Hi Linda,
Here in the UK we have BLUEBELLS that are protected plants. My
question is if my ball lands in a patch of BLUEBELLS on our golf course, should
I drop away from these (no closer to the hole) to save from damaging them?
Thanks,
Lou from Newcastle-under-Lyme, England
Dear Lou,
If bluebells are a protected plant, the golf course (meaning
the pro, manager, committee, etc.) should write a Local Rule and print it on
the scorecard advising players that they are required to take free relief for
lie, stance, or swing if their ball lies in a patch of bluebells (or if they
would have to stand in it to hit a ball just outside the patch). If this Local
Rule has not been adopted, you should discuss the matter with the proper
authority. Absent a Local Rule, your choices would be to play it as it lies
(with apologies to the plants) or take an unplayable, which would add one
penalty stroke to your score.
Linda
Hi Linda,
Thanks for the response on the Bluebells --- we now have a
local rule in place :-)
I have another question...
During a Match Play competition my opponent declared he had
taken a practice swing and unfortunately hit the ball. At the time we continued
as if a shot had been played, but afterwards, when we discussed this in the
clubhouse, this was apparently wrong. Can you clarify please? Should the
player have replaced the ball under penalty or is it loss of hole?
Many thanks,
Many thanks,
Lou
Dear Lou,
A practice swing is not a stroke. A stroke requires that you
intend to hit the ball [Definition of “Stroke”]. When a player accidentally
hits his ball with a practice swing, he has moved his ball in play. He incurs a
one-stroke penalty and must replace the ball
[Rule 18-2]. If he fails to replace the ball, the penalty in match play is loss of hole.
Linda
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