Hello Linda,
I am confused by the question and answer regarding Ask Linda #665 -
Embedded Ball Relief. Does Rule 25-2 (Embedded Ball) not answer
clearly the "how to and when" on embedded balls?
The answer in your blog on this subject (your blog which I
take as gospel, great rules stuff) does not mention anything about this rule’s
existence, or is the question/answer specifically with regards to the rough
(not a closely mown area)?
Many thanks,
Lou from Ontario
Dear Lou,
Rule 25-2 provides for relief for balls that are embedded in
closely mown areas through the green. “Closely mown areas”
means the grass is cut to fairway height (e.g., fairways, aprons around the
green, dew paths). “Through the green” means the whole golf course, excluding
the tee and green of the hole you are playing and all hazards.
Local Rule #4 in Appendix I, Part B (in the back of the
rulebook) provides relief for an embedded ball anywhere through the green. This rule allows a player relief for a
ball embedded in the rough. It is suggested that Committees adopt this local
rule when course conditions warrant it (e.g., after torrential rains have made
the course extremely wet or muddy).
The PGA puts Local Rule #4 on its hard card, which means
that professional golfers are always entitled to relief for balls embedded in
the fairways and the rough. The
reader in Ask Linda #665 (published on May 30) wanted to know why this Local
Rule is always in effect in PGA tournaments, regardless of whether conditions
warrant such relief.
Linda
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