My ball landed in a greenside bunker, and as we were walking down the
fairway towards the green, a groundskeeper arrived from another part of the
course and proceeded to rake the bunker, but not before throwing my ball onto
the putting surface where it landed about a foot from the flag. I waited until
he had finished raking, then collected my ball and dropped it approximately
where I thought it could have been in the bunker and then proceeded with play. When
I made enquiries to ascertain that I done the correct thing, I have been
receiving the most conflicting replies. Some say I should have played it “as it
lies” on the putting surface. I cannot find anything in the Rules of Golf book
that relates to this situation, so can you please help? Thank you!
Lulu from Australia
Dear Lulu,
A groundskeeper is an “outside agency.” When a ball is moved by an
outside agency, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced [Rule 18-1].
If you are able to determine the exact spot, you will place the ball; if not,
you must drop it [Rule 20-3c].
Your procedure was correct, Lulu. Well done!
Linda
Copyright © 2014 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
