NIPPON PARKGOLF ASSOCIATION

2020.3.1

Rule 1　The terms used in park golf are defined as follows.

1. Addressing the Ball
   A player has "addressed the ball" when they have grounded or hovered their club immediately behind the ball after taking their stance.
2. Ball in Play

   A ball is in play when the player has made a stroke on the teeing ground and it moves off the teeing ground. It remains in play until it is holed. When the player makes a swing and the ball remains on the teeing ground, it is not deemed as a stroke and the ball is not in play.

   When a ball is lost, goes OB, is mov ed while at rest, or when another ball has been substituted (whether or not the substitution is permitted), it is no longer in play. The ball is back in play when it has been placed and the player has made a stroke on it.

   A ball that has been marked and lifted is no longer in play. It is back in play when it has been replaced and the ball marker has been removed.

3. Stance
   Taking the stance involves a player placing his feet in position for and preparatory to making a stroke.
4. Swing and Stroke
   A swing is the pendulum-like movement a player makes with their body and the club to hit the ball. When a swing causes the ball the move, it is considered a stroke. If a swing misses and the ball does not move, it is not considered a stroke.
5. Course
   The course is the whole area comprised of sections of 9 holes. An 18-hole course is divided into two sections of 9 holes each, usually marked as "A-1" to "A-9" and "B-1" to "B-9". Each 9-hole section has a total par score of 33, and the overall par for 18 holes is 66.
   Each hole consists of a teeing ground, a fairway, rough, and a green (though it is not necessary to distinguish between the fairway and rough, or have a distinct area for the green). Additionally, a hole can contain hazards (bunkers, water hazards, etc.) and OB zones.
6. Teeing Ground
   The teeing ground is the place where play of a hole begins. It must be a flat, rectangular area with sides that are at least 1.3 meters in length. Under these rules, the teeing ground refers only to the flat area, and excludes any structural components beyond it (such as bases). There must be a tee line (or tee markers placed on either side of the line) at least 40 cm behind the front edge of the teeing ground. The area from this line to the back edge of the teeing ground is defined as the teeing area (the space where a player can place the ball to play a tee shot).
   A ball is considered outside of the teeing area when all of it lies beyond the margins of the teeing area.
7. Fairway and Rough
   The fairway and rough consist of the whole area of a hole excluding the teeing ground, the green (or cup area), OB zones, grounds under repair, and all hazards. The grass is cut short in the fairway while it is cut longer in the rough. If there is no distinction between the fairway and rough, then the whole area is called the fairway.
8. Hazards
   A hazard is any bunker or water hazard.
9. Bunkers
   A bunker is a hazard consisting of a depression in the ground usually filled with sand, designed to increase the difficulty of the course. A bunker that is covered in grass instead of sand is called a "grass bunker".
10. Water Hazards
    A water hazard is any pond, river, ditch, drainage canal, or other open water course (whether or not it contains water). Ideally, such areas should be designated as OB zones. If a water hazard is not an OB zone, its boundaries must be clearly defined. If there is no indication, the water surface defines the boundary of the water hazard, and will be used as the reference point for relief procedures.
11. Green
    The green is the area surrounding the hole where the grass is cut especially short. If there is no distinct zone surrounding the hole, it is referred to as the "cup area".
12. Hole/Cup
    The hole, also known as the cup, is a cylindrical container dug into the ground into which the ball is to be played.
13. Ball Holed
    A ball is "holed" when it is at rest inside the cup and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole.
14. Hole Out
    To hole out is to get the ball inside the cup by making one or more strokes on it from the teeing ground.
15. Pin
    The pin or flagstick is an indicator placed in the center of a hole to show its position.
16. Casual Water
    Casual water is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that entitles the player to relief. Water inside a water hazard or any area in which play is prohibited is not casual water.
17. Ground Under Repair
    Ground under repair is any designated area of the course where play is temporarily prohibited (e.g. areas where grass is being replanted, plantations with young trees, etc.). Any ground under repair must be defined and marked through the use of stakes, ropes, nets, etc. (if stakes are used, they should be distinct from other stakes used in the course, e.g. by painting them blue).
18. Obstructions
    An obstruction is any natural or man-made object that may interfere with play on the course.
19. Movable Obstructions
    Movable obstructions are loose natural objects such as stones, leaves, twigs, animal droppings, insects, mushrooms, grass cuttings, etc., as well as man-made objects that are not fixed to the ground, such as bunker rakes, unused stakes, umbrellas, cans, rope, etc.
20. Immovable Obstructions
    Immovable obstructions are objects on the course that cannot be readily moved or should not be moved, including plants, trees, tree supports, bunker rake stands, fences, drain covers, OB stakes, nets, etc.
21. OB
    OB stands for "out of bounds". OB areas are areas beyond OB lines and inside OB zones where play is prohibited. OB lines should be marked with white stakes, while OB zones inside the course should be marked with white stakes with blue top portions. The OB boundary line is determined by connecting the course-side points of any two adjacent stakes at ground level, and this line extends vertically upwards and downwards. A ball at rest is deemed to be OB when all of it lies inside an OB area. A player may stand in an OB area to play a ball lying within bounds.
22. Lost Ball
    A ball is deemed lost if it is not found or identified by the player as theirs. A ball is not deemed lost until after the player declares a lost ball and hits another ball into play.
23. Wrong Ball
    A wrong ball occurs when a player hits any ball other than their ball in play.
24. Player/Fellow Competitor/Outside Agency
    A player is a person competing in a game of park golf. Anything used, worn, held, or carried by the player is considered part of the player's body. A fellow competitor is any other player playing in the same group as the player. An outside agency is any agency other than a player or fellow competitor. Course management staff, utility vehicles, animals, etc. are considered outside agencies.
25. Honor
    The player within a group who has the privilege of playing first from the teeing ground is said to have the "honor".
26. Marker
    A marker is a player appointed in a competition (tournament) to check and ensure the proper recording of scores for all players in a group.
27. Ball Marker
    A ball marker is an object used to mark the position of the ball prior to lifting it.
28. Penalty
    A penalty is a number of strokes added to a player's score under specific circumstances in accordance with the rules. A penalty in park golf results in the addition of two strokes.
29. Unplayable Ball
    An unplayable ball is a decision made by a player in order to take relief from a difficult situation in the course (e.g. the ball cannot be hit with a proper stroke). The player must declare it to a fellow competitor, add one stroke to their score, then place the ball on a spot within 1 club length of and not nearer the hole than the spot where the ball lay.
30. Stipulated Round
    A stipulated round refers to the play of at least 18 holes (1 round consists of 18 holes).
31. Special Placing Spot
    When a player's ball is OB and the point where the ball crossed the OB line cannot be determined, or there is no viable spot on the course to place the ball in accordance with the rules, the player may hit their next shot from a special placing spot, after incurring the penalty for the OB.
32. Lie
    A lie refers to the immediate environment that affects a swing or stroke on a ball at rest on the course, including the grass, the ground, and any obstructions.
33. Placing
    Placing refers to setting the ball in a specific spot on the course in accordance with the rules, usually after the ball is lost, moved, unplayable, or when it rests on casual water or ground under repair.
34. Replacing
    Replacing refers to returning the ball to its original position after it has been marked and lifted.
35. Accident Stroke
    An accident stroke is a stroke made in breach of the rules out of a player's negligence. The stroke itself is not counted, but a penalty is incurred for every accident stroke made.
36. Practice Stroke
    A practice stroke is a stroke that hits the ball, usually made to check the conditions of the course or a player's own swing.
37. Competition (Tournament)
    A competition or tournament is the entire period from the opening ceremony to the closing ceremony.
38. Committee
    A Committee is a ruling body that conducts and administers a competition, usually composed of competition officials.

