Rule of the Week (June 5 to 9)

Cart path relief

Rule of the Week

Week of June 5 to 9, 2017

Rule 24-2 - Taking "complete relief" from Obstruction

QUESTION: What is meant by the phrase, "taking complete relief" from an obstruction?

ANSWER:

When a player is taking relief from an immovable obstruction, he must determine the point where there is no interference from the lie of ball, stance, and area of intended swing.

For example, if the ball lies on a cart path, the ball must be dropped at a point where the cart path does not interfere with the lie of the ball, his stance, and also the area of intended swing. If the ball comes to rest in such a position, it must be re-dropped (Rule 20-2c(v)).

From the picture above:

A number of amateur players believe it is the fairway side of the obstruction (cart path). This is incorrect. The nearest point of relief is not the nicest point of relief and could be in tall grass, in the bush, on a severe slope or a tree such as the point at P3 above.

Remember, a player has the right to play the ball as it lies, even if it requires her/him to putt the ball or chip it backwards to a more favourable position.

Next week we will discuss the myth about handicapping and hardest hole along with another rule.

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Happy golfing and remember the Rules of Golf Matter

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	As the Provincial Sport Governing Body (PSGB), Golf Saskatchewan will provide leadership in driving participation, engagement, capacity, and excellence in our sport. Golf Saskatchewan 510 Cynthia St Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7L 7K7 Golf Saskatchewan (306) 975-0850 Authored by Brian Lee, Executive Director of Golf SK