Linda…when playing lift, clean, and place must the golfer
replace the ball in the same spot or does he/she have some latitude in moving
it? Specifically, when playing lift, clean, and place can a golfer use
that provision to get out of a divot? If there is some latitude in moving
the ball how much is there?
Thanks,
Lou from Texas
Dear Lou,
Permission to lift, clean, and replace means exactly that –
mark your ball, lift it, clean it, and replace it on the exact spot from which it was lifted [Appendix I, Part B, 4b]. This
is not a “get out of divot free” card. It is a Local Rule that may be adopted
when conditions are so wet that mud is likely to adhere to the ball.
The Local Rule that would get you out of a divot is
“preferred lies” (also known as “winter rules”). When preferred lies are in
effect, the Committee specifies how far you may move your ball after you mark,
lift, and clean it (e.g., one foot, one club-length).
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
