Linda,
What would the ruling be for the following…?
I found my ball in the rough about fifteen yards from my
motorised trolley. My opponent sent my trolley back to me and it struck my
ball before I had a chance to control it: The ball moved back a few feet. I
replaced the ball but should I be penalized? Have checked rules and decisions
of Golf but cannot find a ruling for this.
Recap: My opponent directed my trolley (my equipment) back
which struck my ball (as distinct from my ball hitting my equipment). Neither
of us was in control of the trolley.
Is there a ruling for an opponent moving my ball with my
equipment…
Regards,
Lulu
Dear Lulu,
In stroke play, there is no penalty to either player, and
the ball must be replaced [Rule 18-4].
In match play, your opponent incurs a one-stroke penalty for
causing your ball to move; the ball must be replaced [Rule 18-3b].
While there is a penalty in match play for moving your
opponent’s ball, the penalty is not always imposed. If neither player is aware
that the unusual violation you describe has a penalty attached, no penalty can
be assigned once you hit your tee shot on the next hole. Also, if you are aware
that your opponent has violated a Rule, you are permitted to ignore the
infraction [Rule 2-5, Note 1]. A problem arises only if both players know of
the violation and agree to waive the penalty. Such an agreement results in the
disqualification of both players [Rule 1-3].
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
