Linda,
playing in a seniors competition on Monday there were nearest the pin prizes on
all par 3's. On one hole, a player from the opposing team was on the green. There
was a nearest the pin marker (a steel rod and card) near the pin but not on the
line of the putt. He did not mark and move the nearest the pin marker. He
putted, his ball was off line, and it hit the rod, which diverted it into the
hole. My partner and the other pair felt it was a “rub of the green.” I stated
that it must have breached a rule, but there being a group already waiting to
play behind us there was not time to delve into the rule book. I have looked at
the rules but am still not clear.
I
would be please to receive your observations.
Thanks,
Lou
from the UK
Dear
Lou,
This
was a rub of the green. The rod is an outside agency. There is no penalty when
a ball accidentally strikes an outside agency [Definition of “Rub of the
Green;” Rule 19-1].
While
you can get away with using physical markers on the green to indicate closest
to the pin in a casual competition among friends, it’s best to use a tape
measure and writing pad that can be positioned off the green for a more serious
event.
Linda
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