|
| | | Forum Newbie
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 21/05/2008 16:02:41
Posts: 2, Visits: 15 |
| Last week I played in a foursomes match play competition.
On the 15th hole my partner drive off, I put our second shot on the green and my partner putted to 3ft and marked the ball.
Our opponents managed a 6.
My putt was not conceded, which surprised me as this was a flat green and we had 2 putts to win, so I replaced the ball and made the putt.
Our opponents immediately claimed the hole because 'my partner had marked the ball and therefore should have replaced it'. We accepted the ruling as our opponents were more experienced golfers than us.
Firstly, is this the correct interpretation of the rules (rule 20-3 states 'if the ball is to be replaced, the player, his partner or the person who lifted or moved it must place it on the spot from which it was lifted or moved.
Secondly, does making me putt, so that I would break a rule, go against the 'spirit of golf'. |
| |
| | | Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 09/10/2008 13:32:35
Posts: 36, Visits: 274 |
| Hi there,
I'm afraid you were 'stitched up' - probably in innocence or ignorance, rather than deliberate deceit.
These are the Rules:-
20-1. Lifting and Marking
A ball to be lifted under the Rules may be lifted by the PLAYER, HIS PARTNER or another person authorized by the player.
So basically any of the four players can mark and lift a ball.
And as you rightly say:-
20-3. Placing and Replacing
a. By Whom and Where
A ball to be placed under the Rules must be placed by the player or his partner. IF A BALL IS TO BE REPLACED, THE PLAYER, HIS PARTNER or the person who lifted or moved it must place it on the spot from which it was lifted or moved.
As you can see, you, your partner or another person in the group who marked and lifted the ball is allowed to replace it.
Unfortunately there are a lot of so called Rules experts out there. In matchplay a Rules dispute has to be resolved before you play from the next tee, otherwise whatever you agree stands.
Or you have to go and get a decision from a committee before you play from the next tee - which is obviously hardly ever realistic.
Get a Rule book and keep it with you, and if anyone TELLS you what a Rule is, don't be afraid to ask them to show you the Rule, or at least quote you the Rule number.
As for making you 2 putt from 3 feet, it is not great etiquette and hardly in the spirit of the game - but it is not against the Rules.
Hope this helps - I know it won't make you feel any better.
SH. |
| |
| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 21/05/2008 16:02:41
Posts: 2, Visits: 15 |
| SH
Thanks for the advice.
Rule book now in bag!!
p.sands |
| |
|
|