Hi Linda, Regarding Ask Linda #323–Stepping on a ball -- I am just curious, do you know of a logical reason why there would NOT be a penalty in stroke play, yet in Match play there would be a penalty? I realize you are playing against the person in your 2-some or 4-some in match play, so you might try to affect their play. But in stroke play, you're really playing against the whole field, including that person whose ball you may step on. Some of the differences in match play and stroke play rules don't seem to be logical. Wonder if you could at least clear up this one?
Thanks,
Lulu
Dear Lulu,
While there is a reasonable explanation for most of the rules differences between match and stroke play, this one has got me stumped.
Most of the rules differences between match play and stroke play can be attributed to the fact that in match play the competition is limited to you and your opponent, while in stroke play you are competing against a significant number of fellow competitors. In match play everything you do has an immediate impact on the only player with whom you are in competition. Match play rules reflect that more intimate setting. Stroke play rules have to look at the broader picture, since there is a larger field to consider.
I can understand the logic behind the penalty in match play. If you move your opponent’s ball in a match, you have directly affected the play of your only competition. Moving your opponent’s ball, whether or not intentional, could influence the result of the hole. The Rules need to discourage such behavior. Therefore, a penalty for moving your opponent’s ball is warranted.
The logic behind not penalizing moving another player’s ball in stroke play is more difficult to fathom. I posed your question to two usually reliable authorities: a good friend and excellent golfer who is a former teaching pro, and a USGA rules official. The friend said: “I can explain why there’s a penalty for moving another player’s ball in match play but not in stroke play.” And then he thought a moment, gave me a funny look, and said: “I have no idea. Can’t help you on this one.” The USGA official was similarly speechless. He put me on hold while he researched the matter, and could not come up with an answer.
The Rules of Golf are not always as logical as they should be (some golfers might claim there is little or no logic to many of the rules). This was a challenging question, Lou, and if further investigation turns up a better answer (or any answer) I will be back in touch.
Linda
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