Comments on: Stump the Rules Wizards

By: Ryan Gregg

Ryan Gregg — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:27:10 +0000

Rick,
There is no violation of the Rules of Golf for players practicing with their own golf balls in this manner.

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:18:59 +0000

At a recent tourney the range was closed due to frost. I noticed a few players taking balls out of their bags and hitting them. I thought this was an unfair advantage. Was this a violation of the rules of golf?

By: Ryan Gregg

Ryan Gregg — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:15:33 +0000

Hayata,
Yes, you may. See decision 14-3/16 for additional guidlines.

By: Hayata Takeshita

Hayata Takeshita — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:02:43 +0000

I downloaded the USGA Rules of Golf app onto my iPhone. Can I use this in tournaments instead of the printed book?

By: Ryan Gregg

Ryan Gregg — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:25:01 +0000

Ed,
That is correct.

By: ed

ed — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:22:41 +0000

Let’s assume Rule 18 doesn’t apply since it was impossible to tell if the ball moved, and so to be clear about the ball buried in the bunker by avalanche, if the player moved enough sand so he could see the ball to play it, he would incur a 2 stroke penalty under Rule 13, and if he wanted to avoid the 2 SP, the best he could do would be to declare the ball unplayable (as it clearly was) and proceed under Rule 28. Is that correct?

By: Ryan Gregg

Ryan Gregg — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:27:01 +0000

Ed,
The Rules of Golf allow a player to worsen his lie without penalty. However, he may not improve it. If he improves his lie, he is in violation of Rule 13-2 (two stroke penalty in Stroke Play or loss of hole in Match Play). If his ball is moved in the process of taking his stance in this manner it is a one stroke penalty (Rule 18-2a) and he is required to replace it and recreate the original lie. See Rule 20-3b.

By: ed

ed — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:07:19 +0000

Today I saw a player hit his ball into a bunker such that it was partially buried on an uphill slope. In order to take his stance he had to be above the ball, and when he started to take his stance a mini avalanche buried his ball under 2-3 inches of sand. (The ball may have even moved though it was impossible to tell.) Now, does the player get to do what is allowed under Rule 12: “If an excess is removed, there is no penalty and the ball must be recovered so that only a part of the ball is visible.” Or, as the player is the one who worsened his lie, is he stuck with unplayable being the only option?

By: Ryan Gregg

Ryan Gregg — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:11:31 +0000

Jeff,
Yes, a player would be entitled to proceed under lift, clean and place in all closely mown areas. Including the areas of fringe around the greens. See Appendix I “Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules”.

By: Ryan Gregg

Ryan Gregg — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:07:36 +0000

David,
It is possible to have a serious breach under Rule 18. Based on your example, it could possibly be a serious breach.
Ultimately, it is up to the Committee to decide whether or not a serious breach has occurred. See Rule 20-7c.