Linda–
Player A tees off. On finding
his ball, he makes a practice swing and accidentally strikes the ball which
then hits his golf trolley. He then plays his next shot from where it lies.
What is the ruling?
Lou
Dear Lou,
When the player accidentally
moved his ball during the practice swing, he was required to replace it and add
a one-stroke penalty to his score. Since he did not replace the ball, he incurs
a penalty of two strokes [Rule 18-2a and Penalty for Breach of Rule].
The penalty for hitting your
own equipment is one stroke [Rule 19-2]. However, when a player breaks two
rules with one stroke, he is generally not penalized for both violations
[Decision 1-4/12].
In your scenario, if the
player had properly retrieved his ball and replaced it where it lay before
moving it with the practice swing, his only penalty would be one stroke for
moving his ball in play. Since he did not, his penalty is two strokes for moving
and not replacing the ball. There would be no additional penalty for hitting
the cart with the ball he accidentally moved.
Of greater concern is the
possibility of disqualification. A Committee might rule that the player gained
a significant advantage by playing his next shot 15 yards closer to the hole.
This is known as a “serious breach.” If the Committee decides that the player
committed a serious breach, he would be disqualified [Rule 20-7c]. If the
player becomes aware that he might have played from the wrong place, he may
play a second ball from the correct place and finish out the hole with both
balls. The Committee will decide which ball will count. He must play this
second ball before he makes a stroke on the next teeing ground.
Linda
Copyright
© 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
