Linda,
During a stroke play competition a player made a stroke at his ball while on the green and missed the hole, but then the ball hit his foot, which was behind the hole. It was agreed that the stroke counted and the ball must be played as it lies with no penalty. Was this a correct application of the rules? Thank you
Lulu from Massachusetts
Dear Lulu,
No.
Exception 2 to Rule 11.1b tells us that when a ball played from on the putting green accidentally hits any person (including the player putting the ball), the player must replace a ball (the original or another ball) on its original spot and replay the putt. If the original spot is not precisely known, the player must estimate it. There is no penalty, and the stroke that hit her foot does not count.
If this were to occur anywhere except on the putting green, the ball would have to be played as it lies [Rule 11.1b].
Linda
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