Hi Linda,
A player makes a stroke on the fairway and strikes the
ground a few inches behind the ball causing a divot, but does not cause the
ball to move. The player then replaces the divot before playing the next
stroke.
I am of the opinion the player would be subject to a 2-stroke
penalty for improving her lie under Rule 13-2. However, there are others who
disagree with my interpretation of the Rule.
I would appreciate your assessment of the situation.
Thanks,
Lou from Bermuda
Dear Lou,
Your understanding is correct. This player has breached Rule
13-2. A player who worsens his lie, or the area of his intended swing, or his
line of play, is not entitled to restore the area to its original condition. The
player would incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play (loss of hole in
match play) for improving the lie of the ball or the area of his intended stance
or swing.
Linda
Copyright © 2018 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
