Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2015 - 11

(rules primer
)
When in Doubt, Ask
Ignorance of the Rules is no excuse; if you are unsure, don't act
without obtaining the correct information.
By Joseph Oberle
A
struck golf ball often appears to have a mind of its own
and can end up in some unintended places. Occasionally
our golf swings defy explanation, but the Rules
of Golf do not, and they are designed to help golfers work their
way through unexpected situations. The key is to know the Rules
before you proceed incorrectly.
Such was the case in a match-play situation sent in by Michael
Weiner from Highland National Golf Course:
" Competitor A is playing against B, and C is playing against D.
Players A and C are riding in a cart together, and B and D are riding
together. After grounding his club on the tee, Player D swings
and dribbles the ball off the cart in which B is sitting. Player D
claims it was a practice swing and that he did not intend to hit
the ball. Unaware of the correct procedure, Player D hits a second
ball, saying he will play both balls and get a ruling from the
pro afterward. His opponent, Player C, agrees. The fi rst tee ball is
then played for a bogey, tying the hole. The second ball is played
for a double bogey. What is the ruling? "
For this scenario, a ball is in play when a player has made
a stroke at it on the teeing ground. Since Player D claimed he
didn't intend to strike the ball, he hasn't satisfi ed the defi nition
of a " stroke, " which considers intent. Player D's correct procedure
would have been to re-tee his ball and play away. Instead, Player
D played two balls and was in breach of Rule 2-5, Note 2. The
general penalty for this breach is loss of hole in match play.
Rule 2-5: Doubt as to Procedure; Disputes and Claims
Note 2: In match play, if a player is doubtful of his
rights or the correct procedure, he may not complete
the play of the hole with two balls.
Player D should have sought a ruling before making another
move, since, in match play, every stroke can affect the way an
opponent reacts next.
Had Player D actually intended to make a stroke at his ball
and dribbled it off the cart, it would be considered in play, in
motion and defl ected by his own equipment. (The cart
belonging to B and D, which Player B was sitting in and not
driving, is considered Player D's equipment.) Therefore, Rule 19-2
applies, and Player D would have incurred a one-stroke penalty
and played the ball as it lies.
The key is to know the Rules
before you proceed incorrectly.
Rule 19-2: By Player, Partner, Caddie or Equipment
If a player's ball is accidentally defl ected or stopped by
himself, his partner, or either of their caddies or equipment,
the player incurs a penalty of one stroke. The
ball must be played as it lies.
Ultimately, Player D compounded his unintended tee shot by
playing two balls-effectively losing the hole. Not knowing the
procedure hurt his match initially, and not immediately seeking a
ruling hurt it again. He can take solace that his wayward shot did
not hit any golfers, making the situation even worse.
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Summer 2015 MINNESOTAGOLFER
9
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Minnesota Golfer - Summer 2015

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