W.W.G.S.
2019 R&A Rules of Golf
Click on the links in bold below for a full explanation of each rule
3 - Areas of the Course
Replace a Ball That Moves on Putting GreenAfter your ball has been lifted and replaced, if it then moves, always replace it on its original spot even if it was blown by the wind or moved for no clear reason.
Repairing Damage on the Putting GreenRepair of almost any damage is allowed on the putting green (including spike marks and animal damage).
Touching Line of Play on a Putting GreenNo penalty for touching your line of play on the putting green so long as doing so does not improve the conditions for your stroke.
Ball Played From Green Hits Flagstick in HoleNo penalty if your ball played from the putting green (or anywhere else) hits the unattended flagstick in the hole.
Areas the Club May Mark as Penalty AreasAreas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc. (in addition to areas of water) may now be marked as red or yellow “penalty areas.”
Touching Loose Impediments/Ground in Penalty AreaNo penalty for moving loose impediments, touching the ground, or grounding your club in a penalty area.
Expanded Use of Red-Marked Penalty AreasCommittees have the discretion to mark any penalty area as red so that lateral relief is always allowed.
Elimination of Opposite Side Relief Red Penalty AreasRelief from a red penalty area no longer allowed on the opposite side from where the ball last entered the penalty area.
Touching Loose Impediments or Sand in BunkerRelaxed Rules relating to loose impediments and touching the ground in a bunker.
Unplayable Ball in BunkerRelief allowed outside a bunker for an unplayable ball for two penalty strokes.