Hi Linda,
We are running a 5-course 5-day tournament here and have one
course that has fairway distance markers that are shiny enough to reflect the
sun. I was called to rule on a situation where when the player took his stance
the reflection of the sun was so placed that he could not see the ball.
I took a stance and tried to see what he was talking about
and it was extremely difficult to see the ball. It was a full field day and
players were closely following. I advised him that he would not get relief from
the distance marker causing the problem and to get on with it.
Interested in your thoughts.
Regards,
Lou from New Zealand
Dear Lou,
It seems that every time I start to think I have answered
every imaginable question on the Rules of Golf, someone pulls a new card out of
his sleeve!
Your ruling was correct. Players are not permitted to accept
physical assistance or protection from the elements while making a stroke [Rule
14-2a]. Throwing a towel over the distance marker, for example, would be
prohibited. Unless the marker interferes with the player’s stance or area of
intended swing (for which there is free relief under Rule 24), it’s time to put
on sunglasses, pull down the brim of your hat, and (as you say) get on with it.
Linda
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