Green Through the green is the whole area of the course except: a. The teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played; and b. All hazards on the course. W Water Hazard A water hazard is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature on the course. All ground and water within the margin of a water hazard are part of the water hazard. Wrong Ball A wrong ball is any ball other than the player s: o ball in play; o provisional ball; or o second ball played under Rule 3-3 or Rule 20-7c in stroke play.

EXAMPLE R&A LEVEL 1 EXAM QUESTIONS The R&A Level 1 Exam consists of: Part A - 30 Multiple Choice questions (30 marks) Part B - Four Holes with the Rules questions (20 marks) Total Exam = 50 marks The pass mark is 70% Duration 1 hour Notes on Part A - Multiple Choice Questions Please answer each question A, B or C by marking an X in the appropriate box on the answer sheet. A sample answer sheet follows after the questions. A correct answer will be awarded one mark. Marks are not deducted for a wrong answer, so try to answer all the questions, even if you are not sure of the correct answer. Example Question Which of the following statements is true? A. A player should stand on another player s line of putt. B. A player should cast a shadow over another player s line of putt. C. A player should avoid standing on another player s line of putt. Question Answer 1 C

R&A LEVEL 1 EXAM PART A - SAMPLE QUESTIONS 1. Which of the following statements is true: A. Players should walk immediately to the next tee as soon as they have holed out B. Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all the players in the group have holed out C. Players should practice their putting while the other players in the group hole out 2. In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should: A. Write down all the scores of the player he is marking for at the end of the round B. Check the score with the player he is marking for after each hole and record it C. Get his caddie to mark the score card on his behalf 3. Which of the following statements is true: A. It is a group s responsibility to keep up with the group in front B. It is a group s responsibility to stay ahead of the group behind C. It is a group s responsibility not to let another group play through 4. Through the green, a player has addressed the ball when he has: A. Grounded his club B. Taken his stance C. Ground his club and taken his stance 5. Which of the following is not advice: A. Suggesting to another player what club he should use B. Telling another player the position of the flagstick on the putting green C. Suggesting a swing alteration to another player 6. The margin of a bunker extends: A. Vertically downwards, but not upwards B. Vertically upwards, but not downwards C. Vertically upwards and downwards 7. Which of the following statements is true: A. Manufactured ice is casual water B. Manufactured ice is an obstruction C. Manufactured ice is a loose impediment 8. A fellow-competitor is: A. Any person on the course B. An opponent C. Any person with whom the competitor plays with in a competition 9. The following is always part of an area of ground under repair: A. Any growing thing within the ground under repair B. Anything overhanging the ground under repair C. A stake defining ground under repair 10. A hole must be: A. 4 inches (101.6mm) in diameter B. 4 ¼ inches (108mm) in diameter C. 4 ½ inches (114.4mm) in diameter

11. Which of the following is a loose impediment: A. An embedded stone B. A live worm C. A branch attached to a tree 12. An observer is: A. One who is appointed by the Committee to assist a referee B. One who is appointed by the player to assist him with the Rules C. One who is appointed by the referee to assist him 13. A ball is out of bounds when: A. All of it is out of bounds B. More than half of it is out of bounds C. Part of it is out of bounds 14. The teeing ground is: A. One club-length in depth B. Two club-lengths in depth C. Three club-lengths in depth 15. Stakes and/or lines used to define the margin of a water hazard must be: A. Yellow B. Red C. White 16. The maximum number of clubs that a player may start a round with is: A. Ten B. Fourteen plus a putter C. Fourteen 17. During a stipulated round, a player may ask advice from: A. An opponent or fellow-competitor B. An outside agency C. His partner 18. Before a player makes a stroke with any ball on the teeing ground, the tee-markers are: A. Movable obstructions B. Deemed to be fixed C. Immovable obstructions 19. The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with: A. The fellow-competitor B. The player C. The caddie 20. A player is not penalised if he: A. Touches the ground in a bunker as a result of falling B. Touches the ground in a bunker with his club C. Touches the ground in a bunker with his hand 21. If a player s club strikes the ball more than once, the player must: A. Add two penalty strokes to his score B. Count the stroke and add a penalty stroke C. Cancel and replay the stroke

22. The penalty for playing a wrong ball from the fairway in stroke play is: A. One stroke B. Two strokes C. Loss of hole 23. Which of the following statements is true: A. A ball on the putting green may be marked, lifted but not cleaned B. A ball on the putting green may always be lifted and cleaned, without having its position marked C. A ball on the putting green may be marked, lifted and cleaned 24. If a player s ball at rest is moved by an outside agency, the player must: A. Play the ball as it lies without penalty B. Replace the ball without penalty C. Replace the ball under penalty of one stroke 25. In stroke play, the penalty for making a stroke at a ball that has been dropped from lower than shoulder height is: A. One stroke B. Two strokes C. Loss of hole 26. Which of the following must not be removed from a bunker: A. A rake B. A leaf C. A pencil 27. Through the green, a player has interference from an immovable obstruction when it interferes with: A. His line of play B. His lie, stance, area of intended swing and line of play C. His lie of the ball 28. If a player is taking relief from casual water in a bunker, the ball must be: A. Dropped B. Dropped or placed, at the choice of the player C. Placed 29. A player cannot play a provisional ball: A. After another player has made a stroke B. After he has gone forward to search for the original ball C. In match play 30. A ball cannot be deemed unplayable when it lies: A. On the fairway B. In a bunker C. In a water hazard

