Strictly speaking (and I imagine you are VERY strict haha!) is there any penalty for a situation where you "nearly" break a rule?
For example: if you move an out-of-bounds marker but replace it before making a shot, on ascertaining the rule
For another example: you replace your marked ball on the green, remove the marker and then remember that you had moved your marker from the line of another competitor's putt
And again: you inadvertently place you ball ahead of the tee marker and perhaps even take a practice swing and/or begin to settle into the shot ... but after an ostentatious but completely coincidental (!) esophageal explosion from a fellow competitor you rectify the position
Clearly there are some mistakes you CAN'T rectify but if no material change has occurred, are you technically in breach?
On occasions when this has happened in my company, no penalty shot was advocated or taken - which in equity I think is fair enough but ... what do the rules say?
Lou
P.S. Are you allowed to point out an impending error to a fellow competitor?
Dear Lou,
Your first example incurs a penalty; the other examples do not.
Out-of-bounds stake: As soon as a player removes an out-of-bounds stake that is in his line of play he is in breach of Rule 13-2 (Improving Line of Play). The fact that he replaces the stake before hitting his shot does not exempt him from the two stroke/loss of hole penalty [Decision 13-2/25].
Ball replaced on wrong spot on green: Whenever you place or replace a ball in a wrong place, there is no penalty unless you play the ball. Mark it, lift it, locate the correct place, and replace it [Rule 20-6].
Ball teed ahead of tee markers: Your ball is not in play until you hit it from the teeing ground [Definition of Ball in Play]. If you discover that you have teed it ahead of the markers, correct your mistake – no penalty.
Not only are you “allowed” to point out an impending error to a fellow competitor, you are morally obligated (I feel) to do so. This is good sportsmanship, and should always be encouraged.
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
