What should I do if I'm unsure of a ruling during a round?

Do not hold up play (Rule 20.1a). If a referee or the Committee is not available in a reasonable time, decide what to do and play on, protecting your rights as follows.

Stroke play (Rule 20.1c):

• You may complete the hole with two balls without penalty. Decide to do this after the uncertain situation arises and before you make a stroke.
• Announce to your marker or another player which ball you want to count. If you do not choose, the ball played first is the default.
• Report the facts to the Committee before you return your scorecard, even if you score the same with both balls. If you do not, you are disqualified.
• The Committee decides the score for the hole.
• Playing two balls is not the same as a provisional ball.
• Players cannot settle a Rules issue by agreement in stroke play.

Match play (Rule 20.1b): you and your opponent may agree how to decide the issue, and that agreement is conclusive even if it turns out to be wrong, unless you agreed to ignore a Rule or penalty you knew applied. If you cannot agree, or a referee is assigned, ask for a ruling. If no referee or Committee is available, tell your opponent you will seek a later ruling. Playing two balls is not allowed in match play.