Rules of Golf 2012-2015 Pocket Edition - The R&A

• creating or eliminating irregularities of surface,
Rule 13 65
• removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots or other cut
turf placed in position, or
• removing dew, frost or water.
However, the player incurs no penalty if the action occurs:
• in grounding the club lightly when addressing the ball,
• in fairly taking his stance,
• in making a stroke or the backward movement of his club for a stroke
and the stroke is made,
• in creating or eliminating irregularities of surface within the teeing ground
or in removing dew, frost or water from the teeing ground, or
• on the putting green in removing sand and loose soil or in repairing
damage (Rule 16-1).
Exception: Ball in hazard – see Rule 13-4.
13-3. Building Stance
A player is entitled to place his feet firmly in taking his stance, but he must
not build a stance.
13-4. Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions
Except as provided in the Rules, before making a stroke at a ball that is in a
hazard (whether a bunker or a water hazard) or that, having been lifted from a
hazard, may be dropped or placed in the hazard, the player must not:
a. Test the condition of the hazard or any similar hazard;
b. Touch the ground in the hazard or water in the water hazard with his
hand or a club; or
c. Touch or move a loose impediment lying in or touching the hazard.
Exceptions:
1. Provided nothing is done that constitutes testing the condition of the
hazard or improves the lie of the ball, there is no penalty if the player
(a) touches the ground or loose impediments in any hazard or water in a