• To See If It Is Cut or Cracked. Cleaning is not allowed (see Rule 4.2c(1)).
• To Identify It. Cleaning is allowed only as needed to identify it (see Rule 7.3).
• Because It Interferes with Play. Cleaning is not allowed (see Rule 15.3b(2)).
• To See If It Lies in Condition Where Relief Is Allowed. Cleaning is not allowed, unless the player then takes relief under a Rule (see Rule 16.4).

If the player cleans their ball when not allowed under this Rule, they get one penalty strokeand must replace the ball if it was lifted. See Rule 22.2 (in Foursomes, either partner may act for the side and action by the partner is treated as action of the player); 23.5(in Four-Ball, either partner may act for the side and action by the partner concerning the player’s ball or equipment is treated as action of the player).