Linda, in a STROKE PLAY competition today two players in our group
of four were each approximately 20 metres away from the green, one in front of the
green and one behind it. Unaware of the other, they both played their shots
onto the green. Both balls were in motion when they struck each other near the
flag and both balls came to a stop near the flag. We could not determine who
hit first, so we assumed that both were hit simultaneously. Does a penalty
apply to each player, and if so what rule covers this scenario?
Secondly, if it is known who had hit first, I assume the
first player who hit incurs no penalty, but does he have to replay his shot or
can he choose to play it from where it came to rest? And I assume the player
who played later does incur a penalty.
Third, if this had occurred between partners in a four-ball
better ball match play competition, what would have been the result for the hole?
Lou from Australia
Dear Lou,
The answers to all of your questions can be found in Rule
19-5b.
Question #1: The two balls that were hit simultaneously and
collided will be played as they lie. There is no penalty to either player.
Question #2: Even if you are able to determine who hit
first, the ruling is still the same. Both balls will be played as they lie, and
there is no penalty to either player.
Question #3: In match play, you must take order of play into
consideration. The player whose turn it was to hit first must play his ball as
it lies. Since his partner hit out of turn, the opponents have two choices: (1)
require the opponent who hit out of turn to cancel the stroke and play again
from where he hit his last shot, or (2) permit the opponent to play the ball as
it lies. The choice the players make will depend on the outcome of the contact.
There is no penalty to either player for the collision.
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
