Linda,
The way Rule 10.2b(3) reads to me is that you cannot avoid the penalty the moment you lay anything down that may line up your stroke, whether you take a stance or not.
The explanation as it reads indicates that if you put an object down, do not take your stance, and then remove the object, you will not be penalized.
Please help, as it has been explained to me that the logic is to speed up play as well as use your judgment to line yourself up.
Lou from Bodicote (near London)
Dear Lou,
The Rule states that you “must not take a stance for the stroke using any object that was set down…” And it repeats, “if the player takes a stance in breach of this Rule, he or she cannot avoid penalty by backing away from the stance and removing the object.” Thus there is no penalty if you place an object on the ground and remove it before you take your stance. I posed this question at the USGA Rules workshop; this was the answer I received.
Linda
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