What does stroking a ball involve according to the rules?

Stroking a ball in golf refers to the act of making a stroke with the club to hit the ball. This process involves freely swinging the club to strike the ball, allowing the player to control the swing’s angle, speed, and direction. The rules of golf emphasize this natural motion, which is essential for executing a proper shot.

When a player swings the club freely, they are effectively engaging in the fundamental action of golf—making contact with the ball to propel it towards the target. This phrasing reflects the intent behind the rules of golf, which prioritize fluidity and natural movement in the game.

Other choices suggest actions that are not part of a legal or standard stroke in golf. For example, anchoring the club would interfere with the natural swing and is typically against the rules. Using both hands to push the ball is more of a manipulation rather than a stroke, which should involve a fluid motion. Placing the ball on a tee is a preparatory action that occurs before stroking the ball and does not define what stroking itself entails.