Rhodes Rules School
Barry Rhodes is the author of ‘999 Updated Questions on the Rules of Golf 2012-2015’, the easiest and most enjoyable way to absorb and understand the Rules. Barry’s relationship with the Rules began in 2000 with his participation in the inter-club Rules of Golf quiz competitions, organised by the Royal & Ancient for Golf Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. This then led to him writing articles, running quizzes, and delivering presentations on the Rules at a variety of Golf Club and corporate functions. In March 2008, Barry became the first person to achieve a 100% correct mark on the public Advanced Rules of Golf Course examination, run by the PGA in their headquarters at The Belfry, West Midlands, UK.
From time to time we will update this page with some Questions and Answers about the 'more common' situations our members encounter on the golf course and for anyone who wishes to improve their knowledge and understanding of the Rules of Golf you can access all the Rules at Rhodes Rules School and at his Q&A Blog.
From time to time we will update this page with some Questions and Answers about the 'more common' situations our members encounter on the golf course and for anyone who wishes to improve their knowledge and understanding of the Rules of Golf you can access all the Rules at Rhodes Rules School and at his Q&A Blog.
Barry has kindly given Blessington Golfing Society permission to publish his unique explanation of the rules for all in the Society.
When a rule is breached in Stroke Play and Stableford
There are four main situations that apply when a Rule of Golf is breached in a stroke play competition;
1. A player breaches a Rule and includes the appropriate penalty on the score card that they sign and return.
2. A player unknowingly breaches a Rule and signs and returns their score card. The breach is brought to the Committee’s attention before the competition has closed.
3. As in 2, but the breach is brought to the Committee’s attention after the competition has closed.
4. A player knowingly breaches a Rule, but does not include the penalty incurred on their score card
So what are the considerations in each of these four scenarios?
1. This does not require any further explanation. It is what should happen every time a Rule is breached.
2. If the breach is brought to the attention of the Committee before the competition has closed, the player incurs the penalty prescribed by the applicable Rule and an additional penalty of two strokes, Exception to Rule 6-6d.
3. If the breach is brought to the attention of the Committee after the competition has closed, a penalty must not be imposed by them unless the breach warranted disqualification under one of these four exceptions that are outlined in Rule 34-1b;
Exceptions: A penalty of disqualification must be imposed after the competition has closed if a competitor:
(i) was in breach of Rule 1-3 (Agreement to Waive Rules); or
(ii) returned a score card on which he had recorded a handicap that, before the competition closed, he knew was higher than that to which he was entitled, and this affected the number of strokes received (Rule 6-2b); or
(iii) returned a score for any hole lower than actually taken (Rule 6-6d) for any reason other than failure to include one or more penalty strokes that, before the competition closed, he did not know he had incurred; or
(iv) knew, before the competition closed, that he had been in breach of any other Rule for which the penalty is disqualification.
4. Call it what you like, but this is cheating. The player must be disqualified and the Committee should consider sanctioning them, e.g. by suspending them from all competitions for a period of time.
Of course, there are sometimes on-course situations where a player may be unsure as to how to proceed without breaching a Rule unnecessarily, e.g. whether they may take relief from equipment damage to the course, or when a fellow competitor tells them that they should be taking relief from a different place from where they think they are permitted to drop a ball. When a competitor is doubtful of their rights or the correct procedure during the play of a hole, they may, without penalty, complete the hole with two balls. If the player chooses to do so they must strictly follow the procedure set out in Rule 3-3;
The competitor should announce to his marker or a fellow-competitor:
• that he intends to play two balls; and
• which ball he wishes to count if the Rules permit the procedure used for that ball.
Before returning his score card, the competitor must report the facts of the situation to the Committee. If he fails to do so, he is disqualified.
If the competitor has taken further action before deciding to play two balls, he has not proceeded under Rule 3-3 and the score with the original ball counts. The competitor incurs no penalty for playing the second ball.
1. A player breaches a Rule and includes the appropriate penalty on the score card that they sign and return.
2. A player unknowingly breaches a Rule and signs and returns their score card. The breach is brought to the Committee’s attention before the competition has closed.
3. As in 2, but the breach is brought to the Committee’s attention after the competition has closed.
4. A player knowingly breaches a Rule, but does not include the penalty incurred on their score card
So what are the considerations in each of these four scenarios?
1. This does not require any further explanation. It is what should happen every time a Rule is breached.
2. If the breach is brought to the attention of the Committee before the competition has closed, the player incurs the penalty prescribed by the applicable Rule and an additional penalty of two strokes, Exception to Rule 6-6d.
3. If the breach is brought to the attention of the Committee after the competition has closed, a penalty must not be imposed by them unless the breach warranted disqualification under one of these four exceptions that are outlined in Rule 34-1b;
Exceptions: A penalty of disqualification must be imposed after the competition has closed if a competitor:
(i) was in breach of Rule 1-3 (Agreement to Waive Rules); or
(ii) returned a score card on which he had recorded a handicap that, before the competition closed, he knew was higher than that to which he was entitled, and this affected the number of strokes received (Rule 6-2b); or
(iii) returned a score for any hole lower than actually taken (Rule 6-6d) for any reason other than failure to include one or more penalty strokes that, before the competition closed, he did not know he had incurred; or
(iv) knew, before the competition closed, that he had been in breach of any other Rule for which the penalty is disqualification.
4. Call it what you like, but this is cheating. The player must be disqualified and the Committee should consider sanctioning them, e.g. by suspending them from all competitions for a period of time.
Of course, there are sometimes on-course situations where a player may be unsure as to how to proceed without breaching a Rule unnecessarily, e.g. whether they may take relief from equipment damage to the course, or when a fellow competitor tells them that they should be taking relief from a different place from where they think they are permitted to drop a ball. When a competitor is doubtful of their rights or the correct procedure during the play of a hole, they may, without penalty, complete the hole with two balls. If the player chooses to do so they must strictly follow the procedure set out in Rule 3-3;
The competitor should announce to his marker or a fellow-competitor:
• that he intends to play two balls; and
• which ball he wishes to count if the Rules permit the procedure used for that ball.
Before returning his score card, the competitor must report the facts of the situation to the Committee. If he fails to do so, he is disqualified.
If the competitor has taken further action before deciding to play two balls, he has not proceeded under Rule 3-3 and the score with the original ball counts. The competitor incurs no penalty for playing the second ball.
Course signage and the Rules
Question: A ball came to rest inside a lateral water hazard close to a warning sign located inside the hazard. So, for a right hander player the ball is playable, but …
a) May they take relief from the sign, without penalty?
b) May they rotate the sign to face in a different direction?
c) May the sign be completely removed before the stroke is made, as it mentally interferes with the player’s swing?
Answer:
a) No. There is no line of play or mental relief from an obstruction.
b) Yes, But it is not necessary, because …..
c) Yes. … Movable obstructions may be removed anywhere on the course.
The sign is an obstruction, because it is an artificial object, Definition of Obstruction. It is obvious that the sign is intended to be easily movable and is therefore a movable obstruction, unless a Local Rule states otherwise. If the sign can be easily moved (and subsequently replaced!) the player may move it, as movable obstructions can be moved from anywhere on the course at any time (Rule 24-1). If it is not easily movable, it is an immovable obstruction, from which there is never relief if both the player's ball and the immovable obstruction lie inside the margin of the water hazard, Rule 24-2.
a) May they take relief from the sign, without penalty?
b) May they rotate the sign to face in a different direction?
c) May the sign be completely removed before the stroke is made, as it mentally interferes with the player’s swing?
Answer:
a) No. There is no line of play or mental relief from an obstruction.
b) Yes, But it is not necessary, because …..
c) Yes. … Movable obstructions may be removed anywhere on the course.
The sign is an obstruction, because it is an artificial object, Definition of Obstruction. It is obvious that the sign is intended to be easily movable and is therefore a movable obstruction, unless a Local Rule states otherwise. If the sign can be easily moved (and subsequently replaced!) the player may move it, as movable obstructions can be moved from anywhere on the course at any time (Rule 24-1). If it is not easily movable, it is an immovable obstruction, from which there is never relief if both the player's ball and the immovable obstruction lie inside the margin of the water hazard, Rule 24-2.
Nearest Point of Relief across Immovable Obstructions
It is surprising how many golfers do not properly understand the concept of nearest point of relief. You cannot play many rounds of golf without having to determine the nearest point of relief, e.g. when taking relief from any immovable obstruction, ground under repair, casual water or staked trees where a Local Rule mandates taking relief from them. I have covered several aspects of determining nearest point of relief in previous blogs and will now take this opportunity to remind readers that if you have any question on the Rules, one of the best ways of finding an answer, together with the appropriate reference to the Rule or Decision number, is to use the ‘Search This Blog’ facility at the top right corner of every one of my blog pages. So, if you enter the words “Nearest Point of Relief” you will receive many relevant links to my blogs, the fourth of which is titled ‘The Rule of Golf that is broken most often…‘, which also links to my short video on this same subject. I have now authored over 400 blogs, covering most Rules scenarios and this search feature is a great way to check any ruling that you may not have been sure of during a round.
This recently received question relates to an interesting point on nearest point of relief, which I don’t think that I have blogged about previously.
“On our course we have a gravel filled drain running alongside the left hand side of the 16th fairway. It is very narrow, only 8 inches wide. Is it permissible to determine the nearest point of relief by taking your stance on one side of the ditch with the ball on the other side (i.e. the drain is between the player and his ball)?”
