Linda, in match play doubles, a player has marked his own
ball but then proceeds to place his ball on his opponent’s marker, putts to the
hole, and then realizes the mistake. What is the ruling for doubles match play
and in stroke play?
Lou from Scotland
Dear Lou,
The player has made a stroke from a wrong place, and is
effectively disqualified from the hole. The player’s partner does not incur a
penalty, and his score versus the better ball of the two opponents will
determine the outcome of the hole [Rule 30-3f]. In singles match play, a player
who makes a stroke from a wrong place loses the hole [Rule 20-7b].
In stroke play, assuming the player has not gained a
significant advantage by putting from the wrong place, the ball is in play. The
player must complete the hole and add two penalty strokes to his score
[Decision 20-7c/1]. If he realizes his mistake, lifts the ball he putted from
the wrong place, places it at his marker, and putts, his total penalty will be
four strokes (two strokes for hitting from a wrong place and two strokes for a
breach of Rule 20-1) [Decision 20-7c/2].
If the player suspects he may have gained a significant
advantage by playing from the wrong place, he should invoke Rule 3-3 and
complete the hole with two balls (the one played from the wrong place and
another played from his marker). He will avoid a possible disqualification, and
the Committee will decide which ball to count.
Linda
Copyright © 2014 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
