Linda, if I remember correctly, you have said a golfer is entitled
to the lie his shot gave him or her. I believe you were referring to a player
who said another player's shot caused a divot or sand to land on his ball.
I was wondering what a player can do if your own practice
swing causes a divot to land on your own ball? Also, are you permitted to lift
a divot, leaf, twig, etc., from your ball if you do not touch the
ball or cause it to move?
Thanks for all your help.
Lou
Dear Lou,
Yes, you are entitled to the lie your shot gave you. This
means that if your ball is at rest and someone
else’s shot alters your lie (knocks a divot onto your ball, dumps sand all
over it, etc.), you are entitled to restore the lie (remove the divot, brush
away the sand).
However, if you worsen your own lie, you are stuck
with the result. You are always entitled to remove loose impediments, but if
you move the ball in the process you incur a one-stroke penalty and must
replace your ball. If you knock a divot onto your own ball, chances are very
good that the ball moved when the divot landed on it, or will move when you
remove it.
I receive a surprising number of questions from players who
wonder how to proceed when a practice swing moves their ball or alters their
lie. I am puzzled why so many players risk penalty by taking a practice swing
so close to their ball.
My advice: Do not take your practice swing in front of or
behind your ball. Find a nearby, similar lie, far enough to the side to keep
you out of trouble.
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
