Hi Linda
If a rain shower results in water on the green in the line
of a putt
what are the options available to the player?
Does the player have to putt through the water?
Lou
Dear Lou,
No, the player does not have to putt through the water.
A player is entitled to free relief if there is casual water
lying on the green on his line of putt. The player must lift the ball and place
it at the nearest point of relief that is not closer to the hole and is not in
a hazard. If complete relief from the condition is not possible, the player may
seek the nearest point that provides the maximum amount of relief [Rule 25-1b
(iii)].
The nearest point of relief will not necessarily be on the
putting green. You may not walk around looking for a spot to place your ball
that is on the green. “Nearest” means “nearest.” Your next shot might turn out
to be a chip from the fairway or the rough.
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
