Hi Linda,
What happens if the ball in play hits a fan (large immovable object) that is cooling off the green and goes out of bounds? Is there a different ruling for Match Play vs. Stroke Play?
Take care,
Lulu
Dear Lulu,
When a ball hits a fan and ricochets out of bounds, the ball is out of bounds. There is nothing unusual about a fan being on a golf course. It is no different from a water cooler, a bench, or any other immovable obstruction.
If your ball settles so close to the obstruction that it interferes with your stance or the area of your intended swing, you would be entitled to free relief (stance plus one club-length). But this was not your question.
A ricochet off an immovable obstruction might bring you good luck or bad. If it goes out of bounds, you will have to repeat your shot and add a one-stroke penalty to your score. If the ball is deflected onto the green, it is your good fortune.
Linda
Copyright © 2011 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
