Hi Linda
Does one have to measure the size of a relief area with the longest club in one’s bag, except the putter?
Can it be estimated by eye?
Kind regards,
Lou from Tiverton, Devon, UK
Dear Lou,
You may estimate the relief area by eye. Personally, I would not bother measuring with a club except in a very serious tournament.
Follow-up question from Lou:
Thanks, Linda. Where does it state that in the Rules?
My response:
Different Rules will limit the size of the relief area to one or two club-lengths from the reference point, but none of them states that the player must physically measure the relief area. Another player or an official may require a measurement if the ball rolls so far that it is questionable whether the ball rolled outside the relief area.
The Definition of “Relief Area” states, “The relief area is either one or two club-lengths from the reference point…” It does not state that the player must measure and mark that distance. When there is no Rule requiring that something be done, there is no requirement to do it.
Linda
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