Rub of the Green

A golf rules term describing when a ball in motion is accidentally deflected, moved, or stopped by an outside agency such as spectators, animals, or maintenance equipment. Under modern rules, rub of the green situations typically result in the ball being played as it lies without penalty, recognizing that such incidents are part of golf's natural playing conditions. This concept acknowledges that golf is played in natural environments where unpredictable events can occur. The term reflects golf's acceptance of fate and circumstance as integral parts of the game, requiring players to adapt to unexpected situations with good sportsmanship and acceptance.