Dear Linda,
I was in a somewhat similar situation [see Ask Linda #1216, posted on December 21], playing a team event
with another golf club. I was on the green, quite far away from the pin, and a
member of the opposing team went to the pin to attend the flag. I did not
object, nor ask my own team member to attend instead. I putted the ball, and at
about 4 feet away, it became obvious that the putt was going to be sunk. The
member of the opposing team - presumably quite purposefully - put the flagstick
back into the cup, and my ball hit the flagstick as it entered the cup. It all
happened so fast, there was no time to react until it was too late. My teammate
and I were horrified, and couldn't believe what we just saw. While I understand
the responsibility of the attendee, as well as ensuring that whoever attends
for you is doing this “honorably,” is there any recourse for someone who
actually forces a penalty on an opponent, as in this situation? Would the only
recourse be advising the Committee of such an act?
Thank you - and thanks for your column, as well!
All the best,
Lulu from Ireland
Dear Lulu,
The player should report this event to the Committee. If it
is decided that the player deliberately replaced the flagstick to cause another
competitor to incur a penalty, the decision should be to disqualify the player
in both match play and stroke play [Decision 17-3-2]. Such behavior should not
be tolerated. It is contrary to the spirit of the game, and a serious breach of
etiquette. Rule 33-7 gives the Committee the authority to impose a
disqualification penalty for such an unthinkable act.
Linda
Copyright © 2015 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
