Rules of Golf and MGA Tournaments

 

Keith Gibson asked that we remind all MGA members that the tournaments are always played under the Rules of Golf as published by the United States Golf Association (USGA).   The USGA, in conjunction with the R&A in St. Andrews , Scotland , writes, interprets and maintains the Rules of Golf to guard the tradition and integrity of the game.

 

Whenever there is a question regarding a rule during a tournament, the question MUST be answered by the rules committee before the player signs and turns in his score card to avoid disqualification.

In a tournament a player struck his ball and could not see where it went.  One of the two other players thought the ball traveled in a direction away from a nearby lateral water hazard, while the other believed it flew either along the edge of the hazard or into it.  Since there was not "reasonable evidence" that the ball was in the hazard, the player should have played a provisional ball from the same place.   Error 1: Instead he dropped a ball within two club lengths from where it most likely would have entered the hazard and took a one stroke penalty.  After advancing this ball, the original ball was discovered lying in a sprinkler head recess.   Error 2: Upon discovering the original ball the player then played it to the hole, abandoning the other ball.  If in doubt as to which ball to play, play both, holing both and keeping two scores for that hole.  The rules committee can then determine the appropriate rule.  In this case the original ball was no longer in play once the second ball was struck.

 

26-1 Relief for Ball in Water Hazard

It is a question of fact whether a ball lost after being struck toward a water hazard is lost inside or outside the hazard.  In order to treat the ball as lost within the hazard, there must be reasonable evidence that the ball lodged in it.  In the absence of such evidence, the ball must be treated as a lost ball and Rule 27 applies.

Exception: A local rule at Hole 16 on our course is in effect for MGA tournaments to speed up play.  If on your drive you are unsure whether your ball is lost in the marsh, you can declare and play a provisional ball as described under Rule 26-1 a,b (Note: There is no “drop zone”).  If that ball goes in the marsh you may play another from the same place, counting strokes and penalty strokes until successfully clearing the marsh.  If the original ball is found on the green side of the marsh, the provisional ball(s) is/are abandoned and you lie one.

 

27-1 Ball Lost or Out of Bounds

If a ball is lost or is out of bounds, the player must play a ball, under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played.  Penalty for breach of this rule in stroke play is 2 strokes.

Exception 1: If there is reasonable evidence that the original ball is lost in a water hazard, the player must proceed in accordance with Rule 26-1.

Exception 2: If there is reasonable evidence that the original ball is lost in an obstruction (Rule 24-3) or an abnormal ground condition (rule 25-1c) the player may proceed under the applicable rule.

 

In the same tournament a player accidentally struck and moved his ball with his putter.  After discussing the situation with his fellow players it was decided to count the movement as a stroke and proceed.  Although this sounds reasonable, it is incorrect.  The ball should have been replaced at the spot from which it moved and a one stroke penalty assessed.  Failure to adhere to the rule incurs a two stroke penalty in stroke play (loss of hole in match play).  Failure to correct the score before turning in the score card resulted in disqualification under the Rules of Golf. In this case the rules error was compounded by not consulting with the rules committee before signing and submitting the score card.