Rule 2　Stroke play is a form of play where players count the number of strokes taken to complete each hole, adding up the total number of strokes taken during a round (or rounds) to get a score. These rules establish the rules of play for stroke play competitions.

2. Players must play the ball as it lies. Players must not move the ball back to its original position to replay a shot.
3. The procedure for measuring 2 club lengths in case of OB is as follows:

   （1）The 2 club lengths must not include any area that is OB.

   （2）The 2 club lengths must be measured from the point where the ball entered the OB area (and must not be nearer the hole). The ball cannot be placed on the opposite side of a fence, net, or water hazard.

   （3）If the placing spot lies in an area that requires taking relief (e.g. casual water, ground under repair), the ball must be placed before taking the relief procedure.

4. For an unplayable ball, the ball must be placed on a spot within 1 club length of its original position or a procedural reference point (and must be pursuant to the provisions in the preceding clause).
5. A stroke made in breach of Items 2, 3, or 4 above results in a penalty.

Rule 3　A player must not change the conditions of the course to benefit their play. Improvement of abnormal conditions must be confirmed beforehand with the Committee. A stroke made in breach of this rule results in a penalty.
　E.g. 1　A player presses down uneven ground on their line of putt.
　⇒ The player incurs a penalty. Players must not change the conditions of the course. Failure to Hole Out Rule 4　A player must hole out at every hole. If a player returns a score card without properly holing out at one or more holes, all the players in their group are disqualified. If the failure to hole out is corrected before returning the score card, the score is accepted, but a penalty for lifting the ball is incurred. Rule 5　A player must use equipment (clubs, balls, and tees) that is certified by the Nippon Park Golf Association. Clubs must have no external attachments, with the exception of personal markings.

