Rules of Golf

CIGA follows a uniform code of rules, which were developed by two independent bodies, the R&A and the United States Golf Association. These rules apply when playing golf in the Cayman Islands. CIGA promotes learning and playing by these rules for maximum enjoyment of the game.


Click on the 2008 Golf Rule Book to link to the R&A, St. Andrews website.

 

Ask The Ref!

If you have a question about rules, please send your question to info@ciga.ky.  We will respond with an answer as soon as possible, and will also post your question and your answer to the CIGA website.

Q1.  What happens if I play someone else's ball by mistake?
A1.  If you play another player's ball by mistake, that ball is a wrong ball, and Rule 15-3 applies. In match play you lose the hole. In stroke play, you incur a penalty of two strokes and must correct your error by playing the correct ball before teeing off at the next hole, or, in case of the last hole, leaving the putting green without intending to correct the  mistake. Failure to correct results in disqualification. Strokes made with a wrong ball do not count. The other player places a ball on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played.


Q2.  Can I play a provisional ball if my ball may be lost in a water hazard?
A2.  No. Under Rule 27-2, a provisional ball can only be played if the original ball may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds.


Q3.  Can I use a rangefinder?
A3.  The use of artificial devices (such as a rangefinder) to assist a player in making a stroke or in his play is prohibited by Rule 14-3. However, the Committee in charge of a competition may make a local rule allowing players that measure or gauge distance only.


Q4.  What happens if the wind blows my ball to a different position?
A4.  Generally speaking, if a ball at rest is moved by wind, it must be played from its new position. However, if any action of the player has caused the ball to move, or the player has addressed the ball and it susequently moves, the player iincurs a one stroke penalty and must replace the ball on its original position. If he plays it from its new position, he would be penalized two strokes.


Q5.  There is a leaf in the bunker immediately behind my ball. Can I remove it?
A5.  No. A leaf is a loose impediment and, under Rule 23, must not be removed when it is in the bunker that a player's ball lies in. If a player moves it, he incurs a penalty of two strokes.


Q6.  There is a stone in the bunker immediately behind my ball. Can I remove it?
A6.  Generally speaking, no. A stone is a loose impediment and, under Rule 23, must not be removed when it is in the bunker that a player's ball lies in. If a player moves it, he incurs a penalty of two strokes. However, a local rule may declare that stones in bunkers are deemed to be movable obstructions and, if such a rule is in force, the stone may be removed without penalty. Such a local rule is commonly applied in the Cayman Islands.