Rule of the Week
June 7, 2016 
Nearest Point of Relief.  There is a misconception the  Nearest Point of Relief is always on the fairway or playable side.  This is wrong.  There is in 99.9% of all cases there is only 1 Nearest Point of Relief and it is not the nicest point of relief.  It may be in a bush, tree or tall grass or in a position where playing a shot may not be possible.  Prior to starting the procedure, please look to see where you might be dropping. 

Explanation of Determining Nearest Point of Relief

QUESTION:  How does a player determine the nearest point of relief?

ANSWER:  In most cases, there is only one place on the course that is the nearest point to the ball, which is not closer to the hole, and provides relief from interference of the lie, stance and area of intended swing. It is the point where the ball would be positioned in a simulated stance of how the player would have played his next stroke had the obstruction or condition not been there. In some cases the nearest point of relief may be in a bush, tree, etc. 


For a video from the USGA here is a video link discussing the Nearest Point of Relief.
Remember, as the player, you hit the shot into the position where the ball came to rest.  The basic fundamentals is play the ball as it lies, unless a rule of golf applies. 
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Happy golfing and remember the Rules of Golf Matter
About Golf Saskatchewan
As the governing body of amateur golf in Saskatchewan, our mission is to grow participation in, and passion for golf while upholding the integrity of the game.

 

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