Decisions

Q. Why can't spike marks be repaired?

A. The Rules of Golf are based on two fundamental principles: (1) play the ball as it lies and (2) play the course as you find it. Permitting the repair of spike marks on a player's line of play or putt would be contrary to these fundamental principles. Rule 16-1c permits the repair of old hole plugs and ball marks but does not permit the repair of spike damage or other irregularities of surface on the putting green if they are on a player's line of play or putt or might assist him in his subsequent play of the hole. The distinction lies in the fact that old hole plugs and ball marks are easily identifiable as such, whereas it is impossible to differentiate between spike damage and other irregularities of surface on the putting green. Permitting the repair of spike marks would also inevitably lead to a slower place of play.

Q: In the course of making a practice swing, a player accidentally strikes and moves his ball. What is the ruling?

A: If the ball was not in play, i.e., the incident occured on the teeing ground and a stroke had not been made, there is no penlaty. However, if the ball was in play, the player incurred a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a and the ball must be replaced. (Based on Decisions 18-2a/19 and 18-2a/20).

Q: What is the Rule for allowing "gimmies"?

A: The Rules of Golf do not permit "gimmies". Rule 1-1 states that the Game of Golf consists in playing a ball from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules. Additionally, in stroke play, if a player fails to hole out and does not correct the error prior to playing a stroke from the next teeing ground, he shall be disqualified - see Rule 3-2. In match play, if the putt has not been conceded, (Rule 2-4) the player shall lose the hole.

Flagstick Removed While Ball in Motion on Putting Green
Q. Player B removes the flagstick and places it on the putting green behind the hole and putts. Player A, thinking B`s ball will strike the flagstick, picks up the flagstick, allowing B`s ball to roll beyond where the flagstick had been placed. What is the ruling?

A. In match play, A loses the hole for removing an obstruction, which might influence the movement of the ball while the player`s ball was in motion. In stroke play, A incurs a penalty of two strokes. (Rule 1-2 or 24-1). There is no penalty to B and B`s ball must be played as it lies. (From Decision 1-2/3)

Players Agree to Repair Spike Marks
Q. Before beginning their round, Dave and Mike agree to repair all spike marks on the greens. Is there a penalty?

A. Yes. Dave and Mike are both disqualified for agreeing to waive the Rules.

Asking Distance between Permanent Objects
Q. A player asks his opponent fellow competitor the distance from a bunker, water hazard or tree to the hole. Is he considered to be asking for advice and in breach of Rule 8-1?

A. A player may ask anyone to inform him as to the distance from a permanent object to another permanent object. Such information is public information. A player may ask only his partner or either of their caddies to inform him as to the distance from a non-permanent object, e.g., his ball, to the putting green. (Definition of "Advice" and Decision 8-1/2)

Club Placed on Ground to Align Feet
Q. A player places a club on the ground parallel to the line of play to assist him in aligning his feet properly. Is this permissible?

A. Yes, provided the player removes the club before playing his stroke. Otherwise a breach of Rule 8-2a would occur.

Lifting Ball for Identification
Q. Am I permitted to lift a ball that I believe is mine to identify it?

A. Yes, under Rule 12-2, a ball may be lifted for identification. The player must announce his intention to lift the ball to an opponent, fellow-competitor or marker, and mark the position of the ball. He must also give the opponent, fellow-competitor or marker an opportunity to observe the lifting and replacement of the ball. This may be done anywhere except in a hazard. (Rule 12-2)

Using Club other than Putter on Putting Green?
Q. Is it permissible to use a club other than a putter to play a stroke on the putting green?

A. Yes, the Rules of Golf do not stipulate the type of club that must be used for making a stroke on the putting green or anyplace else on the golf course.

Can I use a Putting Ball?
Q. Once I reach the putting green, is it permissible to switch balls so I can putt with a ball that has "better feel?"

A. Rule 15-1 requires a player to hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground unless a Rule permits him to substitute another ball. Thus, the substitution of a ball on the putting green other than when permitted by the Rules ( i.e , a ball unfit for play) is contrary to Rule 15-1. However, a player may change golf balls between the play of two holes.

Ball Strikes Person Attending Flagstick
Q. Shawn has asked Jerry to attend the flagstick while he plays. The ball rolls towards Jerry and strikes his foot. What is the ruling?

A. Shawn incurs a penalty as the ball struck the person he had authorized to attend the flagstick. When Shawn asked Jerry to do so, he assumed all responsibility for Jerry`s actions.

Stones in Bunkers
Q. What is the status of stones in bunkers?

A. Stones are by definition loose impediments regardless of their location. Thus, when the ball and the stone lie in or touch the same hazard, the stone may not be removed. However, a Committee may adopt a Local Rule stating that stones in bunkers are movable obstructions. Unless this Local Rule is put into effect by the Committee, players may not remove stones in bunkers without penalty.

Entire Bunker filled with Casual Water
Q. What are a player`s options if an entire bunker is filled with casual water?

A. Under Rule 25-1b( ii), without penalty, the player may drop the ball in the bunker at a point that provides maximum available relief (i.e., in 1 inch of water rather than 5 inches). Or, under penalty of one stroke, the player may drop the ball outside the bunker keeping the point where the ball lay directly between the hole and where the ball is dropped, with no limit on how far behind the bunker the ball may be dropped. (See Decision 25-1b/8)