The Official Rules of Golf appear on the About.com Golf site courtesy of the USGA, are used with permission, and may not be reprinted without the permission of the USGA.

(Editor's Note: "How to Use the Rule Book" is the first content that appears in the The Rules of Golf. In it, the USGA offers some quick pointers to help golfers make better use of the hard-copy of the rulebook.)

Understand the Words
The Rules book is written in a very precise and deliberate fashion. You should be aware of and understand the following differences in word use:
• may = optional
• should = recommendation
• must = instruction (and penalty if not carried out)
• a ball = you may substitute another ball (e.g. Rules 26, 27 or 28)
• the ball = you may not substitute another ball (e.g. Rules 24-2 or 25-1)

Know the Definitions
There are over sixty defined terms and these form the foundation around which the Rules of play are written. A good knowledge of the defined terms (which are italicised throughout the book) is very important to the correct application of the Rules.
(Editor's Note: Online, see rules definitions or visit the Rules section of the USGA website.)

Which Rule Applies?
The Contents pages may help you find the relevant Rule, alternatively, there is an Index at the back of the book.

What is the Ruling?
To answer any question on the Rules you must first establish the facts of the case. To do so, you should identify:

1. The form of play (e.g. match play or stroke play, single, foursome or four-ball?).

2. Who is involved (e.g. the player, his partner or caddie, an outside agency?).

3. Where the incident occurred (e.g. on the teeing ground, in a bunker or water hazard, on the putting green or elsewhere on the course).

In some cases it might also be necessary to establish:

4. The player's intentions (e.g. what was he doing and what does he want to do?).

5. Any subsequent events (e.g. the player has returned his score card or the competition has closed).

Refer to the Book
It is recommended that you carry a Rules book in your golf bag and use it whenever a question arises. If in doubt, play the course as you find it and play the ball as it lies. Once back in the Clubhouse, reference to Decisions on the Rules of Golf should help resolve any outstanding queries.

©USGA, used with permission