（1）A player must not use equipment (clubs, balls, and tees) that has been altered or modified.

（2）The grip on the club must not have any markings or patterns to indicate finger or palm placement through the use of grip tape, etc.

（3）A player who intends to attach or remov e grip tape during a competition must confirm with the Committee before making a stroke.

2. A player must play a stipulated round using only one club.
   

   （1）If a player's club is damaged in the normal course of play, they may replace it with another club after confirmation with their fellow competitors and a conformity inspection by an official.

   （2）If a player's club is lost and is found during play, the player may use it again after confirmation with their fellow competitors. If it cannot be found, they may replace it with another club after confirmation with their fellow competitors and a conformity inspection by an official.

3. A breach of Item 1 above results in disqualification. A breach of Item 2 above results in a penalty for every stroke made in breach of the rule.

Rule A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut, cracked, or out of shape.
If a player has reason to believe that their ball has become unfit for play during play of a hole, they may announce their intention to a fellow competitor, then mark the ball and lift it to determine whether it is unfit.
If it is determined, after confirmation from a fellow competitor, that the ball has become unfit for play, the player may substitute another ball, placing it on the spot where the original ball lay. Otherwise, the original ball must be replaced.

2. If a ball clearly breaks into pieces as a result of a stroke (with confirmation from a fellow competitor), the stroke is not counted and the player must play a substitute ball, without penalty, as nearly as possible from the spot where the original ball was played.
3. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1　Before making a stroke, a player notices that their ball is cracked. What should they do?
   　⇒ The player must announce their intention to check the ball to a fellow competitor, mark the position of the ball, then lift it to examine it. If it is determined, with confirmation from a fellow competitor, that the ball is unfit for play, the player must substitute another ball. If the player does not have a spare ball, they may borrow one from a fellow competitor or another player in the course.

Rule 7　The player is responsible for knowing the rules and Conditions of Competition.

（1）Equipment
Players are responsible for their own equipment, and they should put personal markings to identify it as their own.

（2）Scores

　①　After play of each hole, players in a group should check their scores with each other, and the marker must ensure that every player records it properly.

　②　After completion of a round, players in a group should check with each other their scores for each hole and their total scores. All players in the group must sign the score card or designated form, then return it to the Committee as soon as possible. Failure to do so results in disqualification.

　③　No alteration may be made on a score card or designated form after the player has returned it to the Committee.

　④　If a player records and returns a score for any hole which is lower than their actual score, all players in the same group are disqualified. If a player returns a score for any hole higher than actually taken, the score as returned stands.

Rule 8　On any day of a competition, a player must not make a practice stroke on the course to be used for the competition prior to the start of the tournament, except as otherwise permitted by the Committee.

2. player must not make a practice stroke during the tournament.
3. breach of the above items results in a penalty on the first stroke made after the practice stroke.

Rule 9　When a player is making their first shot on a hole, the ball must be placed on a tee.

2. A player must tee up with the entire ball inside the teeing area.
3. A player must stand completely inside the teeing ground to play a tee shot (no part of their feet should lie outside the teeing ground).
4. A player must not place any mark for the purpose of indicating the line of play (also applies to the second shot onwards).
5. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.
6. When the player makes a tee shot but the ball remains within the teeing ground, it is not deemed as a stroke and the player may tee up again. However, if the player makes a stroke on the ball without teeing up again, they are deemed to have made their second stroke.
   　※On the teeing g round, a player may touch or mov e the ball without penalty if it is not through a stroke.
7. If a player hits a fellow competitor's ball on the teeing ground, it is deemed a substituted ball if consent is obtained from the fellow competitor. If consent cannot be obtained, it is deemed a wrong ball.
   　E.g. 1 A player makes their first stroke on a hole without teeing up.
   　⇒ If the ball comes to rest outside of the teeing ground, the player incurs a penalty, and they must play the ball from where it lies.
   　E.g. 2 A player makes a tee shot with their heels outside the edge of the teeing ground
   　⇒ The player incurs a penalty, but fellow competitors should warn the player before the breach is committed.

Rule 10　The tee markers on the teeing ground are deemed to be fi xed. A player must not move the tee markers for the purpose of avoiding interference with their stance or their intended swing.

2. A player must not tee up on top of a tee marker that is higher than the teeing area.
3. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.

Rule 11　If a ball falls off the tee without the player making a swing (including touching the ball during address), it may be teed up again without penalty, regardless of whether or not it came to rest on the teeing ground. However, if the player makes a stroke on the ball that fell off the tee, they are deemed to have made their second stroke.

