General
The Game of Golf consists of playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the rules.

Exerting influence on ball
A player or caddie must not take any action to influence the position or the movement of a ball except in accordance with the rules.
See: Removal of movable obstruction

Penalty for breach of this rule:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

Agreement to waive rules
Players must not agree to exclude the operation of any rule or to waive any penalty incurred.

Penalty for breach this rule:
Match play – Disqualification of both sides;
Stroke play – Disqualification of competitors concerned.

Points not covered by rules
If any point in dispute is not covered by the rules, the decision should be made in accordance with equity.