Dear readers,
A very knowledgeable reader pointed out that my answer to
#922 is incorrect. I will print his response below, and try to simplify it for
you.
Dear Linda,
Thanks for all your interesting rulings and explanations.
Always eager to read about new cases, sometimes with a nice or unexpected
twist. As a club referee it also gives me inspiration for examples in talks,
etc.
Regarding case #922, I have some doubts. In many cases the NPR
is indeed likely to be on the other side of the cart path, but I would argue
that in determining the nearest point of relief, one should disregard the OB
for stance or swing, see diagram of D24-2b/3.7, specifically ball B2 and
estimated NPR P2.
Clearly it critically depends on the direction of play
relative to the cart path. But if the direction of play would be parallel to
the path, P2 would be the NRP even with just 6 inches between path and OB. In
the absence of OB this would have yielded complete relief. The fact that OB
prohibits stance or swing is not relevant for the determination of the NRP, as
illustrated in the Decision. In such a case taking relief from the other side
of the path would be playing from the wrong place, according to R20-7.
Even more reason not to lift the ball before having thought
through the options, as indeed you stress.
I hope I made the argument clear, curious to hear your
opinion.
Kind regards, and thanks again for the good work,
Lou from the Netherlands
Here is Lou’s explanation in simpler terms:
When you are looking for the nearest point of relief (NPR),
you must find the closest spot, not nearer the hole, where the condition from
which you are seeking relief will no longer interfere with your stance or
swing. In the case of a cart path six inches from OB stakes bordering dense
bushes, if the nearest point of relief is on those six inches of grass, that is
where you must drop. You may not take into consideration the OB stakes or the
dense bushes. You are only entitled to relief from the cart path, not from
trees, bushes, fences, OB stakes, etc., that might interfere with your swing
after you drop away from the cart path.
This is a classic case of why I always remind you to assess
your relief option before you decide whether to lift and drop your ball away
from the immovable obstruction. The NPR may be in an unplayable lie. Is that
preferable to hitting the ball off the cart path? I think not. If you are
worried about marring your club, consider using your putter.