The answer to this question is, ‘Yes’ if the point on the other side of the drain is the nearest point of relief. In fact, the player must use this point to determine the permitted area where they may drop their ball, which is within one club-length of that point not nearer the hole. The reason for this being the nearest point is that there is no mental relief from an immovable obstruction in the Rules of Golf; so just because the narrow gravel strip lies between the toes of the player’s normal stance and where their ball would be positioned if they were using the club with which they would normally use for a reasonable stroke from that place, does not mean that they may drop on the near side of the immovable obstruction. In the diagram above, which is not quite the same as in the question, the nearest point of relief for the ball in the gravel drain for a right-handed player is at point Y (for yes) and not at either of the two points marked X (for wrong). Note that the player’s stance for the wrong point X on the left side of the drain would be further away than in the diagram, which represents the player’s stance for the correct nearest point of relief. Of course, once the nearest point of relief has been determined the player may then drop their ball anywhere within one-club-length of that point, not nearer the hole, using the longest club they carry, which may be back on the near side of the gravel path. Please remember that there is only one nearest point of relief, except in the comparatively rare occurrence when ball lies in a position where there could be two equidistant points, and in most situations that point will be at a different place for left and right-handed players. Also remember that the nearest point of relief does not necessarily mean that the player will be able to drop in a more favourable position; sometimes it is better to play a stroke, even though there is interference, rather than taking relief in a less favourable position by taking the correct relief under the Rules.
(Edit 8th une 2016: There was an error in this paragraph which I have now corrected.)
Now here is a point that many (most?) golfers would not realise; in some cases the nearest point of relief may be through an immovable obstruction, unless there is a Local Rule that states otherwise. Note 3 to Rule 24-2 states;
The Committee may make a Local Rule stating that the player must determine the nearest point of relief without crossing over, through or under the obstruction.
Personally, I do not know of any course where this Local Rule has been introduced, but if your ball is on the ‘wrong side’ of a wall, fence, or something similar, you should definitely check the Local Rules before determining your nearest point of relief.
This recently received question relates to an interesting point on nearest point of relief, which I don’t think that I have blogged about previously.
“On our course we have a gravel filled drain running alongside the left hand side of the 16th fairway. It is very narrow, only 8 inches wide. Is it permissible to determine the nearest point of relief by taking your stance on one side of the ditch with the ball on the other side (i.e. the drain is between the player and his ball)?”
The answer to this question is, ‘Yes’ if the point on the other side of the drain is the nearest point of relief. In fact, the player must use this point to determine the permitted area where they may drop their ball, which is within one club-length of that point not nearer the hole. The reason for this being the nearest point is that there is no mental relief from an immovable obstruction in the Rules of Golf; so just because the narrow gravel strip lies between the toes of the player’s normal stance and where their ball would be positioned if they were using the club with which they would normally use for a reasonable stroke from that place, does not mean that they may drop on the near side of the immovable obstruction. In the diagram above, which is not quite the same as in the question, the nearest point of relief for the ball in the gravel drain for a right-handed player is at point Y (for yes) and not at either of the two points marked X (for wrong). Note that the player’s stance for the wrong point X on the left side of the drain would be further away than in the diagram, which represents the player’s stance for the correct nearest point of relief. Of course, once the nearest point of relief has been determined the player may then drop their ball anywhere within one-club-length of that point, not nearer the hole, using the longest club they carry, which may be back on the near side of the gravel path. Please remember that there is only one nearest point of relief, except in the comparatively rare occurrence when ball lies in a position where there could be two equidistant points, and in most situations that point will be at a different place for left and right-handed players. Also remember that the nearest point of relief does not necessarily mean that the player will be able to drop in a more favourable position; sometimes it is better to play a stroke, even though there is interference, rather than taking relief in a less favourable position by taking the correct relief under the Rules.
(Edit 8th une 2016: There was an error in this paragraph which I have now corrected.)
Now here is a point that many (most?) golfers would not realise; in some cases the nearest point of relief may be through an immovable obstruction, unless there is a Local Rule that states otherwise. Note 3 to Rule 24-2 states;
The Committee may make a Local Rule stating that the player must determine the nearest point of relief without crossing over, through or under the obstruction.
Personally, I do not know of any course where this Local Rule has been introduced, but if your ball is on the ‘wrong side’ of a wall, fence, or something similar, you should definitely check the Local Rules before determining your nearest point of relief.
Starting Time
Question 1:
A player arrives at the course 10 minutes before their start time of 3.00 pm, changes their shoes in the locker room and gets involved in a discussion about a contentious Rules issue. They then have to queue in the pro-shop for several minutes to obtain a competition score card. They walk onto the first tee at four minutes past three, just as the third player in their group is teeing-off. What is the ruling?
a) They do not incur a penalty as they arrived before the third player had teed-off and therefore did not delay play.
b) They do not incur a penalty as they were in the vicinity of the 1st tee before their start time.
c) They incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of the first hole in match play.
d) They are disqualified.
Answer 1:
c) They incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of the first hole in match play.
Note: From 1st January 2012 the penalty statement to Rule 6-3a states;
If the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minute after his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Otherwise, the penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification.
Question 2:
Three of the players in a four-ball match await the arrival of the fourth player, as the clock reaches their start time. The three players tee off and then the missing player runs onto the teeing ground just as they are leaving it. What is the ruling?
a) The player is disqualified for being late and may not join the match.
b) The player's side loses the 1st hole and they must proceed to the 2nd hole.
c) As the three players had not left the teeing ground the fourth player may join the match and tee-off.
d) The fourth player may give advice to his partner on the 1st hole but must not play until the 2nd hole.
e) The fourth player must not give advice or play on the 1st hole but must not play until the 2nd hole.
Answer 2:
d) The fourth player may give advice to his partner on the 1st hole but must not play until the 2nd hole. Rule 30-3a and Decision 30-3a/2.
Note: The penalty statement for Rule 30-3a, Representation of Side in Four-Ball Match Play, states;
A Side may be represented by one partner for all or any part of a match; all Partners need not be present. An absent partner may join a match between holes, but not during play of a hole.
A player arrives at the course 10 minutes before their start time of 3.00 pm, changes their shoes in the locker room and gets involved in a discussion about a contentious Rules issue. They then have to queue in the pro-shop for several minutes to obtain a competition score card. They walk onto the first tee at four minutes past three, just as the third player in their group is teeing-off. What is the ruling?
a) They do not incur a penalty as they arrived before the third player had teed-off and therefore did not delay play.
b) They do not incur a penalty as they were in the vicinity of the 1st tee before their start time.
c) They incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of the first hole in match play.
d) They are disqualified.
Answer 1:
c) They incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of the first hole in match play.
Note: From 1st January 2012 the penalty statement to Rule 6-3a states;
If the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minute after his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Otherwise, the penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification.
Question 2:
Three of the players in a four-ball match await the arrival of the fourth player, as the clock reaches their start time. The three players tee off and then the missing player runs onto the teeing ground just as they are leaving it. What is the ruling?
a) The player is disqualified for being late and may not join the match.
b) The player's side loses the 1st hole and they must proceed to the 2nd hole.
c) As the three players had not left the teeing ground the fourth player may join the match and tee-off.
d) The fourth player may give advice to his partner on the 1st hole but must not play until the 2nd hole.
e) The fourth player must not give advice or play on the 1st hole but must not play until the 2nd hole.
Answer 2:
d) The fourth player may give advice to his partner on the 1st hole but must not play until the 2nd hole. Rule 30-3a and Decision 30-3a/2.
Note: The penalty statement for Rule 30-3a, Representation of Side in Four-Ball Match Play, states;
A Side may be represented by one partner for all or any part of a match; all Partners need not be present. An absent partner may join a match between holes, but not during play of a hole.
Touching Growing Grass in a Hazard
Remember that there are two types of hazard on a golf course, bunkers and water hazards (which include lateral water hazards) and that strokes (where there must be intent to strike at and move the ball) are different from practice swings.
Most golfers know that if their ball lies in a hazard they must not touch the ground in that hazard, or the water if it is a water hazard, with their hand or club. Most golfers also realise that they must not touch or move any loose impediment (e.g. stones, branches and dead leaves) lying in or touching the same hazard, unless it is with the forward movement of their club as they make their stroke. However, in my experience, many players do not realise that there is no penalty for touching anything that is growing with a practice swing, their backswing, or the forward movement of their club before it strikes the ball, even when their ball is lying in a hazard.
The Note to Rule 13-4 clarifies;
At any time, including at address or in the backward movement for the stroke, the player may touch, with a club or otherwise, any obstruction, any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course or any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing.
Of course, the player must not do anything to improve their lie, area of intended stance or swing, or line of play by moving, bending or breaking anything growing, because this would be a breach of Rule 13-2. So take care during those practice swings!
Most golfers know that if their ball lies in a hazard they must not touch the ground in that hazard, or the water if it is a water hazard, with their hand or club. Most golfers also realise that they must not touch or move any loose impediment (e.g. stones, branches and dead leaves) lying in or touching the same hazard, unless it is with the forward movement of their club as they make their stroke. However, in my experience, many players do not realise that there is no penalty for touching anything that is growing with a practice swing, their backswing, or the forward movement of their club before it strikes the ball, even when their ball is lying in a hazard.
The Note to Rule 13-4 clarifies;
At any time, including at address or in the backward movement for the stroke, the player may touch, with a club or otherwise, any obstruction, any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course or any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing.
Of course, the player must not do anything to improve their lie, area of intended stance or swing, or line of play by moving, bending or breaking anything growing, because this would be a breach of Rule 13-2. So take care during those practice swings!
Question 1:
A player arrives at the course 10 minutes before their start time of 3.00 pm, changes their shoes in the locker room and gets involved in a discussion about a contentious Rules issue. They then have to queue in the pro-shop for several minutes to obtain a competition score card. They walk onto the first tee at four minutes past three, just as the third player in their group is teeing-off. What is the ruling?
a) They do not incur a penalty as they arrived before the third player had teed-off and therefore did not delay play.
b) They do not incur a penalty as they were in the vicinity of the 1st tee before their start time.
c) They incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of the first hole in match play.
d) They are disqualified.
Answer 1:
c) They incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of the first hole in match play.
Note: From 1st January 2012 the penalty statement to Rule 6-3a states;
If the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minute after his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Otherwise, the penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification.
