Hello Linda,
Thank you for your wonderful blog. Couldn't find an answer
to the following question on your blog or the Internet. Would appreciate a
little of your help.
Trying to pitch my ball on a very difficult stance, I've swung
and missed the ball, digging a small divot partially out of the rough. The ball
didn't even move, but the divot was now half out, just in front of the ball
(now interfering with the line of hit). My golf mates told me that I'm now allowed to put/press/step the divot
back down before the next shot, because "I should repair my own divots
after a shot.” But in my opinion Rule 13-2 applies, and I'm not allowed to
change/alter the "new" lie. What is the correct procedure? Thank you
very much for your blog and help.
Best regards,
Lou from Bergisch Gladbach (near Cologne), Germany
Dear Lou,
Your understanding is correct. Rule 13-2 prohibits improving
your lie or the area of your intended swing prior to the shot. If you were to
replace the divot before hitting your ball, the penalty would be loss of hole (match
play) or two strokes (stroke play).
Repairing the divot is good golf etiquette, but you must
delay that repair until your ball is out of the area.
Linda
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