Linda – we had this issue come up recently and would like
your opinion as well as reference to the rule or decision that would be
applicable.
Player deems his ball unplayable through the green. His drop
either under Rule 28b or 28c would be on a large cart path. Is he
permitted to drop on a cart path and play from that spot, assuming ball rolls
less than 2 club lengths after dropped? Or, once he drops on path, would he be
able to take relief from path? Or, is he not entitled to drop on a path even if
within 28b/28c?
Thanks,
Lou from Texas
Dear Lou,
When you decide to declare your ball unplayable, you must
drop within the area prescribed by Rule 28. If you choose 28c, for example, you
must drop within two club-lengths of where your ball lay. If the two
club-lengths relief means you will be on a cart path, you must drop on the cart
path. If the ball remains on the cart path after it is dropped and the drop is
good (see Rule 20-2c for when you must re-drop), you now have two options: play
the ball as it lies on the path or take relief from an immovable obstruction
under Rule 24-2b.
Linda
Copyright © 2016 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
