Hello Linda,
Can you tell me what the situation is regarding a ball
remaining in a tree in a ground under repair area?
Many thanks
Lulu
Dear Lulu,
The ball is in ground under repair (GUR), and you are
entitled to free relief within one club-length of the nearest point of relief (NPR) outside the GUR not nearer to the hole [Rule 25-1b]. (The NPR may not be in a hazard or on a putting green.) The Definition of GUR
explains that anything growing in the GUR (grass, bushes, trees, etc.) is part
of the GUR.
Here’s an interesting variation on your question. Suppose
your ball has lodged in the branch of a tree that is growing in GUR. The branch
extends outside the margin of the GUR, and the ground directly below your ball is
outside the GUR. Where is your ball? Under the Rules, your ball is in GUR – the
tree is growing in the GUR, and your ball is touching the tree. You would be
entitled to free relief [Decision 25/10.5].
And one more related ruling… If your ball lies outside the
GUR, and a tree growing in the GUR interferes with your swing, you are entitled
to free relief [Decision 25-1a/1].
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
