Monday, November 5, 2012

Ask Linda #552-Worsening your own lie


Linda, if I remember correctly, you have said a golfer is entitled to the lie his shot gave him or her. I believe you were referring to a player who said another player's shot caused a divot or sand to land on his ball.

I was wondering what a player can do if your own practice swing causes a divot to land on your own ball? Also, are you permitted to lift a divot, leaf, twig, etc., from your ball if you do not touch the ball or cause it to move?

Thanks for all your help.
Lou

Dear Lou,

Yes, you are entitled to the lie your shot gave you. This means that if your ball is at rest and someone else’s shot alters your lie (knocks a divot onto your ball, dumps sand all over it, etc.), you are entitled to restore the lie (remove the divot, brush away the sand).

However, if you worsen your own lie, you are stuck with the result. You are always entitled to remove loose impediments, but if you move the ball in the process you incur a one-stroke penalty and must replace your ball. If you knock a divot onto your own ball, chances are very good that the ball moved when the divot landed on it, or will move when you remove it.

I receive a surprising number of questions from players who wonder how to proceed when a practice swing moves their ball or alters their lie. I am puzzled why so many players risk penalty by taking a practice swing so close to their ball.

My advice: Do not take your practice swing in front of or behind your ball. Find a nearby, similar lie, far enough to the side to keep you out of trouble.

Linda
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