Rule of the Month for June from Janice:

Golf Rule 14, Striking the Ball – Simplified Version

14-1. Players must strike at the ball with the clubhead rather than pushing it, scraping it or moving it with other non-striking actions. If the player’s downswing is stopped or altered by an outside agency (e.g., a tree branch), the swing counts as a stroke. If the player tries to stop his downswing and misses the ball, the stroke does not count; if he hits the ball despite trying to stop, the stroke counts. Examples: Zack bends down and holes a short putt with the clubhead as though playing a pool shot. He is penalized for pushing (rather than striking at) the ball. Later, Zack taps in using the grip end of his putter. He incurs another penalty for not using the clubhead.  14-2. While hitting the ball, a player can’t have physical assistance or protection from the weather from a partner or caddie. (He can protect himself by, for example, holding an umbrella with one hand while putting with the other.) A player is not allowed to play a shot or putt with a partner or caddie standing on or near an extension of the target line behind the ball. Exception: If a caddie or partner is on or near the line inadvertently, there’s no penalty. Penalties for violating Rules 14-1 or 14-2: Match play – loss of hole. Stroke play – two strokes. 14-3. Use of artificial or unusual equipment is prohibited during a round if the equipment might help the player swing, measure distance* or other playing conditions, or grip the club. (Gloves and drying or moisturizing agents are permitted, and players are allowed to wrap towels or handkerchiefs around the handle. Yardage books are also allowed.) Exceptions: Special equipment is allowed if it is used for medical purposes. Examples: While putting, Gordon holds a golf ball between his left hand and the grip to improve his stroke. He is penalized for using equipment in an unusual manner. He is allowed to do this during a practice stroke, however. During a round, William swings a specially designed weighted club to stay loose and increase his clubhead speed with his driver. He is breaking the rule by using an artificial device to assist his play. He may, however, swing two or more regular clubs to accomplish the same goals. Penalty for violating Rule 14-3:Disqualification (match play or stroke play). *Local rules may be enacted to allow distance measuring equipment such as GPS devices or rangefinders. 14-4. If the club hits the ball more than once during a swing, the shot counts and a penalty stroke is added. If the ball strikes another object (a tree), ricochets and hits the clubhead, no penalty is incurred. 14-5. The golfer is not allowed to hit a moving ball. A player may hit a ball that’s oscillating (being blown by wind, for instance) without penalty. Exception: If the ball moves after the player starts swinging, there’s no penalty provided the player, caddie or partner didn’t intentionally cause it to move. 14-6. A player is allowed to hit a ball moving in water, within a water hazard, as long as he doesn’t delay his shot to let the movement improve his position. Penalties for violating Rule 14-5 or 14-6: Match play – loss of hole. Stroke play – two strokes.