Outside agency

Outside agency
Someone who is not a golfer in a competition i.e. referee, spectator.
MyGolfRounds.com Golfing Terms Glossary ...

Outside Agency: A term given to something not part of the match. A dog or bird would be examples.

Outside agency
anyone who is not part of the competitors side in stroke play or not part of the match such as observers forecaddies referee etc
Overclub ...

Outside Agency
An 'outside agency'' is any agency not part of the match or, in stroke play, not part of the competitor's side, and includes a referee, a marker, an observer and a forecaddie. Neither wind nor water is an outside agency.

Outside Agency: Any object or person that is not part of the current golf match or golf course, such as a spectator, forecaddie or observer, that effects the flight or lie of a ball.

Outside agency decided to wreak havoc with the ball
At the 1998 Players Championship, Steve Lowery's ball was at rest on the green when an outside agency decided to wreak havoc with the ball.
RealPlayer ...

Outside Agency
Any agency not part of the match or, in stroke play, not part of the competitor's side. Among outside agencies are observers, forecaddies, markers, and the referee.
Over-Hosel ...

outside agency

Refers to elements that affect play, but which are not part of a match, such as birds or animals.

Outside agency - Any agency that is not part of the match
Par - The norm for a hole. The par figure for a hole is based on length
Penalty stroke - A stroke or strokes added to a score for taking relief or for a breach of the rules ...

If your ball hits an outside agency, (bird, rake, etc.), it is called a "rub of the green." There is no penalty and the ball is played as it lies.
If your ball hits you, your partner, your caddie, or your equipment in match play you lose the hole.

The exception is if an outside agency causes the movement of the ball (an outside agency being a referee, forecaddie - but not a caddie - observer, etc., not part of the match).

When a ball in motion is stopped or deflected by an outside agency (a spectator, bird, etc.), it is called the "rub of the green" and the ball must be played as it lies.
RYDER CUP ...

Deflected or stopped by any outside agency
Rule - Guidelines from The RCGA, R&A And USGA governing play. The term "Rule" includes Local Rules set out by a course or tournament committee.

See also: Outside, Hole, Penalty, Stroke, Penal