A player arrives at the course 10 minutes before their start time of 3.00 pm, changes their shoes in the locker room and gets involved in a discussion about a contentious Rules issue. They then have to queue in the pro-shop for several minutes to obtain a competition score card. They walk onto the first tee at four minutes past three, just as the third player in their group is teeing-off. What is the ruling?
a) They do not incur a penalty as they arrived before the third player had teed-off and therefore did not delay play.
b) They do not incur a penalty as they were in the vicinity of the 1st tee before their start time.
c) They incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of the first hole in match play.
d) They are disqualified.
Answer 1:
c) They incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of the first hole in match play.
Note: From 1st January 2012 the penalty statement to Rule 6-3a states;
If the player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minute after his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Otherwise, the penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification.
Ball out of bounds: penalty of stroke and distance
If your ball is lost anywhere outside of a water hazard, or is out of bounds, and you have not played a provisional ball…..
You must proceed
under penalty of stroke and distance
This means that the player must play a ball, under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (Rule 20-5). Despite what some golfers may tell you, there is no other option. In particular, it is not permitted to drop a ball close to where the ball went out of bounds, or where it was thought to be lost for a penalty of two strokes. Anyone who does so, will incur the penalty of disqualification, from the competition in a strokes competition, or from the hole in Stableford, bogey or par competitions.
Note also, that at anytime, anywhere on the course, a player may, under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played, i.e. proceed under penalty of stroke and distance. The consequence of this is that if you do not fancy your next stroke (e.g. in deep undergrowth, under the lip of a bunker, or behind a large immovable obstruction on the line of play) and the other two options under Rule 28, Ball Unplayable, do not provide you with a favorable dropping location, then you may choose this option of taking the penalty of stroke and distance.
Interesting Podcast from Golf.com
Rules enthusiasts may want to check out the Golf.com podcast, in which Alan Bastable chats with USGA Senior Director of Rules of Golf & Amateur Status Thomas Pagel. At 40 minutes (including ads), it is a long listen, but it does contain interesting detail on Pagel’s job, how the Rules of Golf evolve, the decision making behind the four significant changes that are effective from 1st January 2016 and, for the final 5 minutes, Pagel’s thoughts on the simplification of the Rules. Here is the link to this Golf.com podcast.
You must proceed
under penalty of stroke and distance
This means that the player must play a ball, under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (Rule 20-5). Despite what some golfers may tell you, there is no other option. In particular, it is not permitted to drop a ball close to where the ball went out of bounds, or where it was thought to be lost for a penalty of two strokes. Anyone who does so, will incur the penalty of disqualification, from the competition in a strokes competition, or from the hole in Stableford, bogey or par competitions.
Note also, that at anytime, anywhere on the course, a player may, under penalty of one stroke, play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played, i.e. proceed under penalty of stroke and distance. The consequence of this is that if you do not fancy your next stroke (e.g. in deep undergrowth, under the lip of a bunker, or behind a large immovable obstruction on the line of play) and the other two options under Rule 28, Ball Unplayable, do not provide you with a favorable dropping location, then you may choose this option of taking the penalty of stroke and distance.
Interesting Podcast from Golf.com
Rules enthusiasts may want to check out the Golf.com podcast, in which Alan Bastable chats with USGA Senior Director of Rules of Golf & Amateur Status Thomas Pagel. At 40 minutes (including ads), it is a long listen, but it does contain interesting detail on Pagel’s job, how the Rules of Golf evolve, the decision making behind the four significant changes that are effective from 1st January 2016 and, for the final 5 minutes, Pagel’s thoughts on the simplification of the Rules. Here is the link to this Golf.com podcast.
Improving a Stance
Question 1:
In order to get them out of the way of his stroke a player deliberately backed into branches, bending them with his arms and legs and then holding them back with his body while making his stroke. Did he incur any penalty?
Answer 1:
Yes, a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play. Rule 13-2.
Note: The player must 'fairly' take their stance. They may not bend an interfering branch with their hands, legs or body in taking their stance when it could have been taken without bending the branch. Decision 13-2/1 provides a detailed explanation.
In order to get them out of the way of his stroke a player deliberately backed into branches, bending them with his arms and legs and then holding them back with his body while making his stroke. Did he incur any penalty?
Answer 1:
Yes, a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play. Rule 13-2.
Note: The player must 'fairly' take their stance. They may not bend an interfering branch with their hands, legs or body in taking their stance when it could have been taken without bending the branch. Decision 13-2/1 provides a detailed explanation.
Question 2:
A player decides to kneel down to play his ball lying under a tree. He puts a towel on the wet ground to protect his knees. What is the ruling?
Question 3:
Would it have been permissible for the player to put on waterproof trousers before he knelt on the ground to make his stroke?
Answer 2:
The player incurs a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play for 'building a stance'. Decision 13-3/2.
Answer 3:
Yes. Decision 13-3/2.
Note: A player must not build a stance. This also includes putting a mat on the ground to prevent slipping or moving anything into position to achieve a higher or more even stance.
A player decides to kneel down to play his ball lying under a tree. He puts a towel on the wet ground to protect his knees. What is the ruling?
Question 3:
Would it have been permissible for the player to put on waterproof trousers before he knelt on the ground to make his stroke?
Answer 2:
The player incurs a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play for 'building a stance'. Decision 13-3/2.
Answer 3:
Yes. Decision 13-3/2.
Note: A player must not build a stance. This also includes putting a mat on the ground to prevent slipping or moving anything into position to achieve a higher or more even stance.
Ball Unplayable
Question 1:
A player hits their tee shot into a large bush at point X, where they deem it unplayable. Two club-lengths relief (shaded yellow) would not clear the bush and they do not want to return to the teeing ground. What option are they left with under penalty of one stroke?
a) Dropping a ball anywhere on Line of Drop A, not nearer the hole than point X.
b) Dropping a ball anywhere on Line of Drop B, not nearer the hole than point X.
c) Dropping a ball anywhere on Line of Drop C, not nearer the hole than point X.
Answer 1:
c) Dropping a ball anywhere on Line of Drop C, not nearer the hole than point X. Rule 28b.
Part of Rule 28 states;
If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he must, under penalty of one stroke:
a. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or
b. Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped; or
c. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.
A player hits their tee shot into a large bush at point X, where they deem it unplayable. Two club-lengths relief (shaded yellow) would not clear the bush and they do not want to return to the teeing ground. What option are they left with under penalty of one stroke?
a) Dropping a ball anywhere on Line of Drop A, not nearer the hole than point X.
b) Dropping a ball anywhere on Line of Drop B, not nearer the hole than point X.
c) Dropping a ball anywhere on Line of Drop C, not nearer the hole than point X.
Answer 1:
c) Dropping a ball anywhere on Line of Drop C, not nearer the hole than point X. Rule 28b.
Part of Rule 28 states;
If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he must, under penalty of one stroke:
a. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or
b. Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped; or
c. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.
Rules Riddle
After celebrating much too enthusiastically on New Year’s Eve, George arrives at the first tee for his New Year’s Day match against his arch rival, Bill. Things don’t go well for him and unbelievably he is 7 holes down without having struck a ball, when he concedes the match. George has not conceded any stroke or hole and has not breached a Local Rule or Condition of Competition. Explain how this could possibly have occurred under the Rules of Golf. I am not suggesting that this scenario will ever happen but the poser is intended to encourage readers to think laterally about some breaches of the Rules that we don’t often experience.
Solution
George arrives 2 minutes after his start time and loses the 1st hole. Rule 6-3a – in match play, if a player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole - 1 Down
George and Bill walk to the par-3, 2nd hole where Bills tees-off. His ball bounces on the putting green and rolls straight into the hole for a hole-in-one. After congratulating Bill, George is understandably flustered and whiffs (fresh air) his ball, thereby losing the 2nd hole - 2 Down
Bill tees-off at the 3rd hole and George goes to get his driver from his golf bag. He sees that he has forgotten to remove the two new clubs that he was given for Christmas (from China), a driver with a massive 480cc clubhead and a putter with a tailored grip with indentations indicating where the hands should be placed. When he admits that he has more than 14 clubs in his bag Bill advises him that he is penalised two holes for carrying more than 14 clubs on holes 1 and 2;
Rule 4-4a – A player must not start a round with more than 14 clubs. At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred, with a maximum deduction of two holes - 4 Down
George is now 4 holes down, but worse is to come. Bill takes a good look at George’s Christmas presents and quickly recognises that the driver clubhead is larger than is permitted by Appendix ll, 4b (460cc plus a tolerance of 10cc). Also, the indentations on the putter grip make it non-conforming, because the cross-section of the grip must not have concavity, must be symmetrical and must remain generally similar throughout the length of the grip, Appendix ll, 3. Another loss of two holes for George. Rule 4-1a - The player’s clubs must conform to the provisions, specifications and interpretations set forth in Appendix II. At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred, with a maximum deduction of two holes - 6 Down
As you can imagine, at 6 down George is not thinking clearly as he tees his ball. As he addresses it he realises that he does not have room to make a stroke and, instead of moving his ball, he moves the tee marker away from the area of his intended stance, incurring a loss of hole penalty. Rule 11-2 - if a player moves a tee-marker for the purpose of avoiding interference with his stance, the area of his intended swing or his line of play he incurs the penalty for a breach of Rule 13-2. - 7 Down
So, George is now 7 holes down on the teeing ground of the 3rd hole, without having hit a ball. It is obviously not his day and perhaps we should forgive him for conceding the match after playing just one fresh air shot!