R&A LEVEL 1 EXAM SAMPLE ANSWER SHEET PART A Multiple Choice Question Answer Question Answer 1 16 2 17 3 18 4 19 5 20 6 21 7 22 8 23 9 24 10 25 11 26 12 27 13 28 14 29 15 30

Notes on Part B Four Holes with the Rules Questions Part B of the Level 1 Exam involves assisting John with the Rules around four holes of golf. John is a player in a stroke play competition. Mark down John s penalty strokes for each question relating to the hole in the appropriate box provided. If you think there is no penalty, you must write 0 in the box to indicate this. A correct answer will be awarded one mark. Each Hole consists of 5 questions, i.e. 5 marks per Hole. Marks are not deducted for a wrong answer, so try to answer all the questions, even if you are not sure of the correct answer. A sample answer sheet follows the questions. Example Question Hole 1 1. John did not put an identification mark on his ball and tees off. 2. John s ball had landed in a bunker in front of a twig, so he removed the twig so it would not interfere with his swing. Penalty Strokes 1 0 2 2

R&A LEVEL 1 EXAM PART B - SAMPLE QUESTIONS Hole 1 1. John hits his tee shot out of bounds and plays another ball from the tee onto the fairway. 2. He consults his yardage book before selecting a club and hits his next shot into a water hazard. 3. He retrieves his ball and drops it outside the water hazard, keeping the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard between him and the hole, and plays his stroke onto the putting green. 4. He repairs spike marks on his line of putt and putts the ball close to the hole. 5. He marks, lifts and cleans the ball and then replaces it and holes the putt. Hole 2 1. John plays from the wrong teeing ground, realises his error and then plays from the correct teeing ground onto the fairway. 2. His next stroke comes to rest in a water hazard. He decides to play the ball as it lies in the water hazard, but moves a water hazard stake that is on his line of play. His shot comes to rest in a bunker. 3. He falls as he is getting into the bunker and touches the sand with his hand. He then plays the ball out close to the putting green. 4. His ball interferes with a fellow-competitor s ball and he is asked to lift his ball. He does so, but fails to mark the ball s position. He replaces the ball and plays on to the putting green. 5. He marks his ball with a tee and lifts it. He replaces the ball and holes the putt. Hole 3 1. John decides not to use a tee peg and hits his tee shot into the deep rough. 2. He finds a ball immediately and plays it onto the fairway and then realises that it was not his ball. 3. He goes back to the rough, searches for two minutes and finds his ball. He then hits it into a bunker. 4. Prior to playing a stroke from the right-hand side of the bunker, he smooths some footprints that lie on the far left of the bunker to save time and tidy the bunker. He plays the ball on to the putting green. 5. He walks ahead of his ball and takes a practice swing on his line of putt, and touches the line in the process. He then holes the putt. Hole 4 1. John pulls out some grass from behind his ball on the teeing ground and hits his tee shot, which comes to rest in a lateral water hazard. 2. From the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard, John measures three club-lengths and drops his ball just inside the third club-length. He plays the ball from this spot onto the fairway. 3. John moves stones from around the ball, but his ball does not move. 4. John then kicks his ball by mistake and replaces it on the spot from which it was moved. 5. John removes sand from his line of putt with his club and holes the putt.

R&A LEVEL 1 EXAM SAMPLE ANSWER SHEET PART B - 4 Holes of Golf Hole 1 1 2 3 4 5 Penalty Strokes Hole 2 1 2 3 4 5 Penalty Strokes Hole 3 1 2 3 4 5 Penalty Strokes Hole 4 1 2 3 4 5 Penalty Strokes

PART A ANSWERS TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS Question Answer Question Answer 1 B 16 C 2 B 17 C 3 A 18 B 4 A 19 B 5 B 20 A 6 A 21 B 7 B 22 B 8 C 23 C 9 A 24 B 10 B 25 A 11 B 26 B 12 A 27 C 13 A 28 A 14 B 29 B 15 A 30 C

PART B ANSWERS TO FOUR HOLES OF GOLF Hole 1 Penalty Strokes 1 1 2 0 3 1 4 2 5 0 Hole 2 Penalty Strokes 1 2 2 0 3 0 4 1 5 0 Hole 3 Penalty Strokes 1 0 2 2 3 0 4 0 5 2 Hole 4 Penalty Strokes 1 0 2 3 3 0 4 1 5 0