Full Answer
Are the rules of golf too simplified?
Despite the simplification of the Rules of Golf at the beginning of 2019, there are still some that stump us. And as I’ve passed the R&A’s level 2 rules exam with distinction, I am more than happy to help.
Can you ask a player to mark a ball on putting surface?
If you’re worried you might hit another ball that’s also on the putting surface, you can ask a player to mark it. If they’re not willing, you can require them to do so – using Rule 15.3b – if, given the intended stroke, there is a ‘reasonable chance the player’s ball in motion could hit that ball’.
What happens if you hit a fellow golfer with your ball?
But if the player was upset at decking a fellow golfer, at least they didn’t have the knockout blow of a penalty to deal with too. Rule 11.1a in the Rules of Golf says: “If a player’s ball in motion accidentally hits any person or outside influence, there is no penalty to any player.
What happens if you hit the ball mid air in golf?
Rule 11.1a says, in these circumstances, there is no penalty to any player “if a player’s ball in motion accidentally hits any person or outside influence”. Both balls must be played as they lie, so just hope if you ever have a mid air collision that you get a soft landing.
What is the penalty for hitting the flagstick while putting?
There is normally no penalty if a ball in motion hits the flagstick. This Rule applies to a ball played from anywhere on the course. Continued), whether on or off the putting green. Continued).
What is Rule 5.3 A in golf?
March 9, 2021. Rule 5.3a states: The player must start at (and not before) his or her starting time: This means that the players must be ready to play at the starting time and starting point set by the Committee.
What is the immovable object rule in golf?
Immovable obstructions are artificial objects that are on the course for a good reason but aren't meant to interfere with the playing of our game. If an immovable obstruction interferes with your lie, stance and/or swing then you're eligible for free relief.
Is there a tree root rule in golf?
Answer: The Rules of Golf stipulate that this is play it as it lies, similar to a ball being up a tree, or on top of a rock. If you don't wish to play it as it lies, then you can take an unplayable, which will cost you a one stroke penalty. .
What is Rule 1.2 A in golf?
New Rule: Rule 1.2a consolidates the expected standards of player conduct: It declares that players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by acting with integrity, showing consideration to others and taking good care of the course.
What is the first basic rule of etiquette in golf?
Whatever your groups' unique rules are, make them clear and make sure everyone understands before you begin. There are several golf etiquette practices that are universal: Lowest score on the previous hole tees off first. Player furthest from the hole goes first.
Do you get relief from man made objects in golf?
Your ball lies next to a sprinkler head, an electric box, a 150-yard post or another man-made object typically found on a golf course. What do you do? These objects are considered obstructions (Rule 24), and you're entitled to relief without penalty if your ball, stance or swing is interfered with by an obstruction.
Do you get relief from a retaining wall in golf?
Normally, a player would be granted free relief from an obstruction when the ball lies on or in the obstruction or the obstruction interferes with the player's stance or area of intended swing. However, there are times when a player would be denied relief for interference from a bulkhead.
Is a bridge an immovable obstruction in golf?
As to your question, the bridge is an artificial object and is thus considered an immovable obstruction. Normally, you get free relief. But because a water hazard extends vertically, a ball on the bridge may be within the confines of the hazard.
Do you get relief from a fence in golf?
Interference from Boundary Objects I have interference from an out of bounds fence, stake or wall – what are my options? A. You do not get free relief from objects that define or mark the course boundary.
Can I move my golf ball from a divot?
Answer: No, you cannot move a golf ball out of a divot hole even when that divot is in the fairway - at least, not without penalty. (You can declare the ball unplayable, assess yourself a 1-stroke penalty, and drop.) This is probably one of the more disliked rules in the game by golfers of all skill levels.
Are there 2 stroke penalties in golf?
A golfer can be penalized two strokes if he interferes with another player's shot by hitting the ball or causing something else, such as a club or bag, to hit the ball.
11.1 Ball in Motion Accidentally Hits Person or Outside Influence
If a player’s ball in motion accidentally hits any person or outside influence Outside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course: :
11.2 Ball in Motion Deliberately Deflected or Stopped by Person
This Rule applies only when it is known or virtually certain Known or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.
11.3 Deliberately Moving Objects or Altering Conditions to Affect Ball in Motion
When a ball is in motion, a player must not deliberately take any of these actions to affect where that ball (whether the player’s own ball or another player’s ball) might come to rest:
What about more common circumstances?
There are two occasions when you wouldn’t play it as it lies under Rule 11.1b.
Have a question for our Rules of Golf expert?
Despite the simplification of the Rules of Golf at the beginning of 2019, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. And as I’ve passed the R&A’s level 2 rules exam with distinction, I am more than happy to help.
Overview
An important part of learning how to play golf properly is familiarizing yourself with the etiquette and rules of the game. This can prevent you from making an unintentional mistake that results in receiving a penalty stroke or causes you to disrupt the play of others. Certain rules apply to each area of the course, including the putting green.
No Touching
A player is not permitted to touch anything along the path the ball would likely take on its way to the hole. The exceptions are the following: removing obstacles that do not require the pressing down of turf; fixing a ball mark; measuring a shot; replacing a ball or placing a marker; or placing the putter in front of the ball while addressing it.
At the Flag
The ball cannot strike the flagstick while it is in the hole unless the shot originated off the green. If the flag is attended, the ball cannot be touched by the person holding the flag or by the flag when it is lifted as the ball approaches.
Allowable Repairs
The player is allowed to make certain repairs on the green. For example, if there is a plug on the green from a previous hole placement, the player can smooth over the area. The player also can repair any damage caused by a ball from a previous shot, even if the player’s ball is not on the green.
Ball Markers
A player is required to replace a ball marker or the ball if it is moved by accident while making a permitted green repair. The player is not assessed a penalty stroke as long as the movement occurs while making an eligible repair.
Leaving it in
You all know you can make a stroke with the flagstick in the hole, whether your ball is on or off the green, and the ball in motion can hit the flagstick, there’s no penalty and you play it as it lies.
Taking it out
Some like it in, some like it out. This is what happens when you opt for the latter under Rule 13.2b. Again, you decide before you make the stroke and either have it taken out or you authorise someone to attend it.
The ball is resting against the flagstick
Well, is it holed or isn’t it? It depends, but Rule 13.2c is pretty clear on the matter. If your ball comes to rest against a flagstick that is left in the hole and “any part of the ball is in the hole below the surface of the putting green” then it is holed – even if the whole of the ball isn’t below that surface.