Linda,
When allowed by local rule to mark and replace ball 6 inches/card length/one club-length, etc., can you place the ball on the green if inside the deemed length and no nearer the hole?
Lou from the UK
Dear Lou,
No. You may not move a ball that is not on the putting green onto the green via preferred lies.
I have copied the Model Local Rule for preferred lies below for you from the R&A website. Note in particular that it states that the relief area must be in the general area. The putting green is not in the general area.
Model Local Rule E-3
"When a player's ball lies in a part of the general area cut to fairway height or less [or identify a specific area such as 'on the fairway of the 6th hole'], the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball in and playing it from this relief area:
- Reference Point: Spot of the original ball.
- Size of Relief Area Measured from Reference Point: [Specify size of relief area, such as one club-length, one scorecard length or 6 inches] from the reference point, but with these limits:
- Limits on Location of Relief Area:
- Must not be nearer the hole than the reference point, and
- Must be in the general area.
In proceeding under this Local Rule, the player must choose a spot to place the ball and use the procedures for replacing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a."
Linda
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