Solution
George arrives 2 minutes after his start time and loses the 1st hole. Rule 6-3a – in match play, if a player arrives at his starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole - 1 Down
George and Bill walk to the par-3, 2nd hole where Bills tees-off. His ball bounces on the putting green and rolls straight into the hole for a hole-in-one. After congratulating Bill, George is understandably flustered and whiffs (fresh air) his ball, thereby losing the 2nd hole - 2 Down
Bill tees-off at the 3rd hole and George goes to get his driver from his golf bag. He sees that he has forgotten to remove the two new clubs that he was given for Christmas (from China), a driver with a massive 480cc clubhead and a putter with a tailored grip with indentations indicating where the hands should be placed. When he admits that he has more than 14 clubs in his bag Bill advises him that he is penalised two holes for carrying more than 14 clubs on holes 1 and 2;
Rule 4-4a – A player must not start a round with more than 14 clubs. At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred, with a maximum deduction of two holes - 4 Down
George is now 4 holes down, but worse is to come. Bill takes a good look at George’s Christmas presents and quickly recognises that the driver clubhead is larger than is permitted by Appendix ll, 4b (460cc plus a tolerance of 10cc). Also, the indentations on the putter grip make it non-conforming, because the cross-section of the grip must not have concavity, must be symmetrical and must remain generally similar throughout the length of the grip, Appendix ll, 3. Another loss of two holes for George. Rule 4-1a - The player’s clubs must conform to the provisions, specifications and interpretations set forth in Appendix II. At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred, with a maximum deduction of two holes - 6 Down
As you can imagine, at 6 down George is not thinking clearly as he tees his ball. As he addresses it he realises that he does not have room to make a stroke and, instead of moving his ball, he moves the tee marker away from the area of his intended stance, incurring a loss of hole penalty. Rule 11-2 - if a player moves a tee-marker for the purpose of avoiding interference with his stance, the area of his intended swing or his line of play he incurs the penalty for a breach of Rule 13-2. - 7 Down
So, George is now 7 holes down on the teeing ground of the 3rd hole, without having hit a ball. It is obviously not his day and perhaps we should forgive him for conceding the match after playing just one fresh air shot!
Tee Markers
Question 1:
In a stroke play competition, a player notices that tee markers appear to be aimed in the wrong direction, so they move one to align it with the other and then tee off. What is the ruling?
a) They have straightened the tee markers for the benefit of all following competitors, so there is no penalty.
b) They incur a penalty of two strokes.
c) They are disqualified from the competition.
Answer 1:
c) They are disqualified from the competition.
Question 2:
In the same circumstances as above, what is the penalty, if any, if the player replaces the tee marker before they or any other player plays from the teeing ground.
Answer 2:
They incur a penalty of 2 strokes.
Decision 11-2/2b states:
A player moves a tee-marker before or after playing a stroke from the teeing ground because, in his view, the tee-markers are too close together, too far back, aimed in the wrong direction or some similar reason - disqualification under Rule 33-7, unless the tee-marker is replaced before the player or any other player plays from the teeing ground, in which case the penalty is modified to loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play.
In a stroke play competition, a player notices that tee markers appear to be aimed in the wrong direction, so they move one to align it with the other and then tee off. What is the ruling?
a) They have straightened the tee markers for the benefit of all following competitors, so there is no penalty.
b) They incur a penalty of two strokes.
c) They are disqualified from the competition.
Answer 1:
c) They are disqualified from the competition.
Question 2:
In the same circumstances as above, what is the penalty, if any, if the player replaces the tee marker before they or any other player plays from the teeing ground.
Answer 2:
They incur a penalty of 2 strokes.
Decision 11-2/2b states:
A player moves a tee-marker before or after playing a stroke from the teeing ground because, in his view, the tee-markers are too close together, too far back, aimed in the wrong direction or some similar reason - disqualification under Rule 33-7, unless the tee-marker is replaced before the player or any other player plays from the teeing ground, in which case the penalty is modified to loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play.
Question 3:
In a stroke play competition, a player's ball comes to rest against a tee marker on a different hole to the one that they are playing. What is the ruling?
a) The player may move the tee marker to make their stroke.
b) The player may not move the tee marker and is not permitted to take relief without penalty, so they must play their ball as it lies.
c) In the Rules of Golf the status of a tee marker is 'fixed', so the player may drop away from it, without penalty.
Answer 3:
a) The player may move the tee marker to make their stroke.
Under Rule 11-2, tee-markers are deemed to be fixed when playing the first stroke with any ball from the teeing ground, after which they are obstructions. Decision 11-2/1.
In a stroke play competition, a player's ball comes to rest against a tee marker on a different hole to the one that they are playing. What is the ruling?
a) The player may move the tee marker to make their stroke.
b) The player may not move the tee marker and is not permitted to take relief without penalty, so they must play their ball as it lies.
c) In the Rules of Golf the status of a tee marker is 'fixed', so the player may drop away from it, without penalty.
Answer 3:
a) The player may move the tee marker to make their stroke.
Under Rule 11-2, tee-markers are deemed to be fixed when playing the first stroke with any ball from the teeing ground, after which they are obstructions. Decision 11-2/1.
Jordan Spieth Treads on His Ball
OK, here are two questions for you Rules enthusiasts.
1. Does a player incur a penalty for accidentally treading on their ball in play that is lying in a water hazard, but not in water?
2. If the player chooses to take relief from the hazard under Rule 26-1, do they incur a second penalty stroke?
If you have answered, “Yes” to both of these questions then you know more about this Rules situation than the current world No. 1, correction No.2 golfer, Jordan Spieth.
This is what happened to Jordan at The Barclays, Edison, New Jersey, on Friday. After he played his second shot at the par-5 12th hole into a water hazard, he was searching for his ball in the long weeds, when he accidentally stepped on it. He took a penalty drop away from the hazard and made what he thought was 6 for a bogey. But on the next hole, a PGA Tour rules official approached him about the incident. Apparently, Jordan was not aware that he had incurred a penalty for causing his ball to move when he stepped on it, as he is reported by Golf Channel to have offered this rather confusing explanation;
“My intentions were if I see it, I'm going to play it, and if I don't see it, I'm going to take my drop and play it as a water hazard.”
“Because my intention was possibly to still play it, it's a penalty and that was made clear, no matter what I declared to (caddie Michael Greller) ahead of time. I just wanted to be certain about it.”
To clarify the main points of this ruling, when a player treads on a ball it moves, because it is pressed into the ground. Decision 18-1;
Q. A ball lying in long grass slips vertically downwards. Or a ball is accidentally stepped on and pressed down, say a quarter of an inch, in the grass or into the ground. In each case, has the ball moved?
A. Yes, unless the ball returns to its original position. The direction of movement is immaterial.
The penalty is incurred as soon as the ball is moved. Rule 12-1c states;
If a ball is believed to be lying in water in a water hazard, the player may, without penalty, probe for it with a club or otherwise. If the ball in water is accidentally moved while probing, there is no penalty; the ball must be replaced, unless the player elects to proceed under Rule 26-1. If the moved ball was not lying in water or the ball was accidentally moved by the player other than while probing, Rule 18-2a applies.
Following the completion of his round, Jordan spoke at length (why, what was there to be discussed?) with PGA Tour rules officials, who informed him the Rules did require him to include the penalty of one stroke for the infraction of stepping on his ball.
I can only think of three possible explanations for this incident;
a) Jordan did not know that by treading on his ball in play he had incurred a penalty, which is why he did not immediately inform his marker of the fact, as is required by Rule 9-3;
A competitor who has incurred a penalty should inform his marker as soon as practicable.
b) Jordan did not know that he had stepped on his ball !!!
c) Jordan realised that stepping on his ball did incur a penalty but chose to carry on by dropping a ball outside of the hazard without saying anything to his fellow competitors (in my opinion, this explanation is extremely unlikely).
So, I conclude that we have yet another example of the lack of knowledge that many professional golfers have about their job of work.
One last point for me to clarify is that when a player chooses to take a penalty stroke relief from the water hazard after causing their ball to move, they do not have to replace the ball before doing so, as is usually the case with a breach of Rule 18-2a.
1. Does a player incur a penalty for accidentally treading on their ball in play that is lying in a water hazard, but not in water?
2. If the player chooses to take relief from the hazard under Rule 26-1, do they incur a second penalty stroke?
If you have answered, “Yes” to both of these questions then you know more about this Rules situation than the current world No. 1, correction No.2 golfer, Jordan Spieth.
This is what happened to Jordan at The Barclays, Edison, New Jersey, on Friday. After he played his second shot at the par-5 12th hole into a water hazard, he was searching for his ball in the long weeds, when he accidentally stepped on it. He took a penalty drop away from the hazard and made what he thought was 6 for a bogey. But on the next hole, a PGA Tour rules official approached him about the incident. Apparently, Jordan was not aware that he had incurred a penalty for causing his ball to move when he stepped on it, as he is reported by Golf Channel to have offered this rather confusing explanation;
“My intentions were if I see it, I'm going to play it, and if I don't see it, I'm going to take my drop and play it as a water hazard.”
“Because my intention was possibly to still play it, it's a penalty and that was made clear, no matter what I declared to (caddie Michael Greller) ahead of time. I just wanted to be certain about it.”
To clarify the main points of this ruling, when a player treads on a ball it moves, because it is pressed into the ground. Decision 18-1;
Q. A ball lying in long grass slips vertically downwards. Or a ball is accidentally stepped on and pressed down, say a quarter of an inch, in the grass or into the ground. In each case, has the ball moved?
A. Yes, unless the ball returns to its original position. The direction of movement is immaterial.
The penalty is incurred as soon as the ball is moved. Rule 12-1c states;
If a ball is believed to be lying in water in a water hazard, the player may, without penalty, probe for it with a club or otherwise. If the ball in water is accidentally moved while probing, there is no penalty; the ball must be replaced, unless the player elects to proceed under Rule 26-1. If the moved ball was not lying in water or the ball was accidentally moved by the player other than while probing, Rule 18-2a applies.
Following the completion of his round, Jordan spoke at length (why, what was there to be discussed?) with PGA Tour rules officials, who informed him the Rules did require him to include the penalty of one stroke for the infraction of stepping on his ball.
I can only think of three possible explanations for this incident;
a) Jordan did not know that by treading on his ball in play he had incurred a penalty, which is why he did not immediately inform his marker of the fact, as is required by Rule 9-3;
A competitor who has incurred a penalty should inform his marker as soon as practicable.
b) Jordan did not know that he had stepped on his ball !!!
c) Jordan realised that stepping on his ball did incur a penalty but chose to carry on by dropping a ball outside of the hazard without saying anything to his fellow competitors (in my opinion, this explanation is extremely unlikely).