2. If a stroke is made on a ball that is about to fall off the tee (whether or not the ball is moving), it is counted as one stroke, and no penalty is incurred.

Rule 12　If all players in a group make their tee shot from the teeing ground of a wrong hole, they must finish play on that hole before returning to the correct hole (except if they have previously finished that hole, or it is a hole that is not used in the competition). In this case, all the players in the group incur a penalty on their score on the first correct hole played. If two or more wrong holes are played in succession, the penalty incurred is multiplied by the number of wrong holes played.

2. If the error is noticed before all players make their tee shot, the players who have made their tee shot must pick up their balls, and the group must return to the correct hole. The players who committed the error incur an accident stroke penalty on their score on the first correct hole played.
3. If all players in a group have already made their tee shot on a wrong hole, but they have previously finished that hole, or it is a hole that is not used in the competition, all players must pick up their balls, and they must return to the correct hole. In this case, all the players in the group incur a penalty on their score on the first correct hole played.
4. A breach of the above items results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 After all players in a group hole out on Hole 6, they notice that they inadvertently skipped Hole 4 and Hole 5.
   　⇒ The group must return to Hole 4, where each player incurs a penalty for playing the wrong hole. Their score on Hole 6 stands, and they must proceed to Hole 7 after finishing Hole 5.
   　E.g. 2 After the player with honor makes their tee shot on Hole 6, the group notices that they inadvertently skipped Hole 4 and Hole 5.
   　⇒ The player w ith honor must pick up their ball, and the group must return Hole 4, where the player with honor incurs a penalty for the accident stroke. After finishing Hole 5, the group must play Hole 6 normally.
   　E.g. 3 After all players in a group hole out on Hole 9, they notice that they inadvertently skipped Hole 4 and Hole 5.
   　⇒ The group must return to Hole 4, where each player incurs 4 penalties (total 8 strokes) for the four wrong holes played in succession (Hole 6, 7, 8, and 9).

Rule 13　If a player makes a tee shot from a teeing ground other than the hole's designated teeing ground, they must pick up their ball and restart play from the correct teeing ground. All players who committed the error incur a penalty for an accident stroke.

2. A breach of the above item results in a penalty.

Rule 14　The ball must be played as it lies, except as otherwise provided in these rules.

2. A player must not improve the lie by touching or moving the grass, ground, trees or other immovable obstructions in the immediate environment of their ball at rest on the course.
3. A player must not improve the lie by pressing their club on the grass or ground.
4. During address, a player may rest the club's sole on the sand in a bunker, but they must not press down on it.
5. A player may place their feet firmly on the ground in taking their stance, but they must not make a place to take a stance.
6. A breach of the above items results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 Ball lies in rough, so a player uses their club to press down the grass behind it before hitting it.
   　⇒ The player incurs a penalty, and they must continue play from where the ball came to rest.
   　E.g. 2 A player touches a branch with their club during a stroke.
   　⇒ The player incurs a penalty for improving the lie.
   　E.g. 3 player makes a stroke while touching a tree.
   　⇒ Though the player is touching an immovable obstruction, if it is not deemed to have moved, no penalty is incurred.

Rule 15　When the ball is in play, if a player touches the ball with their club during address, it is counted as a stroke.

2. If a player making a stroke stops their swing before the club head reaches the ball, or misses the ball completely and the ball did not move, they are not deemed to have made a stroke.
3. A player must not strike the ball with the club's shaft or grip.
4. The ball must be struck with a proper swing of the club (it must not be pushed, scraped, or scooped).
5. A player must not touch the ball more than once in the course of a stroke, regardless of whether or not it is done intentionally.
6. A player must not make a stroke on their ball while it is moving.
7. A player must not strike the ball through an immovable obstruction.
8. A player must not strike the ball when it is floating in water.
9. A stroke made in breach of Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 above is counted as 1 stroke, and a penalty is incurred for an illegal shot.
   　E.g. 1 A player addressing the ball touches it with their club and causes it to move and go OB.
   　⇒ It is counted as 1 stroke, and the player incurs a penalty for the OB.
   　E.g. 2 A player swings and completely misses the ball.
   　⇒ The stroke is not counted and no penalty is incurred. However, if the ball moved, it is counted as a stroke.
   　E.g. 3 A player hits a ball resting under a shrub by pushing it out with their club.
   　⇒ It is counted as 1 stroke, and the player incurs a penalty. They must continue play from where the ball came to rest.
   　E.g. 4 A player makes a proper swing but accidentally hits the ball twice in the course of the stroke.
   　⇒ It is counted as 1 stroke, and the player incurs a penalty. They must continue play from where the ball came to rest.

