Rules of Golf - January 2023 =>

98 Rule 11 11.3 Deliberately Removing Objects or Altering Conditions to Affect Ball in Motion When a ball is in motion, a player must not deliberately take any of these actions to affect where that ball (whether the player’s own ball or another player’s ball) might come to rest: • Alter physical conditions by taking any of the actions listed in Rule 8.1a (such as replacing a divot or pressing down a raised area of turf ), or • Lift or remove: » A loose impediment (see Rule 15.1a, Exception 2), or » A movable obstruction (see Rule 15.2a, Exception 2). The player is in breach of this Rule for taking these deliberate actions even if the action does not affect where the ball comes to rest. Exception – Moving Flagstick, Ball at Rest on Putting Green and Player Equipment: This Rule does not prohibit a player from lifting or moving: • A removed flagstick, • A ball at rest on the putting green (see Rules 9.4, 9.5 and 14.1 for whether a penalty applies), or • Equipment belonging to any player (other than a ball at rest anywhere except the putting green or a ball-marker anywhere on the course). Removing the flagstick from the hole (including by attending it) while a ball is in motion is covered by Rule 13.2, not by this Rule. Penalty for Taking an Action that Is Not Allowed in Breach of Rule 11.3: General Penalty. See Rule 22.2 (in Foursomes, either partner may act for the side and action by the partner is treated as action of the player); 23.5 (in Four-Ball, either partner may act for the side and action by the partner concerning the player’s ball or equipment is treated as action of the player).

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTY=