as approved by THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION® and THE ROYAL AND ANCIENT GOLF CLUB OF ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND

Copyright© 2001 by THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION
All Rights Reserved

PREFACE
This publication contains permissable modifications to the Rules of Golf for use by disabled golfers. This is not intended to be a revision of the Rules of Golf as they apply to able-bodied players. As is the case for the Rules of Golf themselves, these modifications, along with the philosophy expressed herein, have been agreed upon by the United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland.

A MODIFICATION OF THE RULES OF GOLF FOR GOLFERS WITH DISABILITIES

In modifying the Rules of Golf for golfers with disabilities, the desired result should allow the disabled golfer to play equitably with an able-bodied individual or a golfer with another type of disability. It is important to understand that this critical objective will occasionally result in a modification to a Rule which may seem unfair at first glance because a more simplified answer may appear to exist when two golfers with the same disability are playing against one another.

From a practical standpoint, it is useful to subdivide disabled golfers into groups, each one of which has a need for somewhat different Rules modifications. Five such groups are easily identified. They are blind golfers, amputee golfers, golfers requiring canes or crutches, golfers requiring wheelchairs, and mentally handicapped golfers.

BLIND GOLFERS

Definition of "Coach"

The status of the coach and the duties which he may perform should be defined clearly. Without such clarification, it would be difficult, for example, to determine how a blind golfer must proceed if his ball were to strike his or another player's coach after a stroke. Therefore, the following definition is recommended:

Coach

A "coach" is one who assists a blind golfer in addressing the ball and with alignment prior to the stroke. A coach has the same status under the Rules as a caddie.

Note: A player may ask for and receive advice from his coach.

Rule 6-4 (Caddie)

There is nothing in the Rules which would prohibit the coach of a blind golfer from functioning as his caddie. For a variety of reasons, however, a coach may not be able to perform the duties of a caddie. Therefore, it is permissible for a blind golfer to have both a coach and a caddie. In such circumstances, however, the coach may not carry or handle the player's clubs except in helping the player take his stance or align himself prior to making the stroke, or in assisting him as permitted by analogy to Decision 6-4/4.5. Otherwise, the player would be subject to disqualification for having more than one caddie.

Rule 8-1 (Advice)

In view of the Definition of "Coach," it is recommended that Rule 8-1 be modified as follows:

8-1. Advice

During a stipulated round, a player shall not give advice to anyone in the competition except his partner. A player may ask for advice during a stipulated round from only his partner, either of their caddies or, if applicable, their coaches.

Rule 13-4b (Grounding Club in Hazard)

The following additional Exception under Rule 13-4 is permissible:

Exceptions:

3. Provided nothing is done which constitutes testing the condition of the hazard or improves the lie of the ball, there is no penalty if a blind golfer grounds his club in a hazard preparatory to making a stroke. However, the player is deemed to have addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.

Rule 16-1f (Position of Caddie or Partner)

Due to the complexities involved in aligning a blind golfer on the putting green, it may be difficult or unreasonable to expect the blind golfer and his coach to comply with Rule 16-1f. Therefore, there is no penalty if a player's coach positions himself on or close to an extension of the line of putt behind the ball during a stroke played from the putting green provided the coach does not assist the player in any other manner during the stroke.

However, given the intent of Rule 16-1f, it may be appropriate to prohibit a coach from remaining in a position which contravenes this Rule if he is performing the duties of a coach or a caddie for two different players simultaneously.

AMPUTEE GOLFERS

At the present time, the only significant issue with respect to amputee golfers is the status of prosthetic devices. Decision 14-3/15 clarifies the USGA's position on such devices and is included herein for reference.

14-3/15 Artificial Limbs

An artificial leg or arm is not an artificial device within the meaning of the term in Rule 14-3, even if an artificial leg has been modified to aid the player in playing the game or an artificial arm has a fitting specially designed for gripping a golf club. However, if the Committee believes that an artificial limb so modified would give a player an undue advantage over other players, the Committee has authority to deem it to be an artificial device contrary to Rule 14-3.

Clubs used by a player with an artificial arm must conform with Rule 4-1 except that an attachment may be fitted to the grip or shaft to assist the player to hold the club. However, if the Committee believes that the use of a club modified in this way would give the player an undue advantage over other players, it should deem the attachment an artificial device contrary to Rule 14-3.

The USGA Rules of Golf Committee is in the process of examining the much larger issue of medical devices and their conformance under Rule 14-3. While that analysis has not been completed, the position expressed in Decision 14-3/15 is not likely to change.

A potential issue for some lower extremity amputee golfers who wear a prosthesis is their inability to climb into or out of bunkers, a situation which probably occurs rather infrequently. On that basis, Rule 28 (Unplayable Ball) should govern without further modification.

GOLFERS REQUIRING CANES OR CRUTCHES

Definition of "Stance"

The use of assistive devices raises the question of what constitutes taking the stance. This is a critical element in determining relief from an immovable obstruction (Rule 24-2) and abnormal ground conditions (Rule 25-1) and whether or not a player is subject to penalty if his ball moves prior to his playing a stroke. The following Definition is recommended:

Stance

Taking the "stance" consists in a player who is using an assistive device placing the device and, if applicable, his feet in position for and preparatory to making a stroke. The assistive device is deemed to be part of the player's stance.

Rule 6-4 (Caddie)

By analogy to Decision 6-4/4.5, someone, including another caddie or player, who assists a player with the retrieval of his ball is not acting as the player's caddie. Such an act does not constitute a breach of Rule 6-4, which prohibits a player from having more than one caddie at any one time under penalty of disqualification.

Rule 13-2 (Improving Lie, Area of Intended Swing or Line of Play)

The interpretation of what constitutes a player "fairly taking his stance" is one of the most difficult judgment calls in golf. Whereas most of the Rules of Golf are objective, this Rule is highly subjective. Decision 13-2/1 (Explanation of "Fairly Taking His Stance") lends some clarification to this phrase, but significant gray areas remain. The disabled golfer who is using an assistive device is entitled to bend or even break the branches of a tree or bush in order to fairly take his stance. However, he may not use the device to deliberately hold back branches which would otherwise interfere with the area of his intended swing or line of play. There is not, nor will there probably ever be, a substitute for the judgment required to interpret this Rule.

Rule 13-3 (Building Stance)

The use of assistive devices by disabled golfers does not constitute building a stance within the meaning of the term in Rule 13-3. However, there may be an issue with regard to assistive devices which may be adjusted to various positions during a stipulated round. The USGA Rules of Golf Committee is considering this issue in the course of reviewing medical devices and their conformance under Rule 14-3.

Another issue relating to this Rule concerns the following query:

If a player builds a stance so that his supporting crutch does not slip during the swing, is he in breach of this Rule?

This is an interesting question, because the answer is also dependent on the concept of "fairly taking his stance" (Rule 13-2).

A player who "builds a stance" by creating a raised mound of soil against which he braces his crutch would be in breach of Rule 13-3 for building a stance. However, a certain amount of "digging in" with the feet is permitted. By analogy, this would allow for some "digging in" with an assistive device in an effort to prevent slipping, but there is a point beyond which the player would be in violation of "fairly taking his stance." As noted in the discussion of Rule 13-2 above, this is a very subjective determination which the Committee must make after considering all of the circumstances.

Rule 13-4a (Testing the Condition of the Hazard) and Rule 13-4b (Touching the Ground in the Hazard)

By analogy to Decision 13-4/22 (Rake Handle Stuck in Bunker Before Stroke), it could be argued that a disabled golfer who enters a bunker with a cane or crutches is testing the condition of that hazard and, therefore, is subject to penalty. However, the intent of Decision 13-4/22 is to clarify that a player may not gain additional information about the condition of a hazard through actions other than those which are necessary to allow him to reach his ball and take his stance. Therefore, a player who enters a hazard with canes or crutches would not be in breach of Rules 13-4a or 13-4b provided his actions are not intended to test the condition of the hazard.

Rule 14-2 (Assistance)

Prior to the stroke, it is permissible for a disabled golfer to accept physical assistance from anyone for the purpose of positioning himself or any assistive device which he is using. The provisions of this Rule apply only while the player is making a stroke.

Rule 14-3 (Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment)

Assistive devices are considered artificial devices or unusual equipment under Rule 14-3. Nevertheless, a Committee may allow a disabled golfer to use such an assistive device, even if it has been modified to aid the player in playing the game. However, if the Committee believes that an assistive device so modified would give the player an undue advantage over other players, the Committee has the authority to prohibit its use under Rule 14-3.

Rule 16-1e (Standing Astride or on Line of Putt)

In view of the proposed Definition of "Stance," it is recommended that Rule 16- le be modified to read:

e. STANDING ASTRIDE OR ON LINE OF PUTT

The player shall not make a stroke on the putting green from a stance astride, or with either foot or any assistive device touching, the line of putt or an extension of that line behind the ball.

Rule 17-3b (Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant)

The language in Rule 17-3b makes it clear that if a ball strikes an assistive device which is being used by any person while he is attending the flagstick with the player's authority or prior knowledge, the player incurs a penalty for a breach of this Rule.

Rule 20-1 (Lifting)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Wheelchairs.

Rule 22 (Ball Interfering with or Assisting Play)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Wheelchairs.

Rule 24-2 (Immovable Obstruction) and Rule 25-1 (Abnormal Ground Conditions)

The amended Definition of "Stance" would entitle a player

to relief from an immovable obstruction or an abnormal ground condition if, in fairly taking his stance, the obstruction or the ground under repair interfered with the positioning of his assistive device. However, the Exceptions under Rules 24 and 25 would preclude relief for a player who has interference from these conditions as a result of placing his assistive device in an unnecessarily abnormal position for the required shot or using an unnecessarily abnormal

direction of play.

Rule 28 (Ball Unplayable)

It is a fact that one able-bodied golfer may attempt and successfully execute a stroke with a ball which another able-bodied golfer may have declared unplayable. It is also a fact that the disabled golfer who requires the use of canes, crutches or any other type of assistive device may occasionally be unable to play a stroke at a ball which the able-bodied golfer could play. For example, a player using crutches may need to declare a ball which lies on a steep slope of wet grass unplayable in an effort to eliminate the possibility of injury from a fall. However, this situation is not any different than a case where the balls of two able-bodied golfers lie on a gravel cart path which has been declared an integral part of the golf course, and one player plays the stroke and the other player declares his ball unplayable, thus obviating any chance of an injury from

flying gravel.

One might argue that because the situations noted above are potentially dangerous, Decision 1-4/10 (Dangerous Situation; Rattlesnake or Bees Interfere with Play) should apply, and the player should be entitled to free relief as prescribed by that Decision. While the situations described in the preceding paragraph are potentially dangerous, they are not analogous to the circumstances contemplated or the answer offered in Decision 1-4/10. That Decision concerns the player who encounters a dangerous situation which is both totally out of his control and unrelated to conditions normally encountered on the course. Additionally, it presupposes that the player's ball is in a playable position. If this were not the case, the player would have to proceed under the unplayable ball Rule incurring a penalty of one stroke, rather than obtaining free relief as prescribed by the Decision. Ultimately, all players must exercise their best judgment in determining whether they are placing themselves at risk by playing a particular stroke. If they are, then their best option may be to declare the ball unplayable. Rule 28 must govern in these situations. Providing free relief in any instance in which there may be a potential for injury will create an unmanageable situation ripe with the potential for abuse.

GOLFERS REQUIRING WHEELCHAIRS

Definition of "Stance"

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches.

Rule 1-2 (Exerting Influence on the Ball), Rule 13-1 (Ball Played as It Lies) and Rule 18-2a (Ball at Rest Moved by Player)

Prior to making a stroke, golfers who play from a wheelchair have traditionally moved the ball a short distance to facilitate positioning it in their stance before address, a maneuver often referred to as "bumping" the ball. Increasing the pace of play and decreasing turf damage by not having to precisely position their chair are the reasons which are often cited to justify this practice. Everyone would like to increase the pace of play while simultaneously decreasing turf damage. Consequently, the rationale for "bumping" the ball is not without some merit. However, such an action violates one of the two most

fundamental principles of the game - playing the ball as it lies.

Drafting language which would permit such a procedure is more difficult than it might seem. For example: By what means may the player "bump" the ball? How far may he "bump" it? When is the ball back in play? If the ball moves after it has been "bumped," must it be replaced, played as it lies or may the player "re-bump" it? If the ball moves after it has been "bumped," is the player subject to penalty? Must the ball remain on the same part of the golf course (teeing ground, through the green, hazard and putting green) after it has been "bumped"? If it must remain on the same part of the golf course, may a player who is "bumping" the ball only several inches through the green move it from high rough to short rough or to the fairway? If the original ball had come to rest in a divot hole, may the player "bump" the ball out of the divot hole?

With respect to the next-to-the-last question, it seems logical to conclude that, at a particularly crucial point in his round, the player who has the opportunity to move his ball from tall grass to short grass is much less likely to make a concerted effort to precisely position his chair than the player who would have to move his ball from short grass to tall grass.

Ultimately, "bumping" the ball becomes a mechanism by which "preferred lies" are endorsed. Certainly, this is not a desired result. Therefore, this practice should be discouraged, realizing that there is and will continue to be a marked difference in how strictly the Rules of Golf are applied by and to recreational and competitive golfers.

Rule 6-4 (Caddie)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches for additional considerations regarding this Rule.

In addition, it would be permissible for a wheelchair golfer to employ both a caddie and an aide to assist him provided the aide does not carry or handle the player's clubs (see Rule 8-1 below). Depending on his responsibilities, the status of the aide would need to be clarified (see discussion of "Coach" under Blind Golfers; see also discussion of "Supervisor" under Mentally Handicapped Golfers).

Rule 8-1 (Advice)

If a wheelchair golfer employs both a caddie and an aide (see Rule 6-4 above), the aide would be prohibited from giving advice to the player.

Rule 13-2 (Improving Lie, Area of Intended Swing or Line of Play)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches.

Rule 13-3 (Building Stance)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches.

Rule 14-2 (Physical Assistance)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches.

Rule 14-3 (Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches.

Rule 16-1e (Standing Astride or on Line of Putt)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches.

Rule 17-3b (Ball Striking Flagstick or Attendant)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches.

Rule 20-1 (Lifting)

Rule 20-1 states in part:

If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of lifting the ball under a Rule or marking its position, the ball or the ball-marker shall be replaced. There is no penalty provided the movement of the ball or the ball-marker is directly attributable to the specific act of marking the position of or lifting the ball. Otherwise, the player shall incur a penalty stroke under this Rule or Rule 18-2a.

This Rule requires no modification for use by disabled golfers. However, because physical limitations and assistive devices, especially chairs, may restrict access to the ball, the Rule should be interpreted loosely enough to give the disabled golfer the benefit of the doubt in cases where directly attributable becomes an issue.

Rule 20-2a (Dropping and Re-dropping; By Whom and How)

Rather than have a disabled golfer who uses a wheelchair hold the ball above his head and drop it or throw the ball upwards to what shoulder height would be if he were able to stand erect, and in an effort to provide some uniformity, the following modification to Rule 20-2a is recommended:

20-2. Dropping and Re-dropping

a. BY WHOM AND HOW

A ball to be dropped under the Rules shall be dropped by the player himself. He shall either stand or sit erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm's length and drop it. If a ball is dropped by any other person or in any other manner and the error is not corrected as provided in Rule 20-6, the player shall incur a penalty stroke.

