Rule 25: Golf for Everyone: Rule 25 Modifications
What this is about
Rule 25 adjusts a number of rules so golfers with a disability can compete fairly. There are modifications for blind and visually impaired players, players with an amputation, players who use a mobility device, and players with an intellectual disability.
What you need to do
If you're playing with a visual impairment, among other things:
- You may get help with your stance and alignment, and you may ask your assistant or caddie for advice.
- You may have an assistant and a caddie at the same time (Rule 25.2e). More than one assistant isn't allowed; that costs the general penalty.
- You may place an object to help with alignment or your stance, as long as you remove it before you make your stroke.
- Your assistant or caddie may stand behind you on an extension of the line of play, even during your stroke. They may not help you during the stroke itself.
Common mistake
Thinking you have to choose between an assistant and a caddie. With a visual impairment, you may have both at the same time.
Example
Your assistant points out the direction to the green and stays behind you while you chip. That's allowed, as long as they don't help you during the stroke itself.
Practise this rule with real exam questions in the free app.
25.1 Overview
Rule 25 applies in all competitions and forms of play. There are four categories: players who are blind, players with an amputation, players who use a mobility device, and players with an intellectual disability. The category determines which modified rules apply.
25.2 Adjustments for players who are blind
If you're blind (or severely visually impaired), you may:
- Have a support person and a caddie at the same time
- Get help taking your stance and aligning yourself
- Place an object to help you aim or position your feet, as long as you remove it before you make your stroke
- Have your support person or caddie stand behind you on an extension of your line of play, even during your stroke
- Have someone else drop, place or replace your ball
- Touch the sand near the ball and on your backswing in a bunker
25.3 Adjustments for players missing a limb
If you're missing a limb, you may:
- Use a prosthesis; this isn't a breach of Rule 4.3 if you need it for medical reasons and don't gain an unfair advantage from it
- Anchor the club if you can't hold or swing most clubs without anchoring
- Have someone else drop, place or replace your ball
25.4 Adjustments for players who use mobility devices
If you use a wheelchair, walker or crutches, you may:
- Have a support person and a caddie at the same time
- Use the device when taking your stance and making a stroke
- Anchor the club if you can't swing without anchoring
- Use a larger relief area with a wheeled device: four club-lengths instead of two
25.5 Adjustments for players with an intellectual disability
If you have an intellectual disability, you may have a support person and a caddie at the same time. The support person helps you play and apply the Rules. The Committee may also appoint a companion, who doesn't give advice.
Practice questions about Rule 25
A golfer who is blind wants to take part in a competition. What adjustment do the Rules allow?
Answer: The golfer may bring along a support person who helps with locating and aligning
Rule 25.2 allows blind or visually impaired players to bring a support person. That person may help with finding the ball, aligning, and taking their stance. This keeps golf accessible to everyone.