Back-on-the-Line Change for 2023

There has been a slight change to the back-on-the-line procedure from 1st January 2023 and it is probably more in line with what golfers actually did, rather than what they were meant to do, following the 2019 rule changes. This procedure for getting a ball in play is relevant for a few situations: Penalty Area … Continue reading Back-on-the-Line Change for 2023

Bridges & Penalty Areas

Artificial objects on the course which cannot be moved without unreasonable effort (such as bridges, roads, and buildings) are "Immovable Obstructions" (a type of "Abnormal Course Condition") unless they have been defined under the local rules as "integral parts of the course". You may take relief under Rule 16 from these Immovable Obstructions if they … Continue reading Bridges & Penalty Areas

Relief from a Path Parallel to Direction of Play

A quick revisit on request to a topic covered a while ago. This is really a reminder that there is just one NEAREST Point of Complete Relief. The rules do not allow you to choose the nicest point of complete relief! https://youtu.be/iiu9rRLiYlQ Recommendation is to always determine your nearest point of complete relief before you … Continue reading Relief from a Path Parallel to Direction of Play

14th @Brokenhurst – Immovable Obstruction (Sprinkler Head)

The 14th at Brokenhurst is a risk and reward short par 4. Big hitters may go for the green, but it is a very narrow entrance which sheds the ball to the right. Bunkers, a small copse, and heavy rough await if you are off line. The percentage play may be to leave yourself a … Continue reading 14th @Brokenhurst – Immovable Obstruction (Sprinkler Head)

12th @Brokenhurst – On a path (Immovable Obstruction)

The 12th is Brokenhurst's signature hole. A par 3 usually with a small well bunkered green and the clubhouse watching over from the far side of the 1st fairway. You might have enjoyed a snack at "The Sett" while sizing up which club to play - the back of the green is wider than the … Continue reading 12th @Brokenhurst – On a path (Immovable Obstruction)

GUR Next to a Putting Green

Aprons / fringes can get worn and some areas may get marked as GUR before a big competition. This gives us a few learning points: For the players - what to do if: your ball or your feet are in it, orit is on your line of play For those setting up the course:How best … Continue reading GUR Next to a Putting Green

Patrick Reed’s Embedded Ball

He has been involved in more than a few dubious actions regarding the rules and has now attracted a lot of negative attention on social media about his actions around his ball on the 10th hole of his 3rd round of the Farmers Insurance Open yesterday. The video here is the only one I could … Continue reading Patrick Reed’s Embedded Ball

Ball Embedded in the Face of a Bunker

NB THE 2023 RULES HAVE CHANGED THE OUTCOME FOR SCENARIO 2: THE VIDEO IS NOW INCORRECT ON THIS POINT. THE NEW PROCEDURE IS TO FIND THE NEAREST SPOT IN THE GENERAL AREA THAT IS NOT NEARER THE HOLE TO THE SPOT IMMEDIATELY BEHIND WHERE THE BALL EMBEDDED, AND THIS SPOT BECOMES THE REFERENCE POINT FOR … Continue reading Ball Embedded in the Face of a Bunker

10th @Brokenhurst – Ball Embedded in the face of a bunker

The 10th is a long par 3 - a wood or even a driver for many golfers to reach the raised green. Bunkers left and right trap many shots and even if you hit the green a two putt isn't straightforward if you are on the wrong tier. Most players are more than happy to … Continue reading 10th @Brokenhurst – Ball Embedded in the face of a bunker

Embedded Ball

This should be easy - Rule 16.3 allows you to take relief whenever your ball lies in its own pitchmark in the general area. "Embedded" means that part of the ball is below the level of the ground (so not if is just "sitting down" in a grassy lie. The reference point is immediately behind … Continue reading Embedded Ball