What do I do if play is stopped for lightning or bad weather?

Immediate suspension (for example, imminent danger such as lightning): stop at once. Don't make another stroke until the Committee resumes play (Rule 5.7b(1)).

Normal suspension (for example, darkness or an unplayable course) (Rule 5.7b(2)):

• If your group is between holes, stop and don't start another hole.
• If anyone in your group has started a hole, you may stop or finish the hole; decide quickly (normally within two minutes). In stroke play each player may decide, but may only continue if their marker stays to keep score.

Your own decision: you may stop on your own if you reasonably believe there's danger from lightning, but you must report to the Committee as soon as possible (Rule 5.7a). Stopping for any other reason not allowed by the Rules, or failing to report, is disqualification.

When stopping during a hole, you may mark and lift your ball. When play resumes, replace it on its spot, and be at the spot ready to play at the restart time; arriving up to 5 minutes late is the general penalty (Rule 5.7c, 5.7d). Not stopping when required is disqualification unless the Committee decides it was justified.