Rule 20-3 (Placing and Replacing)

While a player may give another person the authority to retrieve or lift his ball, only the player or his partner may place a ball under the Rules. Because of physical limitations, it may be difficult or impossible for the disabled golfer playing from a wheelchair to place a ball as provided in Rule 20-3a. The solution to this issue is not very straightforward. Rather than suggesting that another person be authorized by the player to place the ball for him or that the player simply do his best, even if this means dropping the ball a few inches, it seems reasonable to wait and see whether or not this concern becomes a real issue.

Replacing the ball should rarely pose any difficulty, as Rule 20-3 allows for replacement not only by the player or his partner but also by the person who lifted it.

Rule 22 (Ball Interfering with or Assisting Play)

Disabled golfers using assistive devices may be inclined not to lift their ball on the putting green in an effort to reduce the potential for damage to the putting green surface. This is not the problem it may seem to be, as the player may authorize another person to lift and mark his ball. The development of assistive devices which minimize the load per square inch will also help eliminate this concern.

Rule 24-2 (Immovable Obstruction) and Rule 25-1 (Abnormal Ground Conditions)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches.

Rule 28 (Ball Unplayable)

See same entry under Golfers Requiring Canes and Crutches for additional considerations regarding this Rule.

Obviously, the most significant issue here is how this Rule should be applied to the disabled golfer who is using a wheelchair and cannot get to his ball when it lies in a bunker. At present, the wheelchair golfer often moves the ball close to the edge of the bunker and plays it, without penalty, or drops a ball outside of the bunker under penalty of one stroke.

This procedure creates the potential for a very definite inequity. Consider the case in which two wheelchair golfers are playing against one another, and the balls of both players come to rest in a bunker. If one of the balls is playable and the other ball is truly unplayable, both players are handled identically - a decidedly advantageous result for the player whose ball was unplayable.

Before suggesting a solution to this problem, another potential inequity must be examined. Consider the available options for the able-bodied golfer when he plays a stroke and the ball comes to rest in a bunker. He may play the ball as it lies. If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he shall, under penalty of one stroke:

a. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played; or

b. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole; or

c. Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped.

If the unplayable ball lies in a bunker the player may proceed under Clause a, b or c. If he elects to proceed under Clause b or c, a ball must be dropped in the bunker.

Therefore, the able-bodied golfer may play his next stroke from outside of the bunker, but instead of simply dropping a ball just outside of the bunker, he must go back to the spot from which he last played. In some instances, this may result in his having to play a full shot just to get back to the area of the bunker - the equivalent of a two-stroke penalty and a very definite inequity.

Keeping in mind the goal of allowing able-bodied and disabled golfers to play against one another on an equitable basis, the following modification to the language of Rule 28 is recommended:

If a disabled golfer deems his ball to be unplayable in a bunker, he shall:

a. Proceed under Rule 28a, b or c; or

b. Add an additional penalty of one stroke and play a ball outside the bunker, keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped.

While this modification eliminates the inequity for the able-bodied golfer, it appears to create one for the disabled golfer. However, it is anticipated that future refinements in the USGA Handicap System will resolve this concern by allotting proportionally more handicap strokes to the disabled golfer who is playing from a wheelchair as the number and the severity of the bunkers increase from one golf course to another.

MENTALLY HANDICAPPED GOLFERS

Modification of the Rules of Golf for the mentally handicapped golfer appears unnecessary. If it is elected to play by the Rules, this group of individuals should be able to do so, although some players may require on-course supervision to facilitate some or all aspects of play, including etiquette. In that regard, the on-course supervisor would, in some cases, be somewhat analogous to the coach used by a blind golfer. In other situations, the supervisor might function more like an observer, helping one or more groups of golfers on an as needed basis. In that case, he would be considered an outside agency. In defining the status and the duties of a "supervisor," potential conflicts with Rules 6-4 (Caddie) and 8-1 (Advice) will need to be considered by the Committee.

