Linda,
Many thanks for my inclusion on your Mailing List. It is very much appreciated.
And now… Can you please inform me “When is a Ball at Rest”?
I note there is mention of a Ball at Rest for 10 seconds in Rule 16-2, but this relates to a specific incident. Decision 16-2/0.5 mentions 5 seconds, but again, this relates to a specific incident.
I cannot find any mention of “a Ball is at Rest when …” in the Rules or Decisions Book. Is there any?
There are many occasions, on all parts of the Course, when it is important to know if a ball is at rest.
Is a ball at rest when it remains in the same position for a certain given period of time and, if so, what is that time period and where can I find it mentioned in the Rules or Decisions Book?
I look forward to your views.
Kind regards,
Lou
Dear Lou,
A ball is “at rest” when it has come to a stop. Except for the unique situation of a ball overhanging the hole (where you are entitled to wait ten seconds to see if it will drop into the hole), there is no rule that specifies how long the ball must be motionless before it is deemed to be “at rest.” I cannot imagine the need for such a rule.
The rules regarding a ball at rest have to do with moving it. There are rulings for when a ball at rest is moved by a player, his opponent, his fellow competitor, his caddy, equipment, during or not during search, the wind, water, etc.
After you hit a ball, you can assume that by the time you reach it the ball is at rest. Any subsequent movement of the ball can be attributed to the action of a player or of nature.
Linda
Copyright © 2011 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
