Sunday, January 20, 2013

Ask Linda #593a-Ball embedded in sand


Linda, first, let me thank you for all your help in the past.
I  was hoping you are aware of the recent penalty assessed to Tiger Woods when he lifted an embedded ball. If I heard correctly, a local rule allowed that embedded balls could  be lifted through the green but that the rule did not apply to sandy areas or surfaces.
If you saw or read of the ruling, can you please explain.
Thanks again for all your guidance
Lou from Ontario

Dear Lou,

I did not see the incident, but I can certainly help you with the Rule.

If you look in the back of your rulebook under Appendix I, Part B, #4, you can read the recommended wording for the Local Rule that allows players relief for a ball embedded in its own pitch mark through the green.* (Rule 25-2 only provides relief for a ball embedded in closely mown areas through the green.)

One of the exceptions to the Local Rule is that there is no relief under this Rule for a ball embedded in sand that is not in a closely mown area. This should explain Tiger’s mishap.

*For those of you who may not be familiar with the term “through the green,” it refers to the whole golf course except the teeing ground and putting green of the hole being played, plus all hazards.

Linda
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