The Rules of Golf Are Complicated! Thankfully, we have the teacher. our Rules Guy knows the book inside out. Have a question? He has all the answers.
My playing partner chipped his shot from deep around the collar of the green. The ball was slowly rolling towards the needle. In a point condition, he hit his club on the collar, dislodging a large chunk of turf which flew onto the green and hit the spinning ball, stopping it in its tracks. Otherwise, it probably would have rolled just another leg. Is it a penalty though? – Cornelius Marks, New York, New York
It certainly feels like it should be, more for the course damage than the eventual deflected shot.
However, if the Committee does not consider the creation of this damage to be serious misconduct under Rule 1.2a (which would mean disqualification), the accidental deflection remains without penalty and Mr. Angry Stubby plays the ball as it is, under Rule 11.1.
As an aside, Cornelius, Rules Guy greatly appreciated “in a state of pique” and if we ever take a much-needed break, will contact you to ghostwrite this column in our absence.
;)
Rules guy: My ball fell off the top mid-swing. Should I take a penalty for hitting a moving ball?
Rules Guy
For more guidance from our teacher, read on…
During a practice round, the ball moved while I was at the top of my swing. I continued my movement and executed the intended punch, but in a tournament round would that be a penalty and if so, what? -Preston Scott, Tallahassee, Fla.
First, the good news: When the ball moves after the backswing has begun and the stroke is complete, there is no penalty for playing a moving ball, and you play the ball from wherever the stroke rests. Thanks to Rule 9.1b for this.
Bad news/potential warning: If it was your actions that caused the ball to move, you are still pending a penalty kick under Rule 9.4b.
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Have a question about the Rules? Ask Guy Rules! Send your questions, confusion and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise you won’t throw the book at you.
