Linda,
My question has to do with the definition of “ball
movement.” I have in mind two incidences:
1. Occasionally, when a ball is on the green and there
is a high wind, the ball will oscillate or wiggle.
2. In getting ready to make an approach shot, I found
the ball on a forked stick with the shaft under the grass. When I addressed the
ball, the ball moved up and when I removed the club from behind the ball, the
ball return to its original position.
My understanding of the applicable rule is that the ball
must be returned to its original position and the player incurs a one-stroke
penalty. However, in both of the above cases, the ball ended up in its
original position and therefore can't be returned to its original position
because it's already there.
Do I have it correct that there is no penalty incurred in
either case? I am, of course, keying on the phrase “returned to its
original position.”
Thanks,
Lou from Texas
Dear Lou,
1. There is no penalty when your ball is moved by the wind.
Whether the ball returns to its original spot or settles in a new spot, it must be played as it lies. If the
wind happens to move the ball to a new spot, and you make the mistake of
replacing it on its original spot, you incur a one-stroke penalty. If you fail
to replace the ball on the spot where it was blown by the wind before you hit
it, your penalty will be two strokes [Decision 18-2a/7].
2. If your ball moves after you address it, there is no
escaping the one-stroke penalty for moving your ball in play [Rule 18-2b]. If
the ball moves, you must replace it before hitting; if it returns to its
original spot, you will play it as it lies.
Linda
Copyright © 2014 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