Rule 16　If a player makes a stroke at a wrong ball, they incur a penalty for an accident stroke. If the wrong ball belongs to another player, the player who made the mistake must place the ball back on the spot from which the wrong ball was first played. If two or more players hit each other's balls by mistake, all players involved incur a penalty, and they must finish the hole with the wrong balls.
　E.g. 1 A player hits a fellow competitor's ball by mistake and it goes OB.
　⇒ The player incurs a penalty for an accident stroke, and they must continue play with their own ball. They must place the wrong ball back to its original position. No penalty is incurred for the OB. Rule 17　A player must hole out with the ball they played from the teeing ground, except in cases where they are permitted to substitute a ball.

2. If a player substitutes a ball in play when the rules do not permit substitution and they make a stroke on it, they incur a penalty. The substituted ball becomes their ball in play.

Rule 18　The pin or flagstick placed in the center of the cup on the green (or cup area) is an immovable indicator, and must not be removed. A stroke made in breach of this rule results in a penalty. Rule 19　On the green, a player whose ball is close to the cup (within 2 club lengths) may choose to either play ahead and hole out, or mark the ball and lift it.
　E.g. 1 A player whose ball is close to the cup announces their intention to play ahead to a fellow competitor, and proceeds to hole out.
　⇒ If the ball is within 2 club lengths of the cup, the player may choose to do any of the following: ① Play ahead to hole out. ② Mark the ball and lift it of their own accord. ③ Leave the ball as is, if they have not been requested to mark it. In this case, the player has chosen to play ahead, which they can do without a fellow competitor's permission. Rule 20　If a player is about to make a stroke and the ball moves of its own accord, they must play the ball from where it comes to rest. A stroke made in breach of this rule results in a penalty.
　E.g. 1 A player makes a backswing to hit a ball resting on a slope, but the ball moves due to wind, so the player stops their swing.
　⇒ Since the ball mov ed of its own accord and the player stopped their swing, the stroke is not counted, and the player must play the ball from where it came to rest.
　E.g. 2 A player is about to address a ball, but it moves of its own accord, so the player waits for the ball to stop.
　⇒Until the ball stops, it is deemed a result of the player's previous stroke. The player must play the ball from where it came to rest. Rule 21　If a ball at rest is moved by an outside agency or fellow competitor, the ball must be placed back to its original position before a stroke is made on it.

2. Except as permitted by these rules, if a player lifts, moves, or touches their ball in play at rest, the player incurs a penalty, and the ball must be placed back to its original position.
3. If a ball in play at rest is moved by another ball in motion after a stroke, there is no penalty. The moved ball must be placed back to its original position, and the ball that hit it must be played from where it came to rest.
4. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 A player's ball at rest was moved after being hit by a ball struck by a fellow competitor, so the player places their ball back to its original position.
   　⇒ There is no penalty , but the person who mov ed the ball should ideally be the one to place it.

Rule 22　If a player's ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by an outside agency or fellow competitor, there is no penalty, and the ball must be played as it lies.

2. If a player's ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by the player himself, the player incurs a penalty, and the ball must be played as it lies.
3. If a player strikes their ball and it is deflected or stopped after hitting another ball, there is no penalty, and the ball must be played as it lies.
4. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 A player makes a stroke on a ball and it hits himself.
   　⇒ The player incurs a penalty, and they must continue play from where the ball came to rest.
   　E.g. 2 A player makes a stroke on a ball and it hits a fellow competitor's ball in motion.
   　⇒ There is no penalty, and both the player and fellow competitor must continue play from where their balls came to rest.
   　E.g. 3 After a player makes a stroke on a ball in a bunker, the ball bounces back and the player inadvertently stops it with their club.
   　⇒ The player incurs a penalty , and they must cont inue play from where the ball came to rest.

Rule 23　From the second shot onwards, a player may, after confirmation from a fellow competitor, mark their ball and lift it (to clean it etc.), but the ball must be replaced. If the ball was not marked, the player incurs a penalty and the ball must be placed back to its original position.

2. The position of a ball to be lifted must be marked by placing a ball marker directly behind the ball in line with the hole.
3. If a player's ball marker interferes with the play of a fellow competitor, it may be placed one club head-length to one side. If a ball marker is moved, it must be replaced back to its original position prior to replacing the ball.
4. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 A player is requested by a fellow competitor to mark their ball, and the player inadvertently lifts the ball before marking its position with a ball marker.
   　⇒ The player incurs a penalty. The ball must be marked before it is lifted. Before removing the ball marker, the lifted ball must be replaced first.

Rule 24　When replacing a ball, it must be replaced by the same player who marked and lifted it.

