Linda, if the player takes a backswing and dislodges the boundary stake, then discontinues his swing, is it possible to replace the stake as it
was originally, then make another swing, no penalty?
Lou from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Dear Lou,
Absolutely not. The penalty is incurred as soon as the stake
is dislodged and the player discontinues his swing. Replacing the stake does
not erase the penalty. Please read the question and answer below.
Dear Linda
Would your readers like to know that if the player dislodged
(or removed) the stake and incurred a penalty he does not have to replace it
before making his stroke?
Best wishes.
Lou from Holywood
Dear Lou,
Absolutely. Whether you make the mistake of removing an
out-of-bounds stake (OB stakes are “fixed” and may not be removed), or you
accidentally dislodge one with a stroke and discontinue your swing, there is no
escaping the two-stroke penalty. The smart play, after you incur the penalty,
is to hit your next shot with the stake removed and replace it afterwards
[Decision 13-2/25].
Linda
Copyright © 2016 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
