Linda… In playing a par five my playing partner’s ball and
mine were fairly close after the initial tee shot and unfortunately
we mistakenly hit each other’s ball. We were playing the same brand and did not
notice what we had done until after we had putted out and finished the
hole. We are virtually certain this occurred on our second shot as we
played down opposite sides of the fairway from then on out and it was always
very obvious where we each had hit. I know
there is a two-stroke penalty for hitting the wrong ball but we hit the wrong
ball multiple times. I am guessing that we should have gone back to the
original location at which we hit the wrong ball, each take a 2-stroke penalty,
and play out the hole from there completely ignoring every other shot that was
played with the wrong ball but I am really not sure. Can you help?
Thanks,
Lou from Texas
Dear Lou,
Your understanding is correct, Lou. Both players incur a
two-stroke penalty for hitting a wrong ball. None of the strokes made while
hitting the wrong ball count in your score. Both must return to the spot where
the wrong ball was hit, drop a ball, and continue play. If you fail to do this
before you tee off on the next hole, the penalty is disqualification [Rule
15-3b].
This unfortunate occurrence should serve as a reminder to
everyone why it is so important to draw a personal identification mark on your
golf ball.
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