2. If a ball marker was moved (by a fellow competitor or outside agency) and the exact spot to replace the ball cannot be determined, it must be estimated and the ball must be replaced on the estimated spot.
3. If a player moves or loses sight of their own ball marker, they incur a penalty, and the ball must be replaced on its estimated spot.
4. If a player replaces their ball on a fellow competitor's ball marker and makes a stroke on it, the player incurs a penalty for an accident stroke. They must pick up their ball, replace it on their own ball marker, and play from there. They must also replace the fellow competitor's ball marker to its original position. If both a player and fellow competitor make strokes after replacing their balls on each other's ball marker, they both incur a penalty, and they must continue play as is until they finish the hole.
5. A stroke made in breach of Items 2, 3, or 4 above, or failure to replace the ball correctly results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 A player replaces their ball and hits it without removing their ball marker.
   　⇒ The player incurs a penalty for failure to replace the ball correctly.

Rule 25　A player's ball to be placed in accordance with the rules must be placed by the player. A ball in play that was moved should ideally be placed back to its original position by the person who moved it.

2. If the exact spot to place a ball that was moved cannot be determined, it must be estimated and the ball must be placed on the estimated spot.
3. If a ball when placed fails to come to rest on the spot on which it was placed, either of the following procedures must be taken:
   

   （1）If the ball is not in a hazard, it must be placed on the nearest 　spot where it can be placed at rest that is not nearer the hole and not in a hazard.

   （2）If the ball is in a hazard, it must be placed in the hazard on the nearest spot where it can be placed at rest that is not nearer the hole. However, if there is no viable spot inside the hazard, the ball can be placed outside the hazard.

4. A stroke made in breach of Items 2 or 3 above results in a penalty.

Rule 26　If a player is requested by a fellow competitor to mark and lift their ball, the player may choose to either mark and lift their ball, or play their ball first. A ball lifted under this rule must be replaced.

2. A player who is making their tee shot cannot request a fellow competitor to mark their ball, nor can the fellow competitor elect to play their ball first.
3. A breach of the above items results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 A player whose ball rests over 20 meters away from a fellow competitor's ball is requested to mark their ball.
   　⇒ There is no rule defining the distance in which a request to mark a ball can be made, and in principle, such requests cannot be refused.

Rule 27　A player may take relief from a movable obstruction as follows:

（1）If the obstruction interferes with a player's intended stance or swing, the obstruction may be removed. If the ball moves as a result of removing the obstruction, the ball must be placed back to its original position.

（2）If the ball lies in or on the obstruction, the ball may be lifted and the obstruction removed without penalty after confirmation from a fellow competitor. The ball must be placed as near as possible on the spot directly under the place where the ball lay in or on the obstruction.

（3）If a player is making their tee shot, they must not move rakes or ball retrievers that are placed in the proper position.

2. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 A player removes a pebble near the ball on the fairway.
   　⇒ There is no penalty. Loose natural objects such as stones, leaves, animal droppings, insects, mushrooms, and grass cuttings, as well as man-made objects that are not fixed to the ground such as bunker rakes, unused stakes, umbrellas, cans, and rope are movable obstructions.
   　E.g. 2 A player removes a twig and causes the ball the move.
   　⇒There is no penalty, but the ball must be placed back to its original position.

Rule 28　An "interference by an immovable obstruction" occurs when a ball lies in or on an immovable obstruction, or if the ball is touching the obstruction and it interferes with the player's intended stance or swing.

2. If the ball cannot be played as it lies due to interference by an immovable obstruction, the player must declare an unplayable ball to take relief.
3. If a player moves an immovable obstruction to make a stroke on a ball, they incur a penalty.
4. An immovable obstruction that is clearly not in its original or normal condition may be moved to restore it to its original or normal condition.
   　E.g. 1 A player's ball lies right next to a net, so the player hits the ball through the net from the opposite side.
   　⇒ The player incurs a penalty, and they must continue play from where the ball came to rest.
   　E.g. 2 A player's ball lies in bounds in contact with an OB stake. When the player makes a stroke on it, their club touches the OB stake.
   　⇒The player incurs a penalty, and they must continue play from where the ball came to rest. A player must not improve their lie, and they must not touch an immovable obstruction during a stroke.

Rule 29　If any part of the ball or the player's stance lies in casual water (a temporary accumulation of water), the player may play the ball as it lies, or they may take relief after confi rmation from a fellow competitor. Snow and natural ice (other than frost) are either casual water or movable obstructions, at the option of the player.

2. A player taking relief under the previous item must take either of the following procedures:
   

   （1）If the ball lies on the fairway, rough, or green:
   The player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, on a spot that avoids interference by the casual water, nearest to where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole. If the nearest spot lies in a hazard, the player may place the ball on the nearest spot that is not in the hazard.

