Ask Linda #547-Interference for right-handed swing

1.     Player is right-handed.

2.     Fence interferes with player stance and swing.

3.     Distance between cart path  and fence ranges from 6 inches to 1 foot.

4.     If the player opts to play left-handed, stance is on cart path.

5.     B1 – location of the ball.

6.     Left side of cart path is through the green.

7.     Right side of cart path is fairway.

QUESTION:

1.     What are the player’s options?

2.     Where is the nearest point of relief?

3.     If the ball is in the drainage, B2, can the player take relief and play on the cart path?

Dear Lou,

The only chance this player has to hit the ball is to turn around and hit it left-handed. He is entitled to do so. This is a textbook example of a player being entitled to relief for an abnormal shot, since an abnormal shot (a left-handed stroke for a right-handed player) is reasonable in this scenario [Decision 24-2b/17].

There is no free relief from an out-of-bounds fence. However, since the player’s stance will be on the cart path for a left-handed stroke, he is entitled to relief from the path, which is an immovable obstruction. There is not sufficient room for relief between the cart path and the fence – one foot is not wide enough for a stance and swing. The nearest relief will be on the fairway, which is on the right side of the cart path. After the player drops his ball on the fairway, he may turn around and hit it right-handed.

In seeking relief from the drainage ditch (ball at B2), the player must find the nearest point of relief no closer to the hole and drop within one club-length of that spot. If that spot is on the cart path, he must drop his ball on the cart path. 

If the ball remains on the cart path after the drop, he may hit the ball as it lies on the cart path or take relief for a ball lying on an immovable obstruction. His next drop will be on the fairway.

I would recommend that you read two very interesting Decisions related to your questions: 24-2b/17 and 24-2b/9.5. You will find them on the USGA website: http://www.usga.org/default.aspx. Put your cursor on RULES (top left), and click on RULES AND DECISIONS. On the left, click on Rule 24, Obstructions. On the right, under Decisions, scroll down and click on the above-mentioned Decisions.

Linda

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