Hi Linda,
My local club has small shrubs about a yard high on either
side of the fairway in the rough. They are there for the purpose of marking the
150 yard mark to the centre of the green.
Some members have objected to them being there, so the match
committee decided to stake each shrub. We have a local rule that says: “staked
trees free drop.” Does the committee have the power under the Rules of Golf to
make such a rule or apply the local rule in such a manner?
Kind Regards,
Lou from New Zealand
Dear Lou,
Shrubs on a golf course are not unusual; neither is planting
shrubs to indicate a yardage distance. Courses might want to stake young shrubs
(just as with saplings), but the stakes should be removed once the shrubs are
established.
Staking established shrubs to allow players who don't like
them being there is absurd. Players are not entitled to free relief from
natural objects. They may declare the ball unplayable. Courses should not be
staking natural objects to circumvent the Rules of Golf.
Personally, I like using shrubs as 150-yard markers.
Visually, they are more pleasing than barber poles (or the like) standing in
the middle of the fairway, where they might misdirect a beautiful shot.
Players should play by the Rules. Committees should not
facilitate breaking the Rules. Remove the stakes or remove the shrubs.
Linda
Copyright © 2015 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