So, I conclude that we have yet another example of the lack of knowledge that many professional golfers have about their job of work.
One last point for me to clarify is that when a player chooses to take a penalty stroke relief from the water hazard after causing their ball to move, they do not have to replace the ball before doing so, as is usually the case with a breach of Rule 18-2a.
Making a Stroke from Water inside a Water Hazard
• Don’t touch the ground in the hazard with your club, or you will probably incur a penalty. Note that there are exceptions, such as to prevent yourself falling.
• Don’t touch the water with your club, even on the backswing.
• Don’t touch or move any loose impediments in the hazard, such as moving pebbles in the hazard with your feet whilst taking a firm stance.
• Don’t move a loose impediment on your back swing.
• Don’t wash your club in the water if your ball is still in the hazard after you have made your stroke.
• Don’t forget that you may still drop outside the bunker for a penalty of one stroke, Rule 26-2.
And some of the Do’s, or more accurately, May’s;
• You may use your club to stop falling (Exception 1a to Rule 13-4).
• You may take more than one club in the bunker (Exception 1b to Rule 13-4).
• You may touch anything growing in the hazard with practice swings or your backswing (Note to Rule 13-4).
• You may remove any movable obstruction from the hazard, such as a tin can (Rule 24-1).
• You may search for a ball in a water hazard by probing with a club and there is no penalty if you cause it to move while doing so, but the ball must be replaced (Rule 12-1c).
• You may play a ball that is moving in water, but don't wait for it to move to a more advantageous position (Rule 14-6).
• Don’t touch the water with your club, even on the backswing.
• Don’t touch or move any loose impediments in the hazard, such as moving pebbles in the hazard with your feet whilst taking a firm stance.
• Don’t move a loose impediment on your back swing.
• Don’t wash your club in the water if your ball is still in the hazard after you have made your stroke.
• Don’t forget that you may still drop outside the bunker for a penalty of one stroke, Rule 26-2.
And some of the Do’s, or more accurately, May’s;
• You may use your club to stop falling (Exception 1a to Rule 13-4).
• You may take more than one club in the bunker (Exception 1b to Rule 13-4).
• You may touch anything growing in the hazard with practice swings or your backswing (Note to Rule 13-4).
• You may remove any movable obstruction from the hazard, such as a tin can (Rule 24-1).
• You may search for a ball in a water hazard by probing with a club and there is no penalty if you cause it to move while doing so, but the ball must be replaced (Rule 12-1c).
• You may play a ball that is moving in water, but don't wait for it to move to a more advantageous position (Rule 14-6).
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Identifying Your Ball
It may come as a surprise to some golfers that the Rules do not require them to notify their marker or fellow competitor, which ball they are playing before starting a hole, nor when they are substituting a ball under the Rules during play of the hole. All that is required by the Rules is that a player can positively identify their ball in play, a subject which I previously blogged about in this article. Of course, I am not suggesting that a player should not inform those that they are playing with of the brand, number and any identifying marks on their ball; it is both good etiquette and the sensible thing to do, as it avoids any possible doubt that might arise when a ball is played out of sight. In fact, I recommend that markers make it a practice to ask the player they are marking for to describe the ball they are playing; how else can they be sure that the ball that the player finishes the hole with is the same one that they started with, or with the one that they correctly substituted under the Rules during play of the hole? Whilst on this subject I will make the point that in the absence of a ‘One Ball’ Condition of Competition, the player is permitted to change the brand, condition and colour of any balls they use during a round, without restriction. They may also borrow balls from any source. This makes it all the more necessary that they inform the other players in their group each time they change the ball they are putting into play.
I have often wondered how many Titleist Pro V1, No.1, balls there are on an 18-hole golf course at any one time. My uneducated guess is that the average is probably in excess of 18, or 1 per hole, including those that have been lost. So, how can a player positively identify their Pro V1, No.1, from the others on the course, if there is no identification mark? Even this may not be sufficient. I tell the story of a retired senior who played his home course 3-4 times a week. He had a mental block on one particular hole, which led him to regularly slice his drive into the same area of deep rough to the right of the fairway. On one occasion, after a couple of minutes, he shouted to his fellow searchers that he had found his Titleist No.1 ball. “How do you know it is yours?” responded his marker. “It has the same personal identification that I always use”, he responded. “You hit so many balls into this rough that it would need to have today’s date on it for you to be sure”, was the terse, unsympathetic reply!
Part of Rule 12-2 states that each player should put an identification mark on his ball. My strong recommendation is that each player must put an identification mark on their balls if they want to avoid incurring unnecessary penalties for playing a wrong ball, or not being able to positively identify a ball that has been found.
I have often wondered how many Titleist Pro V1, No.1, balls there are on an 18-hole golf course at any one time. My uneducated guess is that the average is probably in excess of 18, or 1 per hole, including those that have been lost. So, how can a player positively identify their Pro V1, No.1, from the others on the course, if there is no identification mark? Even this may not be sufficient. I tell the story of a retired senior who played his home course 3-4 times a week. He had a mental block on one particular hole, which led him to regularly slice his drive into the same area of deep rough to the right of the fairway. On one occasion, after a couple of minutes, he shouted to his fellow searchers that he had found his Titleist No.1 ball. “How do you know it is yours?” responded his marker. “It has the same personal identification that I always use”, he responded. “You hit so many balls into this rough that it would need to have today’s date on it for you to be sure”, was the terse, unsympathetic reply!
Part of Rule 12-2 states that each player should put an identification mark on his ball. My strong recommendation is that each player must put an identification mark on their balls if they want to avoid incurring unnecessary penalties for playing a wrong ball, or not being able to positively identify a ball that has been found.
Putting infringements
Question 1:
In stroke play a player's ball is at rest a few inches from the hole and he walks up to it and drags it into the hole with his putter.
a) Has he incurred a penalty?
b) Does he have to take the putt again?
Answer 1:
a) Yes, two strokes.
b) No. The stroke counts, whether or not the putt was holed using this invalid method of striking the ball.
Rule 14-1 states;
"The ball must be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or spooned."
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Question 2: What is the ruling if a player misses with his putt and then taps the ball back into the hole while it is still moving?
Answer 2: The putt stands but the player incurs a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play, Rule 14-5.
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Question 3: A player lifts the flagstick and holds it with one hand while he putts with the other;
a) Does he incur a penalty if he holds the flagstick above the ground while he putts?
b) Does he incur a penalty if the flagstick touches the ground as he putts?
c) Does he incur a penalty if his ball hits the flagstick while he is holding it?
Answer 3:
a) No. b) No. c) Yes, two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play.
A player is permitted to hold the flagstick with one hand while he putts with the other, providing the flagstick has been removed from the hole and the ball does not strike it, Decision 17-1/5. However, a player may not use the flagstick to assist him in making his putt, e.g. by resting against it for better balance.
In stroke play a player's ball is at rest a few inches from the hole and he walks up to it and drags it into the hole with his putter.
a) Has he incurred a penalty?
b) Does he have to take the putt again?
Answer 1:
a) Yes, two strokes.
b) No. The stroke counts, whether or not the putt was holed using this invalid method of striking the ball.
Rule 14-1 states;
"The ball must be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or spooned."
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Question 2: What is the ruling if a player misses with his putt and then taps the ball back into the hole while it is still moving?
Answer 2: The putt stands but the player incurs a penalty of two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play, Rule 14-5.
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Question 3: A player lifts the flagstick and holds it with one hand while he putts with the other;
a) Does he incur a penalty if he holds the flagstick above the ground while he putts?
b) Does he incur a penalty if the flagstick touches the ground as he putts?
c) Does he incur a penalty if his ball hits the flagstick while he is holding it?
Answer 3:
a) No. b) No. c) Yes, two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play.
A player is permitted to hold the flagstick with one hand while he putts with the other, providing the flagstick has been removed from the hole and the ball does not strike it, Decision 17-1/5. However, a player may not use the flagstick to assist him in making his putt, e.g. by resting against it for better balance.
Repairing Damage to the Putting Green and Course
Players are often confused as to what damage they can repair to the course. Let’s try and clarify this, starting with the putting green. Rule 16-1c states;
“The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player's ball lies on the putting green.”
This is the only damage that a player may repair on the putting green without incurring a penalty and note that the player’s ball does not have to be on the green for the player to repair the damage. The same Rule goes on to say;
“If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of the repair, the ball or ball-marker must be replaced. There is no penalty, provided the movement of the ball or ball-marker is directly attributable to the specific act of repairing an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball. Otherwise, Rule 18 applies.
Any other damage to the putting green must not be repaired if it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.”
The last sentence is very important. It implies that providing the damage is nowhere near your line of putt you may repair it, no matter how it was caused. However, remember that when making a stroke most players stray from their intended line of putt from time to time and the ball often passes quickly by the hole leaving a second or even third putt from a different angle. Best not to take chances and not repair any other type of damage, which includes spike marks, heel prints, animal scrapes, flagstick dents at the lip of the hole, or score marks caused by dragging a flagstick over the surface of the green. Many players have made the mistake of tapping down a spike mark in the vicinity of the hole, whether purposely or absent-mindedly. Decision 16-1c/4 confirms that this is not permitted as it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.
So, damage made by the impact of a ball (pitch marks) and old hole plugs should be repaired as soon as the players arrive at the putting green, whereas all other damage should be repaired by players as they leave the green after finishing their play of the hole. There is nothing in the Rules requiring players to repair this other damage to the putting surfaces before they leave the green but it is good etiquette and a courtesy to other players to do so.
