Linda, a player hits the golf cart in front of them up
around the green. No penalty, but can the ball be played from there or does it
go back and get hit again? Our pro said it needed to come back and I disagreed.
I know where I can get the correct answer!
Lulu from New Jersey
Dear Lulu,
Maybe you should apply for the pro’s job, Lulu!
A cart that belongs to a player in another group is an
outside agency. If your ball accidentally hits an outside agency, it is a “rub
of the green” and you will play your ball as it lies [Rule 19-1].
If the cart belongs to you or your partner, you incur a
one-stroke penalty, but you will still play the ball as it lies.
The only time you have the option to replay your shot is if
your ball hits your opponent’s cart
in match play. When that happens,
you may choose to play the ball as it lies or replay the shot with no penalty.
If you choose to replay, you do not have to retrieve your original ball [Rule
19-3].
I have received several questions lately about pros giving
players incorrect rulings. The next time you receive information you suspect
may be wrong, ask your pro if he can back up his answer in the rulebook.
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.