In the Rules of Golf, what does the term "May" signify?

In the Rules of Golf, the term "May" signifies that an action is optional. This means that a player has the choice to perform the action or not, without any obligation to do so. The language used in the Rules is deliberate, and "May" indicates permission rather than a requirement, allowing flexibility based on the player's discretion. Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it guides players in their decisions during a round of golf, emphasizing the voluntary nature of the action associated with "May."

In contrast, other terms such as "must" typically indicate a mandatory requirement, while "shall" can create obligations in certain contexts. The term "prohibited" clearly denotes actions that are not allowed at all, further emphasizing the importance of the language used in the rules.