The relatively abbreviated experience with mentally handicapped golfers precludes addressing their needs under the Rules of Golf more specifically at this time. However, as these individuals become more involved in the game, it will be necessary to insure that the Rules are being properly adapted to accommodate any special requirements which interfere with their playing of the game.

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Golfers With Other Disabilities

There are many golfers who have physical limitations which may result in some degree of disability and which may have a significant impact on their ability to play the game. Examples include visually impaired golfers and golfers who cannot grip a club because of severe arthritis or missing digits. The foregoing Rules modifications do not specifically apply to these individuals. However, in cases where an artificial device, such as a brace or a gripping aid, will allow these individuals to play, the USGA will review and issue a decision, on a case-by-case basis, as to whether or not the use of such a device constitutes a breach of Rule 14-3 (Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment). Any player may request a ruling on an assistive device which they wish to use by submitting a written request to the USGA.

Etiquette - Courtesy on the Course Pace of Play

This section in "The Rules of Golf' states:

In the interest of all, players should play without delay. É If a match fails to keep its place on the course and loses more than one clear hole on the players in front, it should invite the match following to pass.

Both able-bodied and disabled golfers should make their best effort to maintain their pace of play and their position on the course. No one deserves special consideration with regard to this point.

Etiquette - Care of the Course

Through the green, the player should repair any damage caused by spikes, tires and any other type of assistive device. On the putting green, such damage should be repaired after all players in the group have completed the hole. Due to certain weather or turfgrass conditions, disabled golfers may be precluded, most often temporarily, from using certain types of assistive devices.

It is hoped that current research will result in the development of assistive devices which have minimal effect on agronomic conditions and that the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) will lead the effort to re-educate the public regarding the true, rather than the perceived, impact of these devices on turfgrass.

Rule 6-7 (Undue Delay)

The interpretation and application of this particular Rule provides more than enough difficulty in dealing with able-bodied golfers. To suggest a mechanism by which this Rule should be applied to disabled golfers is equally as difficult. Clearly, there is enough subjectivity in determining what constitutes undue delay that considerable Committee discretion is required. In that regard, a slightly liberal interpretation of what constitutes undue delay is suggested when dealing with golfers with disabilities. Ultimately, each Committee must establish what it considers to be reasonable parameters in defining undue delay, taking into account the difficulty of the golf course, weather conditions and the quality of the field. To offer more specific guidance to the Committee than that is probably unrealistic.

HANDICAPPING

In establishing handicaps for disabled golfers, several issues manifest themselves immediately. As an example, consider the discrepancy in Handicap Indices which could arise when a disabled golfer establishes his handicap at a golf course with no bunkers while another disabled golfer of equal ability establishes his handicap at a golf course which is heavily bunkered. The solution to this problem may necessitate determining a maximum number of unplayable penalty strokes allowable during a stipulated round based on the player's Handicap Index and the Hazard Rating of the golf course which he is playing.

Another issue concerns the type of Handicap Index that the disabled golfer should be given once the above modifications to the Rules of Golf and the USGA Handicap System have been fully integrated with one another - regular, provisional, local or some other restricted designation which has yet to be determined? The answer will depend, at least in part, on how closely the procedures used by disabled golfers follow the Rules of Golf.

Prior to establishing permissible modifications to the Rules of Golf for disabled golfers, it was not possible to address handicapping issues because there was no foundation upon which to base the mathematical calculations that are critical in attempting to achieve accurate Handicap Indices. Having created a logical set of Rules modifications, which have been agreed upon with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland, discussions have now been initiated with members of the USGA Handicap Research Team and the USGA Handicap Committee.

SUMMARY

This modification of the Rules of Golf for disabled golfers is intended to provide a means by which they may play equitably with able-bodied golfers or other golfers with disabilities. Hopefully, all of the issues have been addressed, although it is anticipated that continued analysis and further modification will be necessary, as is the case for the Rules of Golf.