Hi Linda,
I have searched through the rulebook but cannot find the
answer to my query. On our course we have a local rule which allows you to move
your ball without penalty if you are within 2 club lengths of a sprinkler head
just off the green and the sprinkler head is in your line towards the hole. My
question concerns whether you can lift the ball (and mark it, but not clean it)
in order to measure 2 club lengths. I feel there is no need, but if someone
does, is there a penalty of 2 strokes and loss of hole in match play? Obviously
if the ball ends up being within 2 club lengths then one is permitted to lift
and move, but what if it is outside the 2 club lengths? I would welcome your
thoughts on this matter.
Yours,
Lou
Dear Lou,
Rule 20-1 talks about lifting a ball “under the Rules.” In
other words, a ball may be lifted when a Rule permits you to do so.
The Local Rule that gives players relief from immovable
obstructions (such as sprinkler heads) that are close to the putting green does
not say: “Lift your ball and measure.” It tells you what to do if your ball
lies within two club-lengths of an immovable obstruction that is within two
club-lengths of the green on your line of play [Appendix I, Part B, #6].
Since this Local Rule does not give you permission to lift
your ball prior to measuring, you may not do so. The penalty for lifting your
ball in play is one stroke in both match and stroke play, and the ball must be
replaced [Rule 18-2a].
The player is protected from accidentally moving the ball
while measuring [Rule 18-2a, third bullet], so there is no reason to even think
about lifting this ball. Take a look at Decision 18-6/1. This Decision talks
about a player who has dropped a ball and needs to measure to find out whether
the ball has rolled more than two club-lengths, which would require a re-drop.
In measuring, he accidentally moves the ball. This player incurs no penalty for
moving the ball. If it turns out that the ball has rolled too far, he must
re-drop it; if it did not roll too far, he must replace it.
A good rule of thumb is never to touch your ball unless you
can find a Rule that allows you to do so. There is no Rule that penalizes you
for not touching your ball. When in
doubt, play the ball as it lies.
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