What about repairing course damage off the putting green? Really, the only thing that you have to be careful about is Rule 13-2, which states;
“A player must not improve or allow to be improved:
• the position or lie of his ball,
• the area of his intended stance or swing,
• his line of play or a reasonable extension of that line beyond the hole, or
• the area in which he is to drop or place a ball…”
A good example of how you may fall foul of this Rule is if you replace a divot that lies in front of your ball. This may seem unreasonable if you are playing into the putting green with a pitching wedge, which means that your ball will immediately rise several metres above the ground before passing over where the divot has been replaced, but this is the Rule and you are liable to be penalised if you do so.
“The player may repair an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball, whether or not the player's ball lies on the putting green.”
This is the only damage that a player may repair on the putting green without incurring a penalty and note that the player’s ball does not have to be on the green for the player to repair the damage. The same Rule goes on to say;
“If a ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved in the process of the repair, the ball or ball-marker must be replaced. There is no penalty, provided the movement of the ball or ball-marker is directly attributable to the specific act of repairing an old hole plug or damage to the putting green caused by the impact of a ball. Otherwise, Rule 18 applies.
Any other damage to the putting green must not be repaired if it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.”
The last sentence is very important. It implies that providing the damage is nowhere near your line of putt you may repair it, no matter how it was caused. However, remember that when making a stroke most players stray from their intended line of putt from time to time and the ball often passes quickly by the hole leaving a second or even third putt from a different angle. Best not to take chances and not repair any other type of damage, which includes spike marks, heel prints, animal scrapes, flagstick dents at the lip of the hole, or score marks caused by dragging a flagstick over the surface of the green. Many players have made the mistake of tapping down a spike mark in the vicinity of the hole, whether purposely or absent-mindedly. Decision 16-1c/4 confirms that this is not permitted as it might assist the player in his subsequent play of the hole.
So, damage made by the impact of a ball (pitch marks) and old hole plugs should be repaired as soon as the players arrive at the putting green, whereas all other damage should be repaired by players as they leave the green after finishing their play of the hole. There is nothing in the Rules requiring players to repair this other damage to the putting surfaces before they leave the green but it is good etiquette and a courtesy to other players to do so.
What about repairing course damage off the putting green? Really, the only thing that you have to be careful about is Rule 13-2, which states;
“A player must not improve or allow to be improved:
• the position or lie of his ball,
• the area of his intended stance or swing,
• his line of play or a reasonable extension of that line beyond the hole, or
• the area in which he is to drop or place a ball…”
A good example of how you may fall foul of this Rule is if you replace a divot that lies in front of your ball. This may seem unreasonable if you are playing into the putting green with a pitching wedge, which means that your ball will immediately rise several metres above the ground before passing over where the divot has been replaced, but this is the Rule and you are liable to be penalised if you do so.
Touching Ball in Play
A player is not sure if it is his ball that he has found in long grass as he cannot see his identification mark;
a) Does he have to announce, to an opponent or fellow competitor, his intention to touch his ball so as to identify it?
b) Does he have to mark the position of his ball before touching it?
c) May he clean the ball after he has lifted it?
d) Is there a penalty for touching the ball to identify it without marking it?
Answer 1:
a) Yes, he may only lift his ball in order to identify it if he has given his opponent, marker or fellow competitor an opportunity to observe the lifting and replacement.
b) Yes, the position of the ball must be marked before touching or lifting it.
c) The ball may only be cleaned to the extent necessary for identification.
d) Yes, the player incurs a one stroke penalty if he does not comply with all or any part of the procedure.
Note: A player may not touch a ball other than as provided for in the Rules (Rule 18-2a). Under Rules 12-2 and 20-1, a ball may only be lifted (or touched and rotated) for identification purposes if the player follows the correct procedure.
Dropping a Ball
The player is taking relief by dropping a ball within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, which they have marked with a tee peg;
Question 1:
Which picture(s) shows an acceptable manner for dropping the ball?
a) A. b) B. c) Both A & B.
Question 2: Does the player have to mark the limit of the one club-length with a tee peg or some other physical marker?
Question 3: Who must drop the ball? a) Only the player. b) The player or their partner. c) The player, their partner, or either of their caddies. d) Anyone.
Question 4: If a ball is dropped not in accordance with the Rules does the player immediately incur a penalty?
Answer 1: Only B. The player must stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm's length and drop it. Rule 20-2.
Answer 2: No. See the explanation below**.
Answer 3: a) Only the player. A ball to be dropped under the Rules must be dropped by the player. Rule 20-2.
Answer 4: No. A ball that has been dropped, but not in accordance with the Rules, and has not been played, may be lifted, without penalty, and dropped again. Rule 20-6.
** Although there is a recommended procedure for determining the nearest point of relief, the Rules do not require a player to determine this point when proceeding under Rule 24-2, 24-3, 25-1 or 25-3. If a player does not determine a nearest point of relief accurately or identifies an incorrect nearest point of relief, a penalty only arises if, as a result, the player drops their ball at a spot which does not satisfy the requirements of the Rule under which they are proceeding and they then play the ball (e.g. the spot is more than one club-length from the correct nearest point of relief or the ball is dropped nearer to the hole than the nearest point of relief). In such circumstances, the player would be penalised for playing from a wrong place. Rule 20-7.
Question 1:
Which picture(s) shows an acceptable manner for dropping the ball?
a) A. b) B. c) Both A & B.
Question 2: Does the player have to mark the limit of the one club-length with a tee peg or some other physical marker?
Question 3: Who must drop the ball? a) Only the player. b) The player or their partner. c) The player, their partner, or either of their caddies. d) Anyone.
Question 4: If a ball is dropped not in accordance with the Rules does the player immediately incur a penalty?
Answer 1: Only B. The player must stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm's length and drop it. Rule 20-2.
Answer 2: No. See the explanation below**.
Answer 3: a) Only the player. A ball to be dropped under the Rules must be dropped by the player. Rule 20-2.
Answer 4: No. A ball that has been dropped, but not in accordance with the Rules, and has not been played, may be lifted, without penalty, and dropped again. Rule 20-6.
** Although there is a recommended procedure for determining the nearest point of relief, the Rules do not require a player to determine this point when proceeding under Rule 24-2, 24-3, 25-1 or 25-3. If a player does not determine a nearest point of relief accurately or identifies an incorrect nearest point of relief, a penalty only arises if, as a result, the player drops their ball at a spot which does not satisfy the requirements of the Rule under which they are proceeding and they then play the ball (e.g. the spot is more than one club-length from the correct nearest point of relief or the ball is dropped nearer to the hole than the nearest point of relief). In such circumstances, the player would be penalised for playing from a wrong place. Rule 20-7.
Question 5:
Do the Rules permit a player to put spin on their ball as they drop it?
Answer 5:
No. If a player purposely drops their ball with spin they incur a penalty of one stroke under Rule 20-2a for dropping the ball in an improper manner, unless they correct their mistake, as permitted by Rule 20-6.
Ball in Bunker?
Question 2:
In the photo, a player's ball lies completely on sand;
a) Is the ball in the bunker?
b) May the player ground their club in the bunker in preparing to make a stroke at the ball?
c) In the absence of any Local Rule may the stone be removed from the bunker before the player makes their stroke?
d) The player takes their stance in the bunker to play their ball lying just outside the bunker, but they do not ground their club. Before they commence their stroke, wind causes the ball to roll down into the bunker. Do they incur a penalty and do they have to play the next stroke from within the bunker where the ball came to rest?
Answer 2:
a) No, sand spilling over the margin of a bunker is not part of the bunker. Decision 13/1. As there is a definite ridge, with grass growing below where the ball is at rest, the intended margin of the bunker is obvious.
b) Yes, a player may ground their club in a bunker when their ball does not lie in that bunker. Rule 13-4.
c) Yes, a player may remove any loose impediment from a bunker when their ball does not lie in that bunker. Rule 23-1.
d) There is no penalty, as the player had not completed address of their ball and also did not cause their ball to move. They must play the ball from the bunker. Rule 18-1.
Note: When a ball lies outside of a bunker the player has not addressed his ball until they have grounded their club immediately behind the ball (Definition of Addressing the Ball). If the ball moves and it is due to wind or another element and not the player that has caused it to move, it must be played from where it comes to rest (Rule 18-2a).
Water-filled Bunkers
A competitor's ball was seen to splash into deep casual water in a bunker, but it is not visible. However, it is obvious that there is nowhere that the player can drop a ball in the bunker that is not covered in water and is not nearer the hole.
Question 1:
a) Does the player have to find their ball if it is known to be in the bunker?
b) May the player take relief from the casual water, without penalty, by dropping a ball outside the bunker?
c) If the player finds the ball in the bunker may they take relief by dropping a ball at Y, which is the point where the water is shallowest?
Answer 1:
a) No, Rule 25-1c.
b) No, but see Question 2 below.
c) Yes, providing that this is the point nearest to where the ball lay that is not nearer the hole and affords maximum available relief from the condition.
Note: If it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found lies in casual water in a bunker, the player may substitute another ball, without penalty, and take relief as prescribed in Rule 25-1b(ii) (a).
Question 1:
a) Does the player have to find their ball if it is known to be in the bunker?
b) May the player take relief from the casual water, without penalty, by dropping a ball outside the bunker?
c) If the player finds the ball in the bunker may they take relief by dropping a ball at Y, which is the point where the water is shallowest?
Answer 1:
a) No, Rule 25-1c.
b) No, but see Question 2 below.
c) Yes, providing that this is the point nearest to where the ball lay that is not nearer the hole and affords maximum available relief from the condition.
Note: If it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found lies in casual water in a bunker, the player may substitute another ball, without penalty, and take relief as prescribed in Rule 25-1b(ii) (a).
Question 2:
If the player can see their ball in the casual water at point X, where are they permitted to drop it outside the bunker, under penalty of one stroke?
a) At point A, within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief from where the ball lies in the casual water?
b) Outside the bunker, anywhere on an extension of the line from b through B?
c) Within a club-length of point C, where the ball last crossed the margin of the bunker after the previous stroke?
Answer 2:
b) Outside the bunker, anywhere on an extension of the line from b through B?
