I like to read different situations about the rules of golf. How the rules are enforce and interpreted can determine whether you win or lose a match. I came across one from Golf.com that was interesting. I immediately thought I knew how to interpret the rule and was happy to see that I was correct. I would have had the same discussion as the questioners opponent and claim the same result. Take a look.

“During a stroke-play competition, I hit my second shot close to the hole on a par four. My opponent’s approach shot then knocked my ball in the hole. I claimed that the ball was holed for a 2, while he argued that I had to replace my ball and tap in for a 3. I declared a provisional before doing so, as I believe that a “ball holed” can’t be taken out of the hole and replayed on that hole. The scoring committee had never encountered this situation and decided my score was a 3 — and so I missed a playoff by 1 stroke. Was I wronged?—Robert L. Stegge, via email

No, Robert, you were righted. The only thing really baffling here is that the Committee had any hesitation on how to rule in this instance, but it came to the proper conclusion.

You indeed needed to replace your ball without penalty and then tap it in. Your ball was moved by an outside influence—the other ball in motion. Under Rule 9.6 there is no penalty to either player, and you replace the moved ball. We will note, too, that “provisional” has absolutely no place in this conversation.“

Understanding the rules of golf, like in this instance, prevented a player from wrongly making the next round of the competition. This is an important aspect of playing competitive golf. Not only do you protect yourself from acquiring unnecessary strokes, it is your responsibility to protect the field from players gaining an unearned advantage. Many amateurs forget this fact as they do not want to ‘rock the boat’.

If you are planning on playing competitive golf, it is incumbent upon you to read and understand the rules of golf. Winging it and hoping nothing odd comes up is not a good idea for you or your opponents.

Personally, I was on all ends of the rules lottery. I have stopped someone from gaining an advantage, stopped myself from disadvantaging myself, and was prevented (early in my career) from gaining an unearned advantage. My experiences have greatly improved my golf knowledge as I try to fairly enforce the rules of golf. It is important if you want to be a better player!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!