Nick Piastowski
This fall, if you’re going to play golf and if you’re going to miss left, right, long or short, and if your ball gets covered under fallen leaves and if you’re going to fail in your search for it, you know it for sure. THERE to be sure, there is possible hope. Said another way…
go away your worries behind.
Or!
Let them make like a tree… and leave.
(Sorry. Please stand by. Please don’t click. It’s late in the afternoon and that’s all the author has.)
The point is, if a golf course or tournament committee gets it, players can get relief (re-sheet?) under the scenario presented in paragraph 1, through Model Local Rule F-14 – which is more commonly known as the “Leaf Rule”. You may have heard of it. It may be new to you. So here it is, in its entirety, either as a refresher or as a lifeline:
“During the play of (specify hole number), any ground with temporary accumulations of (identify types of loose obstructions) in the general area or in a bunker is treated as ground under repair from which free relief is permitted under Rule 16.1 .”
The USGA’s online rulebook also says this, with “purpose:”
“At certain times of the year, piles of loose obstructions such as leaves, seeds or acorns can make it difficult for a player to find or play their ball. A Committee may elect to treat such loose piles of obstruction in the general area or in a bunker as ground under repair from which free relief is allowed under Rule 16.1.
“This local rule cannot be used for penalty areas as relief is not available for abnormal course conditions in penalty areas.
“The local rule should be limited to holes where problems are created by such loose obstructions and should be withdrawn as soon as conditions permit.”
In short, the rule basically means that you get a free drop if you can’t find your ball, you’re sure it’s in bounds and, for example, it might be under a pile of leaves. And if the rule is not in force? If you cannot find the ball in three minutes or less, is considered lost – and you have to kick again, along with the penalty kick.
In particular, there are a few more items to keep in mind for the fall, and we’ll go over a few with a short Q&A.
Rules Guy: If you’re right-handed, is it legal to hold a club with your left hand?
Can you move the leaves?
Yes, and you can do this anywhere on the golf course, including in a bunker or penalty area – but if your ball moves while doing so, it is a one-stroke penalty and you must hit the ball back (unless it moves onto the green; then you can simply put the ball back and play without penalty).
Do you get relief from the vents?
No – unless Model Local Rule E-4 is in play. This rule states: “If a player’s ball extends or touches an air hole: (a) Ball in general area. The player may obtain relief under Rule 16.1b. If the ball comes to rest on another fairway, the player may again take relief under this Local Rule. (b) Ball on the putting green. The player may obtain relief under Rule 16.1d. But interference does not exist if the vent interferes only with the player’s stance or intended swing area or, on the putting green, with the player’s line of play.”
Do you get relief from fall maintenance projects?
yes. According to a story written by Danny Vohden per the USGA website, “any hole or trench created by maintenance personnel during those types of projects is considered ‘land under repair’ and you are entitled to free relief.”
Is there a right way to dress?
yes. according to GOLF Top 100 Teachers Sarah Stone, who said it’s important to get up without feeling too heavy – and never neglect the importance of keeping your feet dry.
“Layer your clothes, but try to use thinner performance pieces that won’t be too bulky when you move,” Stone said GOLF’s Nick Dimengo last year. “Maybe choosing a vest to layer over it will make it easier to move around as well.”
“I also like to throw a pair of dry socks in a ziplock bag, just in case it rains. Wet feet are the worst.”
