Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Corrected answer for #922

Dear readers,

A very knowledgeable reader pointed out that my answer to #922 is incorrect. I will print his response below, and try to simplify it for you.

Dear Linda,

Thanks for all your interesting rulings and explanations. Always eager to read about new cases, sometimes with a nice or unexpected twist. As a club referee it also gives me inspiration for examples in talks, etc.

Regarding case #922, I have some doubts. In many cases the NPR is indeed likely to be on the other side of the cart path, but I would argue that in determining the nearest point of relief, one should disregard the OB for stance or swing, see diagram of D24-2b/3.7, specifically ball B2 and estimated NPR P2. 

Clearly it critically depends on the direction of play relative to the cart path. But if the direction of play would be parallel to the path, P2 would be the NRP even with just 6 inches between path and OB. In the absence of OB this would have yielded complete relief. The fact that OB prohibits stance or swing is not relevant for the determination of the NRP, as illustrated in the Decision. In such a case taking relief from the other side of the path would be playing from the wrong place, according to R20-7.

Even more reason not to lift the ball before having thought through the options, as indeed you stress.

I hope I made the argument clear, curious to hear your opinion.

Kind regards, and thanks again for the good work,
Lou from the Netherlands

Here is Lou’s explanation in simpler terms:

When you are looking for the nearest point of relief (NPR), you must find the closest spot, not nearer the hole, where the condition from which you are seeking relief will no longer interfere with your stance or swing. In the case of a cart path six inches from OB stakes bordering dense bushes, if the nearest point of relief is on those six inches of grass, that is where you must drop. You may not take into consideration the OB stakes or the dense bushes. You are only entitled to relief from the cart path, not from trees, bushes, fences, OB stakes, etc., that might interfere with your swing after you drop away from the cart path.

This is a classic case of why I always remind you to assess your relief option before you decide whether to lift and drop your ball away from the immovable obstruction. The NPR may be in an unplayable lie. Is that preferable to hitting the ball off the cart path? I think not. If you are worried about marring your club, consider using your putter.