The Definition of “Ground Under Repair” includes the
following statement: “All ground and any grass, bush, tree or other growing
thing within the ground under repair are part of the ground under repair.” It also states that “the margin of ground
under repair extends vertically downwards but not upwards.”
These two statements taken together have a surprising effect
on your right to free relief. If you understand their meaning, you may very
well save a stroke or two in a future round.
Suppose your ball settles near (but not in) an area marked
as GUR. Growing within the GUR is a large tree with branches that extend well
past the margin of the GUR. Do you get free relief if one of those branches
that extends past the margin interferes with your swing? You certainly do!
Returning to the Definition, you will see that anything growing in the GUR is
part of the GUR. Since the tree is growing in the GUR, and the branches are
part of that tree, if any part of that tree (with one exception) interferes
with your swing, the interference is coming from GUR and you are entitled to
free relief [Decision 25-1a/1].
The exception is the tree roots. If the roots extend outside
the GUR, and those roots outside the GUR interfere with your shot, there is no
free relief. (If you cannot play the ball, you will have to proceed under Rule
28: Ball Unplayable.) The reasoning is that the margin of GUR extends
vertically downwards. Any part of something growing in GUR that extends past
the margin at or below ground level is not GUR [Decision 25/10.7].
The difference between free relief from the overhanging
branches (which are part of the GUR) and no free relief from the roots that
extend past the margin of the GUR (which are not) is an important concept.
Understanding your rights in both situations may have a positive effect on your
game.
