Ask Linda #150-Match play, ball leaning against flagstick

Dear Linda,
In your last column, you said there is no penalty in stroke play if you move someone else’s ball when you remove the flagstick. Is the rule the same for match play?
Lou Lou

Dear Lou Lou,

This is one of those situations where the rules for match play and stroke play differ.

In stroke play, there is no penalty for touching or moving another player’s ball. If you move it, it must be replaced [Rule 18-4].

In match play, there are two scenarios to consider. (1) If you move your opponent’s ball during the process of searching for it, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced [Rule 18-3a]. (2) If you move your opponent’s ball at any other time, you are penalized one stroke and the ball must be replaced [Rule 18-3b].

In the case of the flagstick incident in Ask Linda #149, in match play the opponent who pulled it out and moved the player’s ball would be penalized one stroke, and the ball would have to be replaced leaning against the flagstick [Decision 17-4/3]. The player would then be permitted to move or remove the flagstick to see if the ball drops into the hole. If it does, then the player officially holed out with his last stroke.

Players should be aware that it is never a good idea to contact another player’s ball without expressed permission. Such care will help keep you out of trouble.

Linda

Copyright © 2009 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.