Q 1: What is the procedure for when a player’s golf ball comes to rest on or against a moveable obstruction like a bunker rake, towel, spectator chair, etc.?
A: When a ball is in or on a movable obstruction anywhere on the course, free relief may be taken by lifting the ball, removing the moveable obstruction, and, except on the putting green, dropping that ball or another ball. The reference point for taking the relief is the estimated point under where the ball was at rest in or on the movable obstruction. The relief area is one club length from the reference point, is not nearer the hole than the reference point, and must be in the same area of the course as the reference point.
Q 2: When is practicing between holes allowed in a regular round or competition?
A: Rule 5.5b/1: A player is allowed to practice putting and chipping when he or she is between the play of two holes. This is when the player has completed play of the previous hole, or in the form of play involving a partner when the side has completed play of the previous hole.
Examples of when a player is between play of two holes (Match Play):
Single: When the player has holed out, his or her next stroke has been conceded, or the outcome of the hole has been determined.
Foursome: When the side has holed out, its next stroke has been conceded, or the outcome of the hole has been determined.
Four-Ball: When both partners have holed out, their next strokes have been conceded, or their outcome of the hole has been determined.
Examples of when a player is between play of two holes (Stroke Play):
Single: When a player has holed out.
Foursome: When the side has holed out.
Four-ball: When both partners have holed out, or one partner has holed out and the other cannot better the side’s score.
Meet the professionals:
Head Golf Professional: Don Jones
Director of Golf Instruction: Jude Lenahan