Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Ask Linda #916-Wrong putting green

Q: A player is playing at hole #10 and shoots badly to hole #12, so his ball comes to rest on the green of hole #12. I think he should take relief according to Rule 25-3. Is that right?

My co-worker says that when the player is playing at hole #10, the green of hole #12 is “through the green” according to the definition of “through the green,” so he must play the ball on it as it lies.  I don't agree. In this situation, the green of hole 12 is not only “through the green” but also “wrong putting green.” So he must take a relief according to Rule 25-3. Who is right?

Lou from Korea

Dear Lou,

You are right. Wrong putting greens are a special case, which is why there is a specific Rule addressing the situation of a ball landing on one. Rule 25-3b states in no uncertain terms that a player must not play a ball from a wrong putting green. He must take relief, dropping it within one club-length of the nearest point of relief that is no nearer the hole and not in a hazard or on a green. The golfer has no choice – he is never permitted to play a ball as it lies from a wrong putting green, and will be penalized two strokes (loss of hole in match play) if he does.

A lot of time, money, and work are invested in caring for the putting greens on a golf course. The Rules recognize the importance of protecting the surface of the greens, which is why relief from a wrong putting green is mandatory.

Linda
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