Note: When a player's ball is in a bunker and there is interference by casual water (or another abnormal ground condition) they have four options;
i) Play the ball as it lies in the water.
ii) Drop the ball in the bunker without penalty at the nearest point, not nearer the hole, where the depth of the casual water is least - Rule 25-1b (ii) (a).
iii) Drop the ball behind the bunker under penalty of one stroke - Rule 25-1b (ii) (b).
iv) Deem the ball unplayable and proceed in accordance with Rule 28. If the player elects to proceed under clause b or c of this Rule, they must drop a ball in the bunker.
If a ball to be dropped or placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
If the player can see their ball in the casual water at point X, where are they permitted to drop it outside the bunker, under penalty of one stroke?
a) At point A, within two club-lengths of the nearest point of relief from where the ball lies in the casual water?
b) Outside the bunker, anywhere on an extension of the line from b through B?
c) Within a club-length of point C, where the ball last crossed the margin of the bunker after the previous stroke?
Answer 2:
b) Outside the bunker, anywhere on an extension of the line from b through B?
Note: When a player's ball is in a bunker and there is interference by casual water (or another abnormal ground condition) they have four options;
i) Play the ball as it lies in the water.
ii) Drop the ball in the bunker without penalty at the nearest point, not nearer the hole, where the depth of the casual water is least - Rule 25-1b (ii) (a).
iii) Drop the ball behind the bunker under penalty of one stroke - Rule 25-1b (ii) (b).
iv) Deem the ball unplayable and proceed in accordance with Rule 28. If the player elects to proceed under clause b or c of this Rule, they must drop a ball in the bunker.
If a ball to be dropped or placed under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted.
Through the Green
The area ‘through the green’ is often misunderstood by golfers. Common misconceptions are that it is; when a ball goes over the back of the green; another way of describing the fairway; another way of describing the rough; or another way of describing the fairway plus the rough.
Here is the Definition from the front of the Rules book;
“Through the green’’ is the whole area of the course except:
a. The teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played; and
b. All hazards on the course.
Here is an example of how understanding the meaning of ‘through the green’ may affect your play. If your ball lies in the rough, just off the closely mown fairway, and you are taking relief from an immovable obstruction, or an abnormal ground condition (e.g. GUR or casual water), the relief procedures outlined in Rules 24-2b(i) and 25-1b(i), Relief - Through the Green, require that you must drop the ball within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief, which must not be in a hazard or on a putting green. So, if the permitted one club-length relief takes you from the rough to the fairway you are entitled to drop the ball onto the fairway (Decision 24-2b/8). Similarly, if your ball lies on the fairway and a Local Rule for Preferred Lies is in effect, you may place the ball onto the first cut of rough, providing that spot in the rough is within the distance you are entitled to prefer your lie (e.g. within 6 inches, or the width of the score card).
It is worth noting that Rule 25-2 only permits players to take relief for a ball that is embedded in a closely mown area (see this blog for more detail). However, many Committees extend this relief to ‘through the green’
Ball moves - Wind Is Not an Outside Agency
The most important thing for players to remember when their ball is moved by wind, casual water of some other element (earthquake!) is that there is no penalty and they must play the ball from where it comes to rest. Neither wind nor water is an outside agency. An easy, but irreverent way to remember this, is that if a player moves their ball it has to be replaced and they incur a penalty of one stroke; whereas if ‘God’ moves their ball it has to be played from where it comes to rest and there is no penalty. If the player mistakenly replaces their ball where it was before it was moved by wind they incur a penalty of two strokes for playing from the wrong place (penalty statement under Rule 18).
There are some other relevant points for me to mention on this subject;
§ If a player had replaced their ball at their ball-marker when the wind moved it, they must still play their ball from where it rolls to, even though the ball-marker is still in place (Decision 20-4/1).
§ Under Rule 20-4, a ball is in play when it is replaced, whether or not the object used to mark its position has been removed. However, when a ball-marker marking the position of a lifted ball is moved by the wind, the ball-marker must be replaced without penalty (Decision 20-1/10.5).
If an object being moved by the wind moves a ball at rest (e.g. a paper bag), the object is an outside agency. So, Rule 18-1 applies and the ball must be replaced without penalty (Decision 18-1/6).
There are some other relevant points for me to mention on this subject;
§ If a player had replaced their ball at their ball-marker when the wind moved it, they must still play their ball from where it rolls to, even though the ball-marker is still in place (Decision 20-4/1).
§ Under Rule 20-4, a ball is in play when it is replaced, whether or not the object used to mark its position has been removed. However, when a ball-marker marking the position of a lifted ball is moved by the wind, the ball-marker must be replaced without penalty (Decision 20-1/10.5).
If an object being moved by the wind moves a ball at rest (e.g. a paper bag), the object is an outside agency. So, Rule 18-1 applies and the ball must be replaced without penalty (Decision 18-1/6).
10 Golden Rules of Golf
The original Rules of Golf issued by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers in 1744 numbered just 13. Today’s Rules of Golf has 34 Rules with over 200 sections and subsections, totalling more than 20,000 words. It is no wonder that most golfers never bother to read the Rules book at all and that even acknowledged experts will often disagree over the interpretation of some Rules.
In 1982, as a result of collaboration between the USGA and GOLF Magazine, George Peper was tasked to write a simplified summary of those Rules that affect most golfers, most often. More recently LINKS magazine took up the cause and partnered with the USGA to promote the original version with a few minor amendments.
If all golfers were to learn these 10 Golden Rules, George Peper estimates that they would be able to resolve 90% of the Rules situations that golfers routinely encounter in the course of an 18-hole round. I present them here to remind readers of some of the most basic principles of the game we love;
1. Play the ball as it lies.
2. Don’t move, bend, or break anything growing or fixed, except in fairly taking your stance or swing. Don’t press anything down.
3. You may lift natural objects not fixed or growing, except in a water hazard or bunker. No penalty.
4. Movable man-made objects may be moved. For immovable objects, you may take relief by dropping away from them within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole, except in a water hazard or if the object defines out of bounds. In a bunker, you must drop in the bunker. No penalty.
5. You may take relief from casual water, ground under repair, burrowing animal holes or casts, anywhere except in a water hazard. On the putting green, place at the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole; otherwise drop within one club-length of the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole. In a bunker, you must drop in the bunker. No penalty.
6. In a water hazard or bunker, don’t touch the water or ground with your hand or club before the stroke.
7. If you hit your ball into a water hazard and cannot find or play it, either drop behind the point where the ball last crossed the hazard margin or at the place where you played the shot. On the tee, you may tee the ball. One penalty stroke. If you hit into a lateral hazard, you may also drop within two club-lengths of the point where the ball last crossed the hazard margin, or, within two club-lengths of a point equidistant from the hole on the opposite margin. One penalty stroke.
8. When you hit your ball out of bounds or cannot find it after 5 minutes of searching, add a penalty stroke, go back and drop a ball at the place where you played the shot. On the tee, you may tee the ball. If you think you have hit your ball out of bounds or lost it outside a water hazard, play a provisional ball before searching for the first one.
9. When you have an unplayable lie, you may drop a ball at the place where you played the previous shot, adding a penalty stroke. On the tee, you may tee the ball. Alternatively, drop within two club-lengths, no nearer the hole, or any distance behind the unplayable spot, keeping it between you and the hole. If the ball is in a bunker, you must drop in the bunker, under either of the alternative options. If you can’t play your ball that is in a water hazard, see Golden Rule #7.
10. You may repair ball marks and old hole plugs on the putting green that are on the line of your putt, but not spike marks.
Playing a Wrong Ball
Bill Kimpton's print reproduced from www.golfun.com
I am taking a rest this week, as I received a weekly newsletter by Paul Kruger, PGA, The Landings Club, Savannah, GA, on a subject that I have not previously covered in detail. Rather than write a similar blog from scratch I have obtained Paul’s permission to copy his article about playing a wrong ball, in full and without change.
Per Rule 15-3 -Wrong Ball, the penalty for playing a wrong ball is loss of hole in match play and two strokes in stroke play. One of the most demoralizing penalties one can incur is that of playing a wrong ball. Why? Because Rule 12-2, Lifting Ball for Identification, gives you the authority to identify your ball anywhere on the course. Thanks to this Rule, you can be absolutely sure you are playing your own ball, thereby avoiding the ignominy of playing a stray ball or someone else’s ball in play by mistake. To assist you in identifying your ball, Rule 12-2 recommends that you should put an identification mark on your ball.
As long as you are sure that you are about to play your own ball, what could possibly go wrong? Believe it or not, under certain circumstances, you can be penalized for playing a wrong ball despite the fact that you have played your own ball! Strange as that may seem, consider the following:
§ In match play, if you are doubtful of your rights or the correct procedure to follow when taking relief, you must resist any temptation to play a second ball. Playing a second ball under Rule 3-3, Doubt As To Procedure, is restricted to stroke play only! According to Decision 3-3/9, Second Ball Played in Match Play, if you play a second ball in match play, you will be incur a loss of hole penalty for playing a wrong ball.
§ If you mark and lift your ball on a putting green and then set it aside, you must remember to replace your ball before playing your next stroke with that ball. Per Decision 15/4, Player Lifts Ball, Sets It Aside and Plays It from Where Set Aside, when you lift the ball pursuant to Rule 20-1, Lifting and Marking, that ball is out of play. The Definition of Ball in Play advises that a ball in play is no longer in play when it is lifted. If you then make a stroke with your ball while it is out of play, you will have played a wrong ball. The Definition of Wrong Ball states, in part, “A ‘wrong ball’ … includes … the player’s original ball when it is no longer in play.”
§ If, after a brief search for your original ball, you put another ball into play under Rule 27-1, Stroke and Distance; Ball Out of Bounds; Ball Not Found Within Five Minutes, you must continue play with the substituted ball, even though you then find your original ball within the five minute search period. Per Decision 15/5, Original Ball Found and Played After Another Ball Put into Play, your original ball became lost when you put the substituted ball into play under Rule 27-1. If you then abandon the substituted ball and play a stroke with the original ball, you will have played a wrong ball. See also Decision 27-1/2.3, Original Ball Found Within Five-Minute Search Period After Another Ball Dropped; Original Ball Played.
