Linda, I would like clarification on something that occurred
at my golf course recently and is the topic of ongoing discussion
amongst members at the 19th hole.
Here is the incident: On a hole at my course, there is an
out of bounds area marked by white stakes beyond the green. The golfer’s second
shot comes to rest out of bounds. Problem is that the line between the two closest
white stakes is interfered with by a shrub that prevents establishing the out
of bounds line at ground level. The golfer states that since he cannot see the
imaginary line between the two stakes he is therefore not out of bounds.
The golfer won the small tournament, as no one wanted to get
into an argument with him.
Was he right in saying that his ball was not out of bounds
according to his reasoning?
Where can I find the Decision if this occurs again?
By the way, the groundskeepers have placed an additional
white stake between the two original white stakes now so there is no question.
I enjoy reading your daily golf rules on the net and thank
you for keeping us informed.
Lou from Barbados
Dear Lou,
The Definition of “Out of Bounds” includes the following
statement: “The out of bounds line extends vertically upwards and downwards.”
In establishing whether a ball lies out of bounds, the player should stand at
one out-of-bounds marker, sight down at the next marker, imagine a vertical
wall between the two markers, and note whether his ball lies on the course side
or the out-of-bounds side of that imaginary wall.
There is nothing unusual about a shrub sitting between two out-of-bounds
markers. It is quite common for all sorts of plantings to grow between and
beyond out-of-bounds stakes. The presence of such plantings has nothing to do
with establishing the location of the player’s ball.
The golfer’s reasoning is incorrect. His ball lies out of
bounds.
Linda
Copyright © 2016 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
