Hi Linda,
I have two questions that are related to this subject as
follows;
1. Assuming that the ball is in a certain position on the
buggy track that mandates a right-handed golfer to drop it on the left side
because the left side happened to be the nearest point of relief but this very
position at the same time mandates a left-handed golfer to drop the ball on the
right side of the fairway. Under the said situation, may a right-handed golfer
invoke his rights to play left-handed so that he can take the free drop on the
right side of the fairway so as to get away from the trees on the left that may
obstruct his swing.
2. Assuming he is allowed to do so and after dropping the
ball, he decides to play right-handed but his feet are still on the buggy
track, is this golfer entitled to drop the ball again so that he can have
complete relief.
Trust you would shed some light on this matter which I
believe has been a subject of argument among many golfers.
Best regards,
Lou from Johore, Malaysia
Dear Lou,
Absolutely not! While a right-handed golfer may play
left-handed any time he wishes (reverse this for a left-handed golfer), he does
not have the “right” to relief for an abnormal (left-handed) stroke if his
reason is to escape a poor lie. Please read Decisions 24-2b/17 and 24-2b/18.
Linda
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