   （2）If the ball lies in a bunker:
   The player must lift the ball and place it on either of the following:

   　①　inside the bunker, on a spot that avoids interference by the casual water, nearest to where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.
   

   　②　（if the ball cannot be placed inside the bunker) outside the bunker, on a spot that avoids interference by the casual water, nearest to where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.

3. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 A player's ball lies inside casual water in the rough, so the player takes relief, lifting the ball and placing it on a spot on the fairway that avoids interference by the casual water, nearest to where the ball lay but not nearer the hole. Is this allowed?
   　⇒The player may place the ball on a spot that avoids interference by the casual water, nearest to where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole, even if that spot is on the fairway.
   
   (If the ball lies on the fairway or rough)
   Normal conditions
   　E.g. 2 Casual water lies in front of a player's ball in their direction of play, so the player decides to take relief.
   　⇒ The player cannot take relief from casual water that lies in front of the ball.
   From the diagram, it may appear that the ball can be placed on Point A or Point C, but Point C is nearer to where the ball lay, so the ball should be placed on Point C. Furthermore, if it will result in a shorter walking distance for the player, the ball can also be placed on Point B, which lies in the relief area where the ball can be placed.
   Relief cannot be taken from casual water that lies in front of the ball.
   
   (If the ball lies in a bunker)
   （1）If there is a viable spot to place the ball inside the bunker
   Since the ball can be placed inside the bunker, the ball must be placed in Point B, even if Point A is nearer to where the ball lay.
   　E.g. 3 A player's ball lies in casual water inside part of a bunker, so the player takes relief, lifting the ball and placing it on a spot outside the bunker that is not nearer the hole.
   　⇒ If there is a viable spot to place the ball inside the bunker that avoids the casual water and is not nearer the hole, the player cannot place the ball outside the bunker.
   
   （2）If there is no viable spot to place the ball inside the bunker
   　◎ Casual water lies in only a part of the bunker
   　A: Placing the ball on a spot inside the bunker that avoids interference from the casual water puts it nearer the hole than its original position, so the ball cannot be placed in Point A.
   　B: The ball must be placed outside the bunker, on a spot that meets the rule's conditions.
   　※ If it will result in a shorter walking distance for the player , the 　ball can also be placed on any point that avoids the casual water 　and is not nearer the hole.
   
   　◎ Casual water lies in the entire bunker
   　The ball must be placed on a spot outside the bunker nearest to where the ball lay and is not nearer the hole.
   　※ If it will result in a shorter walking distance for the player, the ball can also be placed on any point that avoids the casual water and is not nearer the hole.

Rule 30　If any part of a ball or a player's stance lies in ground under repair, the player must take relief.

2. A player taking relief under the previous item must lift the ball and place it on a spot that avoids interference from the ground under repair (with respect to the ball and stance), nearest to where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole. The player may hit the ball through or over the ground under repair on their next stroke.
3. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.

Rule 31　If a player's ball lies in a water hazard, the player is not entitled to relief, and they must play the ball as it lies.

2. If the ball cannot be played from the water hazard, the player must declare an unplayable ball, add 1 stroke to their score, and place the ball on a spot within 1 club length of, and not nearer the hole than the point where the ball crossed the margin of the water hazard. A player is deemed to have declared an unplayable ball if they lift their ball from within a water hazard that contains water.
3. A stroke made in breach of the above items results in a penalty.Ground Under Repair
   　E.g. 1 A player hits a ball into a water hazard and it becomes lost.Ground Under Repair
   　⇒ The player must declare an unplayable ball, add 1 stroke to their score, and place another ball on a spot within 1 club length of, and not nearer the hole than the point where the ball crossed the margin of the water hazard (no additional penalty for the lost ball).

Rule 32　There is no stipulated time allowed for searching for a ball, but players must keep in mind their responsibility to play at a good pace without undue delay.