§ If you play a stroke at your ball which is lying out of bounds, you will be playing a wrong ball. See Decision 15/6, Stroke Played with Ball Lying Out of Bounds, and Decision 18-2b/9, Ball Moves After Address and Comes to Rest Out of Bounds; Player Plays Ball. The Definition of Ball in Play indicates that a ball in play is no longer in play when it is out of bounds.
§ Decision 15/9, Ball Thrown Into Bounds by Outside Agency and Played; Caddie Aware of Action of Outside Agency, describes an unusual set of circumstances wherein a caddie withholds vital information from his player. Choose your caddie wisely so that you do not unwittingly play your original ball after it has been tossed back in bounds!
§ If you find your original ball after a search exceeding five minutes, that ball is lost (see Definition of Lost Ball). Should you then play that ball, you will be playing a wrong ball. The Definition of Ball in Play indicates that a ball in play is no longer in play when it is lost. See Decision 27/8, Ball Found After Search Exceeding Five Minutes Is Then Played.
§ If you play a provisional ball pursuant to Rule 27-2, Provisional Ball, for your original ball that may be lost or out of bounds, be careful not to continue play with your original ball after playing your provisional ball from a point nearer the hole than where your original ball was likely to be. See Decision 27-2b/5, Original Ball Played After Provisional Ball Played from Point Nearer Hole Than Original Ball Is Likely to Be, and Rule 27-2b, When Provisional Ball Becomes Ball in Play.
Per Rule 15-3 -Wrong Ball, the penalty for playing a wrong ball is loss of hole in match play and two strokes in stroke play. One of the most demoralizing penalties one can incur is that of playing a wrong ball. Why? Because Rule 12-2, Lifting Ball for Identification, gives you the authority to identify your ball anywhere on the course. Thanks to this Rule, you can be absolutely sure you are playing your own ball, thereby avoiding the ignominy of playing a stray ball or someone else’s ball in play by mistake. To assist you in identifying your ball, Rule 12-2 recommends that you should put an identification mark on your ball.
As long as you are sure that you are about to play your own ball, what could possibly go wrong? Believe it or not, under certain circumstances, you can be penalized for playing a wrong ball despite the fact that you have played your own ball! Strange as that may seem, consider the following:
§ In match play, if you are doubtful of your rights or the correct procedure to follow when taking relief, you must resist any temptation to play a second ball. Playing a second ball under Rule 3-3, Doubt As To Procedure, is restricted to stroke play only! According to Decision 3-3/9, Second Ball Played in Match Play, if you play a second ball in match play, you will be incur a loss of hole penalty for playing a wrong ball.
§ If you mark and lift your ball on a putting green and then set it aside, you must remember to replace your ball before playing your next stroke with that ball. Per Decision 15/4, Player Lifts Ball, Sets It Aside and Plays It from Where Set Aside, when you lift the ball pursuant to Rule 20-1, Lifting and Marking, that ball is out of play. The Definition of Ball in Play advises that a ball in play is no longer in play when it is lifted. If you then make a stroke with your ball while it is out of play, you will have played a wrong ball. The Definition of Wrong Ball states, in part, “A ‘wrong ball’ … includes … the player’s original ball when it is no longer in play.”
§ If, after a brief search for your original ball, you put another ball into play under Rule 27-1, Stroke and Distance; Ball Out of Bounds; Ball Not Found Within Five Minutes, you must continue play with the substituted ball, even though you then find your original ball within the five minute search period. Per Decision 15/5, Original Ball Found and Played After Another Ball Put into Play, your original ball became lost when you put the substituted ball into play under Rule 27-1. If you then abandon the substituted ball and play a stroke with the original ball, you will have played a wrong ball. See also Decision 27-1/2.3, Original Ball Found Within Five-Minute Search Period After Another Ball Dropped; Original Ball Played.
§ If you play a stroke at your ball which is lying out of bounds, you will be playing a wrong ball. See Decision 15/6, Stroke Played with Ball Lying Out of Bounds, and Decision 18-2b/9, Ball Moves After Address and Comes to Rest Out of Bounds; Player Plays Ball. The Definition of Ball in Play indicates that a ball in play is no longer in play when it is out of bounds.
§ Decision 15/9, Ball Thrown Into Bounds by Outside Agency and Played; Caddie Aware of Action of Outside Agency, describes an unusual set of circumstances wherein a caddie withholds vital information from his player. Choose your caddie wisely so that you do not unwittingly play your original ball after it has been tossed back in bounds!
§ If you find your original ball after a search exceeding five minutes, that ball is lost (see Definition of Lost Ball). Should you then play that ball, you will be playing a wrong ball. The Definition of Ball in Play indicates that a ball in play is no longer in play when it is lost. See Decision 27/8, Ball Found After Search Exceeding Five Minutes Is Then Played.
§ If you play a provisional ball pursuant to Rule 27-2, Provisional Ball, for your original ball that may be lost or out of bounds, be careful not to continue play with your original ball after playing your provisional ball from a point nearer the hole than where your original ball was likely to be. See Decision 27-2b/5, Original Ball Played After Provisional Ball Played from Point Nearer Hole Than Original Ball Is Likely to Be, and Rule 27-2b, When Provisional Ball Becomes Ball in Play.
The Hole on Putting Green
As a Rules ‘enthusiast’ I am repeatedly asked similar questions by players, whatever their golfing ability. Here are five of them relating to the hole on the putting green.
§ “Player 1 putts his ball and leaves his ball in the cup. Player 2 putts and his ball goes in the hole. Is there a penalty and if so what is it?”
There is no penalty. A ball is holed when it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole. The fact that it may be at rest on another ball, or balls, (as in the photo) is not relevant. Definition of Holed.
§ “After holing out, a player smoothes the ragged edge of the hole with his hand. Do they incur a penalty if a fellow-competitor or partner has not yet holed out?”
The player is only penalised if their smoothing of the ragged edge was done with the intention of influencing the movement of a fellow-competitor's or partner's ball, not if it was solely for the purpose of caring for the course. However, it is recommended that a player should only smooth the ragged edge of a hole after all players in the group have completed play of the hole. Decision 1-2/3.5.
§ “If there is an old plug hole on my line of putt on the putting green, which has an artificial cover (e.g. plastic or synthetic grass), may I take relief without penalty?”
Yes, players may take line of putt relief from the artificial hole plug, which is an immovable obstruction. Rule 24-2b(iii) states;
If the ball lies on the putting green, the player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, at the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard. The nearest point of relief may be off the putting green.
§ “Must the hole be positioned at least four paces from any edge of the putting green?”
There is no Rule regarding hole locations, so there is no such thing as an illegal hole location. However, both the R&A and USGA have listed the many factors that they recommend should be considered to select good hole positions and they include the statement that generally the hole be located at least four paces from any edge of the green.
§ “A friend hit his ball onto the green and it landed just outside some GUR marked on the green. He wanted to putt the ball but his line of putt was going through the GUR so he asked for relief, which I would not give him because I said he could chip his ball over the GUR, was I right or wrong?”
You were wrong, the player may take relief in this circumstance! Rule 25-1b(iii) deals with taking relief from an abnormal ground condition (which includes GUR) on a putting green;
If the ball lies on the putting green, the player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, at the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard or, if complete relief is impossible, at the nearest position to where it lay that affords maximum available relief from the condition, but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard. The nearest point of relief or maximum available relief may be off the putting green.
However, there is no line of play relief from an abnormal ground condition on the putting green if the player's ball lies off the putting green.
§ “Player 1 putts his ball and leaves his ball in the cup. Player 2 putts and his ball goes in the hole. Is there a penalty and if so what is it?”
There is no penalty. A ball is holed when it is at rest within the circumference of the hole and all of it is below the level of the lip of the hole. The fact that it may be at rest on another ball, or balls, (as in the photo) is not relevant. Definition of Holed.
§ “After holing out, a player smoothes the ragged edge of the hole with his hand. Do they incur a penalty if a fellow-competitor or partner has not yet holed out?”
The player is only penalised if their smoothing of the ragged edge was done with the intention of influencing the movement of a fellow-competitor's or partner's ball, not if it was solely for the purpose of caring for the course. However, it is recommended that a player should only smooth the ragged edge of a hole after all players in the group have completed play of the hole. Decision 1-2/3.5.
§ “If there is an old plug hole on my line of putt on the putting green, which has an artificial cover (e.g. plastic or synthetic grass), may I take relief without penalty?”
Yes, players may take line of putt relief from the artificial hole plug, which is an immovable obstruction. Rule 24-2b(iii) states;
If the ball lies on the putting green, the player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, at the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard. The nearest point of relief may be off the putting green.
§ “Must the hole be positioned at least four paces from any edge of the putting green?”
There is no Rule regarding hole locations, so there is no such thing as an illegal hole location. However, both the R&A and USGA have listed the many factors that they recommend should be considered to select good hole positions and they include the statement that generally the hole be located at least four paces from any edge of the green.
§ “A friend hit his ball onto the green and it landed just outside some GUR marked on the green. He wanted to putt the ball but his line of putt was going through the GUR so he asked for relief, which I would not give him because I said he could chip his ball over the GUR, was I right or wrong?”
You were wrong, the player may take relief in this circumstance! Rule 25-1b(iii) deals with taking relief from an abnormal ground condition (which includes GUR) on a putting green;
If the ball lies on the putting green, the player must lift the ball and place it, without penalty, at the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard or, if complete relief is impossible, at the nearest position to where it lay that affords maximum available relief from the condition, but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard. The nearest point of relief or maximum available relief may be off the putting green.
However, there is no line of play relief from an abnormal ground condition on the putting green if the player's ball lies off the putting green.