Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Ask Linda #840-Scoop ball from hazard with club


Linda–
Ball was hit into a hazard. The ball was determined to be unplayable and stated that a drop would be taken. Rather than bending over in the hazard to retrieve the ball the player scooped the ball from the hazard with their club. Is this considered a penalty?

Thanks for your response.
Lou

Dear Lou,

No penalty. Once a player decides to use one of the relief options in Rule 26 for a ball in a water hazard, he may remove the ball from the water in any manner he wishes.

The penalty for touching the ground or water in the hazard with a hand or club is only in effect when your ball is in the hazard and you plan to hit your next shot from the hazard [Rule 13-4b]. A player would be well-advised to announce that he will take relief before he reaches in to retrieve his ball.

Linda
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