NCGA Rules Situations – Local Rules
I was playing golf today and my ball came to rest off the back of the green in a collection area. I wanted to putt the ball rather than chip the ball as the collection area was short fringe like grass so this was the best play. The problem was that there were two sprinkler heads blocking my direct line to the flag (which was blue). The sprinklers were almost side by side and were about 6″-8″ wide and they were not the flush to the ground type…these were the type that are about 1/2″ below the ground level and the holes we about 3″ deep. I told the other 3 players I was playing with that I was entitled to relief but they didn’t believe me… so what’s the verdict?
Read about Local Rule on page 92 of the Rules of Golf book and also Item 5 in Appendix I on pages 100-101.
Answer: The answer to your question is dependent on whether the club, course or tournament you are playing in has a Local Rule in effect granting relief for immovable obstructions within 2 club-lengths of the green when your ball is within 2 club-lengths of the obstruction and the obstruction is on the line of play to the hole. Since this is a collection area with short grass where putting the ball is a viable and perhaps preferred option check with the club regarding the implementation of the Local Rule.
Without the Local Rule being in effect, there is only obstruction relief available under Rule 24 which does not include line of play.
When the local rule is in effect and relief is taken, Can the player
“place his ball” or must he “drop his ball” no nearer the hole
then where his oriogional ball lies. Our Rules person at our
club is telling us to “place” the ball. Since the ball is not on
the green can one do this??
July 13th, 2008 at 6:57 pmHi Paul,
Page 110 of the 2008-2009 Rules of Golf book states that the ball is dropped at the nearet point of relief no nearer the hole, avoids intervention and is not is a hazard. You an review the entire recommended verbiage for the Local Rule on that page.
Gail Rogers
July 15th, 2008 at 1:08 pmDirector of Education
In a four some, a player’s ball come to rest near a man made net which interferes with his swing. He consulted one player that he was with if he is entitled to relief with out penalty. The player agreed that he is entitled to a free drop, which he did. The other two members of the foursome dis-agreed when they saw the player drop his and assessed his with a penalty. Their reason is that they should have been consulted also. What is the right ruling in this case? Thank you.
July 31st, 2008 at 8:42 pm