What does "Deemed" refer to in the Rules of Golf?

In the context of the Rules of Golf, "deemed" refers to a situation where something is considered to be true or given a specific status based on the rules, whether or not it is the case in a literal sense. When a rule states that a condition is "deemed" to be a certain way, it indicates that the ruling or classification must be accepted for the purpose of the game. For example, if a ball is deemed to be in play, even if it inadvertently rests somewhere, the player must treat it as such under the rules.

The term establishes a definitive judgment that overrides typical circumstances, ensuring a standardized process to maintain the game's integrity. This term plays an essential role in clarifying various situations on the course, creating a level playing field by providing clear guidance on how certain actions or occurrences are to be interpreted within the rules.

The other options do not capture the essence of how "deemed" is applied in the rules. Proposed amendments refer to changes suggested for future versions of the rules, while the player's choice implies personal discretion not constrained by the rules. "Not applicable" simply states that a term does not relate to the current context, which does not convey the authoritative judgment that "deemed" represents.