Hi Linda,
This rule came up in a tournament yesterday. Announcements were made that we were playing winter rules and allowed to "roll" the ball in the fairway one scorecard length. Someone asked if we were allowed to clean the ball and the pro said no we were not doing lift, clean and place as the condition of the course did not warrant it. We were not allowed to "touch" the ball unless we were trying to identify it.
I have always been told that if you can move the ball with a club you may also place it with your hand. Do you know of a rule that states this?
Fondly,
Lulu from Temple Terrace, Florida
Dear Lulu,
Holy cow! You are being told by a golf professional to roll the ball with your golf club? Be still my heart!
There is no Rule – Local or otherwise – that permits a player to roll a golf ball with her club.
When Preferred Lies (also know as Winter Rules) are adopted by the Committee, the player may take relief by placing her ball within a specified distance (one scorecard length, in your instance), no closer to the hole [Model Local Rule E-3]. The ball may be cleaned [Rule 14.1c]. The pro may not prohibit cleaning the ball.
Linda
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