2. If a ball is deemed lost, the player incurs a penalty, and they must, after confirmation from a fellow competitor, place another ball on a spot where it can be played that is as near as possible to the spot where the original ball is estimated to have been lost. If the original ball is found after the player makes a stroke on a new ball, the original ball is still deemed a lost ball.
3. If a ball goes into an OB area, the player incurs a penalty, and they must place the ball on a spot within 2 club lengths of, and not nearer the hole than the point where the ball last crossed the OB line.
4. If there is no viable spot to place the ball in accordance with the previous item, the ball must be placed on the nearest viable spot that is not nearer the hole, and not on the opposite side of an OB zone.
5. If a player's ball lies near an OB line and there is doubt as to whether or not the ball is OB, the player must obtain confirmation from a fellow competitor. If the player plays the ball in question without obtaining confirmation, the ball is deemed to have been OB, and the player incurs a penalty for breach of procedure in addition to the penalty for the OB (total 4 strokes). The player must continue play from where the ball came to rest.
6. A stroke made in breach of Items 2, 3, or 4 above results in a penalty.
   　E.g. 1 A player's ball goes OB and cannot be found. Do they incur a penalty for both the OB and lost ball?
   　⇒ When the ball went OB, it was no longer in play, and a penalty is not incurred for a ball that is not in play. The player incurs a penalty for the OB, and they must continue play with a new ball.
   　E.g. 2 A player whose ball goes OB tries to place it on a spot within 2 club lengths of and not nearer the hole than the point where it last crossed the OB line, but there is no spot where it will rest.
   　⇒ If there is no viable spot on the course to place the ball within 2 club lengths, the player must place the ball on the nearest viable spot that is not nearer the hole (even if it is more than 2 club lengths away).
   　E.g. 3　A player's ball rests near the OB line, and the player independently judges the ball to be in bounds and makes a stroke on it, but a fellow competitor disputes that confi rmation was not taken.
   　⇒ The ball is deemed to have been OB, and the player incurs a penalty for breach of procedure in addition to the penalty for the OB. The player must continue play from where the ball came to rest.

Rule 33　A player may declare an unplayable ball at any place on the course, except in an OB area.

2. If a player decides that their ball is unplayable, they must declare an unplayable ball, and add 1 stroke to their score. They must place the ball on a spot within 1 club length of, and not nearer the hole than the spot where the ball lay. If there is no viable spot on the course to place the ball within 1 club length, the player may add 1 further club length to the range (adding 1 stroke to their score for every club length added). If the ball rests on a spot higher than ground level, the reference point for the measurement is the point
   at ground level directly under the ball. 　E.g. 1 A player's ball lies in particularly heavy rough, and the player declares an unplayable ball. However, all areas within 1 club length of the spot where the ball lay (and not nearer the hole) are still in heavy rough, so the player places the ball on the fairway and plays it from there.
   　⇒ If, after placing the ball within 1 club length of its original position, the player still deems it to be unplayable, they must declare an unplayable ball again and follow the same procedure accordingly.

Rule 34　The Committee must establish the following conditions under which a competition is to be played.

1. The Course
   The Committee must clearly define and indicate the boundaries of the course as well as OB areas, grounds under repair, and water hazards.
2. Practice Ground
   Before the start of a competition, the Committee may allow practice in a designated practice ground, or in all or part of the course.
3. Course Unplayable
   If the Committee considers for any reason that the course is not in a playable condition and that proper play of the game impossible, it may order a temporary suspension of play, declare play to be null and void thus cancelling all scores for all or part of a round, or make all players return a fixed score. If there is resumption of play, play must be resumed from where it was discontinued.
4. Penalties
   The Committee may, after due deliberation, establish or waive penalties for any situation not covered by these rules.
5. Disqualification
   The Committee may elect to waive a disqualification, or impose a penalty of disqualification even if it is not prescribed in the rules.
6. Decisions
   If a player lodges a claim with the Committee, a decision should be given on the course as soon as possible. Players waiting for a decision should invite the group behind to play through to avoid delaying play.

2　Local Rules
The Committee may establish and publish Local Rules to ensure the smooth operation of the competition.

1. Walkways
   If walkways or similar constructions within a course are established as OB areas, but marking them with white stakes is impractical or impossible, the Committee may adopt a Local Rule declaring the margins of walkways to serve as OB lines.
2. Temporary Obstructions
   The Committee may adopt Local Rules establishing relief procedures for temporary obstructions such as tournament desks, broadcasting equipment, etc.
3. Protected Areas in the Course
   If the Committee wishes to protect any area of the course, including turf nurseries and young plantations, they may declare the area to be ground under repair and prohibit play from within the area.
4. Miscellaneous
   The Committee may adopt Local Rules establishing the maximum number of strokes per hole, guidelines on the pace of play, relief procedures for exceptional situations, etc.

Rule 35　In addition to the provisions of these rules, the Committee may separately provide for matters relating to the play or administration of a competition. Rule 36　Revision and repeal of these rules shall be decided by the Board of Directors.


Supplementary Provisions
These rules were adopted by the Nippon Park Golf Association from the "IPGA Rules of Park Golf" established by the International Park Golf Association on 14 July 2000. These rules shall come into effect from 1 March 2011

Supplementary Provisions (2nd Meeting of the Board of Directors, 16 February 2017)
These rules shall come into effect from 1 March 2017.

Supplementary Provisions (1st Extraordinary Meeting of the Board of Directors, 24 October 2019)
These rules shall come into effect from 1 March 2020. Rules of Park Golf