I had a situation recently where my ball was lying up
against the roots of a tree. My playing partner suggested that I play my next
stroke left-handed which would have meant that I would be standing in casual
water and I could claim relief. Is this permitted?
As a follow on to this, if my ball was unplayable in the
roots could I claim the same relief?
Kind Regards,
Lou from Dublin, Ireland
Dear Lou,
A player is entitled to relief from casual water that
interferes with an abnormal stroke (e.g., a left-handed stroke for a
right-handed player) when the abnormal stroke is reasonable under the
circumstances [Rule 24-2b/17].
Let’s apply this statement to your two questions.
In the first, your ball is lying amongst tree roots in a
position where it is unplayable for a right-handed stroke but playable for a
left-handed stroke. The abnormal, left-handed stroke is reasonable in this
situation. When you take your stance for the left-handed stroke, if you now
have interference from an abnormal ground condition (such as casual water), or
an immovable obstruction (such as a cart path), you are entitled to free
relief. After your drop, if you are now able to turn around and hit right-handed,
that is perfectly permissible.
In the second question, your ball is unplayable amongst the
roots regardless of whether you try to hit it right- or left-handed. In this
case you are not entitled to turn around for a left-handed shot and claim free
relief from the casual water, since the casual water is not the culprit. The
roots are interfering with your ability to hit the ball.
Linda
Copyright © 2015 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.