Hello Linda,
My tee shot is struck towards a lateral water hazard,
not certain if the ball cleared or got out the other side (a slight curve to
the lateral water hazard). If the ball is not found we all have no doubt that
it must be in the hazard as there is no other possible scenario – no rough, no
trees, no sand to hide a ball.
A search of the area by our group does not find my ball, so
I proceed correctly for a ball in the lateral water hazard. On the fairway of
the next hole I notice one of my opponents is playing the very ball that
was "not found" previously. It is my brand, model, ball number and
has my initials on it!
A debate (I'm being kind) begins; this was not the ball
(brand, model or markings) that this opponent had been using on any previous
hole, my ball was an expensive brand. He says that it was unplayable where
he found it (no ball retriever was required for him to pocket my ball). He
relented and on the spot gave me back my ball. Yes he broke other rules at that
point but we need not go there.
The words and attitude he used for his defense of
his actions are, minimally, proof of his ignorance of the rules or could have
been proof of willful cheating. He found a ball, my ball, and says nothing but
does put it in his pocket. I understand that we have all teed off on the next
hole after the "incident," but there is
now information not previously known.
What should have happened to this player and/or my penalty
and how should WE have proceeded at this point in the match?
Many thanks,
Lou from Ottawa
Dear Lou,
There is no penalty to you for finding relief under the
water hazard rule. Since there is no other place the ball might be, you are
entitled to assume that your ball is in the hazard.
If it can be established that your opponent found and
pocketed your ball before you dropped and hit another ball, he loses the hole
if you file a claim. Ordinarily you may not file a claim once anyone has teed
off on the next hole. However, since you were unaware your opponent had found
your ball until play of the following hole had already begun, you may file a
claim at the time you make the discovery [Rule 2-5].
Your opponent incurs no penalty if he found the ball
subsequent to your drop and hit – picking up a lost ball and keeping it is not
against the Rules. Loss of hole will be automatic if the Committee discovers
the ball was found prior to your drop; they might even take it a step further
and disqualify your opponent for a serious breach of etiquette. I would.
Linda
Copyright © 2014 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
