Thursday, October 2, 2014

Ask Linda #925-Confusion about hazard stakes and OB stakes


Linda, when a golf ball touches a water hazard stake is it in the hazard?
Answer: Yes. Please read the Definition of "Water Hazard."

How about when a ball touches an OB stake? I guess it is in bounds, but may I take relief from this stake?
Answer: The ball is in-bounds (assuming it is touching the side of the stake that faces the golf course). There is no free relief from the stake. Please read the Definition of "Out of Bounds."

Lou had two follow-up questions:

Linda,

A ball is considered to be in a water hazard when it touches the stake, even if it is touching it from its inner side? I mean it's on the course side.
If your answer is yes, may the player in this situation remove the stake to make his shot?
If your answer is yes... The ball will not be touching the stake anymore... so I get confused.

I asked you the question related to the OB stake because I heard one player was in this situation and considering he was in bounds and did not get relief, hit his ball and broke the white stake.

For me it is weird to have the right to make a shot putting yourself in a dangerous situation (get hurt) or even let you have the possibility to break an OB stake when you hit a shot.

As you may see I love golf rules. I passed the online exam Level I of the R&A with an 87/100, but in my country is difficult to go on and take the Level II.

Best regards,
Lou from Argentina

Dear Lou,

Please read the Definition of “Water Hazard.” It will tell you that when the margin is defined by stakes, the stakes are considered to be in the water hazard. It goes on to say that "a ball is in a water hazard when it lies in or any part of it touches the water hazard."

Therefore, a ball touching a water hazard stake is in the hazard. 

The Definition also tells you that hazard stakes are obstructions, so you must now read Rule 24, which talks about Obstructions. If the stake is movable, you may pull it out. If your ball moves, you must replace it [Rule 24-1]. The ball is still deemed to be in the hazard, so you may not ground your club when you address the ball, unless the club can be grounded completely outside the hazard.

If the stake is immovable (most hazard stakes are either immovable or deemed immovable, since most courses do not want players pulling them out), the player is not entitled to relief [Rule 24-2b, Note 1]. He must play the ball as it lies or proceed under one of the relief options in Rule 26-1 (Relief for Ball in Water Hazard).

Regarding the OB stakes, you will find the answer to your question in the Definition of “Out of Bounds.” It will tell you that stakes that define OB are not obstructions and are deemed to be fixed. There is no free relief from an OB stake (or fence, wall, railing, etc.). If the stake interferes with your swing, you must proceed under one of the options in Rule 28 for an unplayable ball, all of which include a one-stroke penalty.

There are other situations on a golf course where you may put yourself in danger trying to hit a ball (e.g., your ball lies in the roots of a tree, a tree branch or trunk interferes with your swing, etc.). This is not unusual. The golfer must decide whether to risk injury or declare his ball “unplayable.” 

I'm happy to hear that you are interested in the Rules. I would suggest you read the rulebook very carefully (paying particular attention to the Definitions), and that you also purchase a Decisions book and read a section every day (it will take a month or so to read this book). The Decisions book will answer just about any question you have ever had about the Rules of Golf, and will help you ace your next exam.

Linda
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