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.
Decision 18-2b/1 applies, http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-18/#d18-2b-1:
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.
