
Can you hit a golf ball resting on an animal?
If your ball isn’t resting on an animal, but the creature is close by, and the animal has big teeth and/or venomous fangs, you are still allowed to take free relief under the “dangerous animal condition” exception. Now you should have all the information you need to contend with animals on the golf course.
What are the rules of golf about ball lifted or moved?
There’s no need to panic, though, the Rules of Golf are on your side in this war against nature. Rule 9.6 – Ball Lifted or Moved by Outside Influence – is riding to the rescue. It says “if it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence (including another player in stroke play or another ball) lifted or moved a players ball:
What happens if a golf ball hits an animal on Green?
If, when on the green, it accidentally hits an animal – and use the known or virtually certain standard to decide whether it has – the stroke doesn’t count and a ball must be replaced on its original spot. The other is when a ball, played from anywhere except the green, comes to rest on an animal.
How do you get a golf ball out of an animal?
You either need to place the original ball (or a replacement) at the estimated point under where it came to rest on the animal, or, take a free drop one club-length from the original spot and no closer to the hole.

What is the rule if a bird picks up your golf ball?
According to Rule 18-1, when a ball has been moved by an outside agency, you have to replace it at the spot where it was picked up. For you, that means back in the rough. If you don't know exactly where the bird grabbed your ball, you can approximate it (Rule 20-3c). Either way, there is no penalty.
What happens if a dog picks up a golf ball?
There is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated). This applies whether or not the player's ball has been found'. This will cover most circumstances you'll find on the course but not quite all.
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.
Do you get relief from golf ball up against a tree in golf?
Is there any free relief, or is it just play it as it lies? 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 happens if an animal eats your golf ball?
So what exactly are you supposed to do if an animal moves your ball during a round? The good news is the rules are pretty simple when it comes to this problem, and no penalties will be dished out to player or animal.
What to do if you think your dog swallowed a golf ball?
If you suspect your pet may have eaten something they shouldn't have, do not hesitate to contact us immediately for veterinary attention or advice.
Is an animal an outside influence in golf?
If a player's ball in motion accidentally hits any person or outside influence, the ball must be played as it lies, except in two situations: Exception 1 – When Ball Played from Anywhere Except Putting Green Comes to Rest on Any Person, Animal or Moving Outside Influence: The player must not play the ball as it lies.
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 I 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.
What do you do if your golf ball lands in a tree?
Key TakeawaysThe three options when a golf ball is stuck in a tree are to hit it out of the tree, declare an unplayable ball, or accept a lost ball penalty.Playing it out of the tree is the only option that doesn't carry a penalty, but is the least likely option because it means climbing the tree.More items...•
Do you get free relief from a root?
“If a player's ball is at rest in a portion of the general area cut to fairway height or less and there is interference from exposed tree roots that are in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less, the tree roots are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.
Can you hit branches in your backswing?
Now we have to assume that the vast majority of golfers are aware that we can't go hacking down branches or cutting great swaths through foliage that happen to be in our backswing by means of taking several vicious hacks loosely disguised as 'practice swings'...but this writer for one has to admit he wasn't aware that ...
What is the rule for a ball hitting an animal?
Say, for example, your ball is in motion and it hits, or comes into contact with, an animal. Now Rule 11.1 applies. It states there will be no penalty to any player “if a player’s ball accidentally hits any person or outside influence”. The ball must be played as it lies, except in a couple of circumstances.
What happens when a golf ball hits an animal?
If, when on the green, it accidentally hits an animal – and use the known or virtually certain standard to decide whether it has – the stroke doesn’t count and a ball must be replaced on its original spot. The other is when a ball, played from anywhere except the green, comes to rest on an animal.
What happens if you can't find the ball?
If you can’t do that, and you can’t find the ball, you’ll have to take stroke-and-distance and a penalty shot along with it. Rule 9.6 will cover most close encounters with the animal kingdom but not quite all. Say, for example, your ball is in motion and it hits, or comes into contact with, an animal. Now Rule 11.1 applies.
What are the rules for golfing with leaves?
Instruction. Rules you can use: The 9 rules every golfer needs to know for dealing with leaves on the course. One other potential scenario, albeit a far more unlikely one, is if your ball comes to rest on or against an animal. If this happens to you, and your ball is resting against the tail of a mongoose or in the mouth of a Florida gator, ...
What is the rule for playing the ball as it lies?
In this scenario, you simply play the ball as it lies, as directed by Rule 11.1. There are two exceptions to this rule. If you’re on the putting green and your ball in motion is deflected ...
What is the rule for a ball that is still in the fairway?
If your ball is resting still in the fairway when an animal decides to mess with it, you proceed under Rule 9.6 and replace the ball on its original spot (if you move the ball yourself, you will get penalized — cc: Billy Mayfair ). The rules are slightly different if your ball is in motion when it comes into contact with an animal, ...
When is the Nedbank Golf Challenge 2019?
November 14, 2019. A pair of mongooses mess with a pro's golf ball during the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa. @europeantour. The European Tour is in Sun City this week for the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Every year at the Nedbank the pros are treated not only to a scenic course, but also close encounters with the spectacular wildlife ...
Can you take relief from a golf ball if it is on an animal?
If your ball isn’t resting on an animal, but the creature is close by, and the animal has big teeth and/or venomous fangs, you are still allowed to take free relief under the “dangerous animal condition” exception. Now you should have all the information you need to contend with animals on the golf course .
Does a stroke count on a putt?
If you’re on the putting green and your ball in motion is deflected or moved by an animal or other outside influence, the stroke does not count, and you must place the ball on its original spot and hit the putt again. Instruction. Rules you can use: The 9 rules every golfer needs to know for dealing ...
Can you pet a gator on a golf course?
Now you should have all the information you need to contend with animals on the golf course. But remember, these rules only protect your score, they won’t protect your person. So be mindful of the wildlife on the courses you play, and if you feel the urge to pet a gator, or a mongoose for that matter, just say no and pet your headcover instead.
