Rules Corner
Ball Movement
Options for Out of Bounds or Lost Ball
Q: What is the ruling if I accidentally step on, or run over with the golf cart, either my ball or my opponent's ball while searching for it?
A: The correct procedure is for the player to replace the ball to its former position (in this case, not embedded) and proceed. No penalty is assessed. However, failure to replace the ball leads to a 2-stroke penalty.
Q: What is the ruling if I accidentally kick or move my own ball or someone else's ball while searching for it?
A: This can easily happen if players are looking for a ball in a leafy or grassy area. Here again, no penalty is assessed unless you or the other player fails to move the ball back to its original position or in the best estimation of that original position. If you forget to move it back, then a 2-stroke penalty occurs.
In either of the above situations, if you realize or are informed about this penalty after you have continued to play the hole, continue on and add the 2 stroke penalty to your score for the hole. You don’t have to return to that original spot where the ball moved and then replace it and replay the hole. In other words, play out the hole with the ball from the wrong place and add the 2 stroke penalty.
What are my options if I hit a shot out of bounds or my ball is lost? You have 3 options:
“Stroke and Distance” - 1 stroke penalty
Return to the spot you hit your last shot. If it was a tee shot, you can re-tee your ball.
Hit a Provisional Ball - 1 stroke penalty
Announce before hitting.
Make certain your provisional ball is marked differently than the originally hit ball.
Hit the provisional ball. You may continue to play the provisional ball without it losing its provisional status so long as it is played from a spot that is the same distance or further from the hole than your original ball is estimated to be. Example: The original ball went 150 yards, the provisional ball went a shorter distance like 75 yards. You can continue to hit the provisional ball until you reach the estimated distance of the original ball. This will save time going back after looking for the lost ball.
Look for the original ball. If the original ball is found, it must be played.
If the provisional ball is used add the penalty stroke.
Local Rule E-5 - 2 stroke penalty
Drop in the nearest spot of the fairway (within two club lengths of the edge of fairway) no nearer the hole where the ball crossed the OB line or is estimated to be lost.
Don’t necessarily ignore this option because of the 2-shot penalty - it might work in your favor in certain situations on courses depending on the layout of the hole and where you would lie.
Note: This GRWGA rule was developed as a suggestion from the USGA in 2019 in an effort to help with pace of play and effort of the affected player.
Special Note: Different options apply for Red or Yellow Penalty areas. Please refer to your green GRWGA Common Rules Card or your USGA Rulebook for further guidance on these areas.
Question: How can I handle a very difficult lie in a bunker?
Answer: If you feel your ball in a bunker is unplayable, you have 4 options to drop the ball, each one with 1 or 2 penalty strokes.
Stay in the bunker - drop within 2-club lengths, 1 penalty stroke
Stay in the bunker - go back on the extension of the line from the hole to the ball and take a drop within 1 club-length, 1 penalty stroke
Return to the spot of your last stroke and take a drop within 1 club-length (you can tee it up in the tee box) , 1 penalty stroke.
Drop outside the bunker - go back on the extension of the line from the hole to the ball, outside the bunker, as far back as you like and take a drop within 1 club length, 2 penalty strokes.
The 2 penalty stroke option might not seem like a smart choice - but you should always keep it in mind if you particularly struggle from sand shots or it is a nasty bunker. This could be good course management and the best way to proceed.
Difficult Bunker Lie
Short Putt -Stance & Stroke
Questions:
1) Is there a USGA rule with regards to putting stance on the green and the stroke made on the ball? For example, if you have a short putt, sometimes step up to the ball without taking the traditional 2 feet planted stance - perhaps leaning in and tapping the ball in the hole. Is this okay?
2) What if you reach across the hole and pull the ball in the hole? Is this okay?
Answer: It is common for a player to tap this ball in since it prevents leaving a ball marker close to the hole that would more than likely interfere with the line of another player’s putt. A player should always ask for permission to continue putting when they would be going out of turn. Two aspects come into play on this rules question - your stance and the ball contact.
Stance - USGA Rule #10.1c: Stance is defined as the position of a player’s feet and body in preparing for and making a stroke. You must not make a stroke from a stance with a foot deliberately placed on each side of (like in croquet) or with either foot deliberately touching, the line of play or an extension of that line behind the ball. There is no penalty if a stance Is taken accidentally or to avoid another player’s line of play.
Ball contact: USGA Rule #10.1a: You must fairly strike at the ball with the head of the club such that there is only momentary contact between the club and the ball and you must not push, scrape or scoop the ball. If the putt does not conform to this, then it’s the general penalty of 2 strokes.
Bottom Line
Question #1- If following stance guidelines above, you are fine.
Question #2 -If following stance guidelines above, even on the opposite side of the hole, you are fine. However, the ball contact is potentially a scrape since you are pulling the ball in the hole and that stroke may not conform. There could very well be more than momentary contact. If there is a scrape/pull, then there is a 2-stroke penalty or if in match play, loss of hole. So best to avoid having to determine your moment of ball contact on this and go to the other side of the hole for that tap in.
