Glossary

The Definitions section of the rules of golf contains over forty Definitions which form the foundation around which the rules of play are written. A good knowledge of the defined terms will help in the correct application of the rules. These include:

Casual Water - any temporary accumulation of water on the course which is visible before or after the player takes his stance (dew and frost are not casual water).
Ground Under Repair - any portion of the course so marked by the Committee. Also includes material piled for removal and a hole made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked.
Hazards - any bunker or water hazard.
Loose Impediments - natural objects such as stones, leaves and twigs provided they are not fixed or growing, are not solidly embedded and are not sticking to the ball.
Out of Bounds - ground on which play is prohibited i.e. not part of the course. A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds.
Obstructions - any man-made object, except:
(1) objects defining out of bounds
(2) any part of an immovable man-made object which is out of bounds; and
(3) any construction declared by the Committee in the Local rules to be an integral part of the course.
Putting Green - an area specially prepared for putting and containing a 41/2 inch diameter hole.
Teeing Ground - the starting place for the hole, defined by two tee-markers.
Through the Green - the whole area of the golf course except the teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played and all hazards.