Buenos Días Linda,
I have become addicted to your emails, please keep them
coming!
I play most of my golf in Andalucia, Spain. The 13th,
Par 5, ends with the green against a lake, red stakes lateral water hazard.
I always thought that when taking relief from a water hazard
it was prohibited to drop on the putting green, but found that players do. Dropping
two club-lengths from where the ball crossed, no nearer the hole, will in most
occasions leave you with no where else to go – the green apron is about two
feet wide, there is no more terrain between it and the red line at the back.
Throughout Rule 26-1 failed to find anything that prohibits
the drop on the putting green. Does that mean that maybe it is correct to do
it?
I will very much appreciate it if you could clear it.
Thank you
Lou from Spain
Buenos días Lou,
This is a prime example of how a careful reading of the
Rules can help you in your play.
When you choose the two-club-length relief option for a
lateral water hazard, you may drop on
the green (assuming there is a spot on the green within two club-lengths of
the hazard margin that is no closer to the hole). Rule 26-1c does not prohibit
a drop on the green.
The same holds true for taking relief from an unplayable
lie. Rule 28c, which is the two-club-length relief option, does not specify
where the player may drop the ball (except for a ball in a bunker). Dropping on
the green may very well be an option.
On the other hand, Rules such as 24-2b (Relief from an
Immovable Obstruction) and 25-1b (Relief from Abnormal Ground Conditions)
specifically prohibit the player from dropping in a hazard or on a putting
green (unless that was the original location of the ball).
When the Rules put restrictions on where you may drop a
ball, they will tell you. If you see no restrictions regarding terrain, you may
drop anywhere on the golf course that meets the distance and location
limitations.
Linda
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