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golf it can't see when the ball is moving

by Mohammad Pfannerstill MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The ball doesn't move when a golfer makes a stroke, and that's one of the most taunting parts of the sport. It's there staring at the golfer the whole time. So, under the Rules of Golf, it's expressly illegal for a golfer to hit a ball or putt a ball while it's still moving -- be it bouncing, rolling on the putting surface or even in the air.

Full Answer

Why can't you hit a golf ball while it's still moving?

The ball doesn't move when a golfer makes a stroke, and that's one of the most taunting parts of the sport. It's there staring at the golfer the whole time. So, under the Rules of Golf, it's expressly illegal for a golfer to hit a ball or putt a ball while it's still moving -- be it bouncing, rolling on the putting surface or even in the air.

Why do I top the ball on my golf swing?

This mechanical error in your golf swing can result in topping the ball. Whether you’re sliding your hips back and not correcting prior to impact or you’re sliding too far forward during the downswing, the result is the same. Solution: Lean in your right knee as you turn away from the golf ball.

What happens when you hit a golf ball above the equator?

Considering that the infamous “sweet spot” lies just below the actual center of the ball, hitting above the equator can cause all kinds of things to go wrong. The result is a ball that travels low to the ground (sometimes referred to as a “worm burner”) robbing you of distance and accuracy.

Is topping the ball a problem in golf?

While topping the ball is a common problem in golf and the issues it creates can really play havoc with your score, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You may need to try quite a few adjustments to address the specific cause (s) of your topping problem.

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Guia

I had lazer surgery about 8 years ago because I could not see the ball past 150 yards, it helped a lot. However, it wore off about a year ago and I am now in the same boat as you. I am not going to have the surgery again and decided just to live with the problem. I am 72, just have old eyes.

WilCox

Regardless of your age, if it bothers you then go see an eye doctor. I had lasik a few years back and the results were great. Still there are some days that I can see every ball and others where I lose my own ball inflight.

rvgolfer

When I was under 55, rarely would I run into someone who had trouble tracking/seeing their ball. Now that most of my playing partners are 62+, I frequently play with players that cant track their ball and have difficulty even judging where it landed and how far.

rvgolfer

My post was based on a casual game, where many USGA rules are frequently ignored. I also am not sure partner is defined the same as a member of the foursome. In any event, he wouldnt be penalized since I dont stand directly behind him, nor do I allow anyone else to stand behind me.

rvgolfer

If I was in an important tournament and had difficulty tracking/seeing my ball, I think I would request special permission for the specific help that I wanted from the tournament official. I am thinking that this request might be granted in a local club tournament just out of fairness for a "handicap".

kevch25

The group I play with are in the 20s/30s and one of my friends, in his late 20s, has trouble tracking his shot over 180-200 yards. He'll get the general direction but can't see it down and will generally think he's short of where the actual shot ended up.

Sawgrass

Nobody has said anything about non-competing golfers here, quite on the contrary. Fellow-competitors are co-competitors and yet are allowed to stand behind another player's ball while the player is making his stroke.

When the ball begins to move only after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of his club for the?

When the ball begins to move only after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of his club for the stroke, he incurs no penalty under this Rule for playing a moving ball, but he is not exempt from any penalty under Rule 18-2.

What is a serious breach of the Rules of Golf?

Now, there's also the consideration for a "serious breach" of the Rules of Golf, which would cover when a golfer hits a ball while it's still moving knowing that it would help them save strokes or was a violation so blatant it was unbecoming of a golfer. In that case, the player would then be disqualified.

What is the rule for hitting the ball at a complete stop?

From the Rules of Golf, here's Rule 14-5: A player must not make a stroke at his ball while it is moving.

What is the penalty for a player taking action with the intent to influence the movement of a ball in play?

The penalty for that is disqualification.

Can a golfer hit a ball while it's still moving?

Can a golfer hit or putt their ball while it’s still moving? Most people understand golf as a game where golfers hit a stationary ball. The ball doesn't move when a golfer makes a stroke , and that's one of the most taunting parts of the sport. It's there staring at the golfer the whole time.

What happens if you accidentally move your golf ball?

If your ball is in the fairway and you accidentally kick and move it, that will be a one-stroke penalty and the ball must be replaced on its original spot. If you move a leaf next to your ball in the rough and that causes your ball to move, the same penalty will apply. As a final example, if you accidentally touch your ball with your club in getting ready for a stroke and that causes your ball to move, that will also be a one-stroke penalty.

What happens if your ball moves on the green?

If your ball is moved by any of these natural forces, there is no penalty and you will generally just play your ball from its new location. The one exception to that is on the putting green. If you have already marked, lifted, and replaced your ball on the putting green and it then moves to a new location due to something like wind or gravity, you will replace that ball on its original spot.

What happens if your opponent touches your ball?

If your opponent deliberately lifts or touches your ball or causes it to move, the opponent will get one penalty stroke. You must then replace your ball, just like in all of the previously discussed scenarios. However, the same exceptions mentioned above that apply to you, the player, would also apply to the opponent. For example, if your opponent moves your ball while searching for it or moves it accidentally on the putting green, there would be no penalty. An additional exception to penalty would be if your opponent marks and lifts your ball on the green by mistake.

