Searching for 2 Balls in the Same Place

Everyone knows that you now have 3 minutes to search for your ball, and if it isn't found within that time it is "lost". Bit what happens if you are looking for 2 balls (perhaps the original and a provisional or for two different players) in the same area? Surely you have 3 minutes to … Continue reading Searching for 2 Balls in the Same Place

“Declaring a Ball Lost”

A fairly common phrase heard on the course after a poor shot "I'll declare that ball lost". The problem is that this has no meaning within the rules - under Rule 18.2a the only time a ball is lost is when it is "not found in three minutes after the player or his or her caddie begins … Continue reading “Declaring a Ball Lost”

Put Your Own Markings on Your Ball

Just unpacked my referee's bag after the Hampshire Open last week (Pro's & elite amateurs) and noticed that 3 of the 7 decent balls (there were a couple of others that I wouldn't expect these players to be using in a competition) that I found on the course during the day do not have specific … Continue reading Put Your Own Markings on Your Ball

Matchplay – ball holed but not found

A simple question I've been asked which might create a chase through the rule book. Matchplay, both players played approach (lets say 2nd shots) to slightly hidden green. Player A found ball, Player B didn't and conceded the hole. As they were leaving the next tee having driven off the players behind called that there … Continue reading Matchplay – ball holed but not found

11th @Brokenhurst – Out of Bounds

The 11th is a fairly straightforward Par 4 - just over 400 yards from the white tees and 363 from the red markers. It often plays a bit shorter than its length as the prevailing south-westerly wind is helping and it also runs slightly downhill. Bunkers on the left to avoid off the tee, trees … Continue reading 11th @Brokenhurst – Out of Bounds

Temporary Water in a Bunker

We play golf in (almost) any weather and the rules need to take this into account. While we can get puddles on the course at any time of year, we are perhaps more likely to need to cope with them through the winter months - what relief is available? Playing out of a puddle should … Continue reading Temporary Water in a Bunker

Bryson’s Lost Ball

The best in the world don't often have to look for their ball - they hit it straighter than most and usually have a good number of marshals and spectators to see where the ball landed. So Bryson probably has a good excuse for being a little hazy on the lost ball rule. If it … Continue reading Bryson’s Lost Ball

8th Hole @BrokenhurstGC – Two Identical Balls

A long par 4, seemingly always into the wind and the first of 3 very testing holes in a row. Escape from the 8th, 9th, and 10th level to your handicap and you are most likely playing well. Even a good drive will probably leave a semi-blind second over the fairway bunker to a green … Continue reading 8th Hole @BrokenhurstGC – Two Identical Balls

4th Hole @Brokenhurst – Out of Bounds or Red Penalty Area?

The 4th is another tactical hole but perhaps its main feature is the green - hit it onto the left half with the hole on the right (or vice versa) and a 3 putt might be a good result. As driving distances have grown with modern technology you need to hit a fade or hug … Continue reading 4th Hole @Brokenhurst – Out of Bounds or Red Penalty Area?

Bryson’s Out of Bounds Query

Bryson DeChambeau tries to persuade Rules Officials that his ball is in bounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6XG7WjfcMk Unsurprisingly, the Rules Officials knew the definitions better than him. The Out of Bounds line is the straight line between the course-side points of the fence posts or stakes at ground level. This means that the fence itself (or the stakes) … Continue reading Bryson’s Out of Bounds Query