Saturday, July 5, 2014

Ask Linda #873a-Response to Ask Linda #873

Dear readers,
I received this well-considered response to my July 3 column this morning. After some additional research, I have concluded that my answer was not accurate. As such, I have edited #873, and ask that you revisit it. Here is the link:
http://lindamillergolf.blogspot.com/2014/07/ask-linda-873-ball-moves-after.html

Hi Linda,
This is a rule I have picked up a few people on. Since the introduction of the exceptions to 18-2b, many people believe that, if their ball moves and gravity caused the ball to move there is no penalty.

However, gravity is not an exception to Rule 18-2b.

BALL MOVING AFTER ADDRESS
18-2b/1
Ball Moves After Address; Movement May Have Been Due to the Effects of Gravity
Q.A player addressed his ball and it subsequently moved. It is uncertain what caused the ball to move as the conditions at the time were calm, there were no outside agencies present and the player did nothing obvious to cause the ball to move. The player believed that, as he did not cause his ball to move, it must have moved as a result of the effects of gravity and, therefore, the Exception to Rule 18-2b should apply. What is the ruling?
A.The player incurs a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2b and the ball must be replaced.
The effects of gravity do not satisfy the Exception to Rule 18-2b. The Exception only applies when it is known or virtually certain that the player did not cause his ball to move. In order to meet this standard, it must be known or virtually certain that some other observable factor (e.g., wind, water or an outside agency) caused the ball to move. Otherwise, the player is deemed to have caused the movement and Rule 18-2b applies. (New)
Lou from Mornington, Australia

P.S. I’d also think in this case that Lou from Vancouver’s two inches behind the ball would be considered addressing the ball. (He said he’d addressed it, too). "The player has addressed the ball when he has grounded the club immediately in front of or immediately behind the ball, whether or not he has taken his stance."
I think the term “immediately” is probably something that should be looked at by the Rules Makers since it is ambiguous and open to interpretation. A finite measurement would be more suitable.