What is the difference between the previous rules and the new rules when it comes to a ball at rest moved?

The major difference between the previous Rules and the new Rules when it comes to a ball at rest moved is the number of player-friendly exceptions to penalty that now exist. As a player, you should still be careful around your ball as there are numerous times when moving it will still result in a penalty. However, many of the ball moved situations that occur most frequently during a round now do not include any penalty.

What is the default cause of movement in tennis?

Natural forces are essentially the default cause of movement under the Rules. If it is not clear that you, your opponent, or an outside influence caused your ball to move, that movement will be attributed to natural forces.

Can you be penalized for moving your ball?

Before we dive in, it is important to know that there is still a general principle in the Rules that your ball should be played as it lies and that you should exercise caution around your ball. Generally, you will still be penalized if you move your ball or accidentally cause it to move. However, exceptions have been made in the new Rules for some of the most common times when a ball is accidentally moved during a round.

Can you lift a ball at rest?

Obviously, there is no penalty for lifting or causing your ball at rest to move if you are in a situation where the Rules allow you to lift or move your ball. For example, perhaps your ball is right in front of another player’s ball on the fringe and you need to lift your ball to allow the other player to play. There would be no penalty for lifting that ball (after marking its spot), or even for accidentally causing your ball to move while taking reasonable actions to lift it. You will just need to replace your ball back on its original spot. Another example where there is no penalty would be accidentally moving your ball while in the process of determining your nearest point of complete relief to take a drop from a cart path.

How to stop your body from sliding back when you take a golf ball?

Solution: Lean in your right knee as you turn away from the golf ball. This prevents the upper body from sliding back during the backswing and takeaway.

What happens if you slide your hips back in golf?

This mechanical error in your golf swing can result in topping the ball. Whether you’re sliding your hips back and not correcting prior to impact or you’re sliding too far forward during the downswing, the result is the same.

What happens if you hit the ball too far forward?

For instance, if the ball is too far forward or back in your stance, the arc of your swing will be off, resulting in a topped golf shot. Solution: Position the ball in the middle of your stance for irons and in-line with the lead heel for your driver.

How to stop choking down on golf clubs?

Solution: Invest in custom-fitted golf clubs or hold the club higher on the grip instead of choking down.

What happens when you hit the bottom of the arc too late?

When the bottom of the arc occurs too late, you’re still hitting above the ball’s equator, meaning you’re hitting at the top of the ball rather than the sweet spot.

What does "topping the ball" mean?

The term “topping the golf ball,” refers to hitting the ball above the ball’s equator.

Who said golfers make the mistake of topping the ball?

Here’s the thing. Even skilled golfers make the mistake of topping the ball on occasion, according to Jack Nicklaus.

Moving Off the Ball- The Swaying Golf Swing

Ideally when golfing, all golfers would love to be able to turn their shoulders ninety degrees to the right, then ninety degrees to the left (for a right handed golfer). A problem many of us run into as we get older is we do not have much time to stretch on a regular basis. This can make our full rotation when swinging more difficult.

Moving Off the Ball

If you watch players such as, Rocco Mediate, Curtis Strange and Moe Norman, they sway their weight to their right foot, back to their left foot when swinging. Give this swing technique a try next time you are on the practice tee. Be sure to move your head the same distance towards the target as you do away from the target to hit crisp solid shots.

Who said "I just watch the ball on to the bat"?

I remember reading "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell. In it, he related an anecdote about a "Hall of Fame" Baseballer who, when questioned about his unerring ability to make good contact, stated "I just watch the ball on to the bat". It was proven that it's impossible for this to happen at the speeds generated by the Pitcher and Batter.#N#Gladwell's theory was that the unconscious thought was more powerful than conscious thought when in these types of situation. With enough practice it's possible that the brain can work faster unconsciously and can make all the split second calculations necessary to make good contact. The conscious brain then "sees" this contact. It may be that good players "see" the clubhead hit the ball only as a conscious brains interpretation of something that is actually happening too fast.#N#Or, this could just be my interpretation of a fantastic book.... Either way, it's as good a swing thought as any...#N#By the way, it's a great book....

Do golfers look at the ball?

No need, lots of golfers don't look at the ball... I think Annika Sorenstam was a prime example.#N#It can actually make your swing worse by looking at the ball... seeing as your head is supposed to be BEHIND it.#N#I'm pretty sure I have my eyes closed at impact...

What is a Visiball golf ball finder?

Visiball Golf Ball Finders patented technology eliminates the light from background objects and lets the golfer quickly locate their wayward ball in the rough or underbrush.

What are the yellow golf lenses?

The yellow lenses are designed to enhance the golfer's vision in low light conditions. The green lenses are designed to remove contrasts and shadows allowing golfers to improve their read on the greens. Finally, the patented blue Golf Ball Finding lenses help golfers find their lost golf balls.

What is a Visiball lens?

The Visiball lens technology combines basic principles of physics, visual physiology, and perception to significantly enhance the visibility of your golf ball.

Can you wear a V200 deluxe golf club with prescription glasses?

Note: the V200 deluxe model cannot be worn by golfers who wear prescription glasses. In this case, please select the V800 deluxe model.

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