Hi Linda,
Is free relief available in a hazard when the ball is next
to a ground nesting bird’s nest and hitting the ball would smash the nest and
the eggs? If so, how should relief be taken?
Also, are there different rules for the different types of hazard regarding this situation?
Regards,
Lou from Ballina, New South Wales, Australia
Dear Lou,
Yes, you are entitled to free relief in any hazard (water
hazard or bunker) for a swing that would damage a bird’s nest [Decision 1-4/9].
For free relief, you must drop in the hazard within one
club-length of the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole. If it is not
possible to drop in the hazard, you may still get free relief if you are able
to drop in a nearby, similar hazard that is no closer to the hole.
If there is no safe place to drop in the hazard, and there
is no nearby similar hazard, you will have to take a penalty stroke. In that
case, you may drop behind the hazard on the flagline or choose any of the other
relief options under Rule 26 (if your ball is in a water hazard) or Rule 28 (if
your ball is in a bunker).
Linda
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