Recently, Darwin Howard, Superintendent of Seguin Valley Golf Club, asked me to weigh in on the raging debate of the golf ball and bifurcation. Before we go further, bifurcation is defined as the point or area at which something divides into two branches or parts. The main concern is that by changing the specifications on a golf ball for professionals, two sets of rules will be develop further separating professionals (and high-ranking amateurs) from the regular player. For the golfing purists, I can see how this discussion is causing them fits, however for everyone else I am not so sure. Continue reading
Rules of Golf
Gimmie Putts, Are they a Thing?
Gimmie putts are a thing. Regardless of who we are playing with, we have told our playing partners to pick up their ball. Sometimes it is a mercy gimmie and sometimes it is for strategy, but gimmies are an unofficial part of golf. Last year, I played over 80 rounds of golf and except for tournaments, I will pick up my ball from time to time when playing. Is this fair, probably not, but it is a reality of modern golf. Continue reading
A Golf Decision on Video Replay
The USGA and R&A have finally made a decision on video call ins from fans. After the a crazy year of armchair referees calling in to challenge and effectively award unrealistic penalty strokes on professional golfers, the governing bodies of golf have made a decision. Unfortunately, their direction is weak and does not address the root of the problem! Continue reading
Golf Apps for 2016
Are you intrigued by golf apps? I have tried many, but have never really found the right app to keep me interested. Many offer unique features from taking pictures, a GPS, scorecards, or just plain games. Most offer in-app purchases which I fully understand, yet I have not actually taken the step to pay for an upgrade.
However, I did find a free golf app that I do enjoy. It is not a game, it does not offer tips, but it is great for my game. It is the Rules of Golf by the R&A. (The USGA has a Rules of Golf App as well. Both have versions for android and iPhones.)
This app is extremely easy to use. It offers a short over-view guide of the rules, a full set of rules, a section on etiquette and a quiz.
Each section provides great details on the rules of golf in a simple and easy to understand format. What I enjoy most about this golf app is the etiquette part.
The etiquette section touches on the spirit of the game, safety, consideration for other players, pace of play, priority on the course, care of the course, and penalties for breach. Although some of the areas could be expanded a bit, I was pleased to hear that they actually took the time to add a section on etiquette because it is an important aspect of the game.
Golf apps are a growing part of golf. I am just starting to explore them and to date, this is may favorite app.
Do you have one? If you do, pass on the name so we can all check it out!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Rules of Golf – Immovable Obstructions
Knowing the rules of golf are important for any player who has aspirations of being a better golfer. The rules, especially in competition, can work to advantage or against your understanding of how to apply the rules is fuzzy. I read the rules yearly and I am often asked for an interpretation when an unusual situation arises.
On the fence at Black Bear Ridge Golf Course.
While playing at Black Bear Ridge Golf Club last year, my friend Jean hit his ball into the woods. The woods were to the left and not near the boundary of the golf course. As you can see, the woods were pretty open, but the fence was perpendicular to the fairway! This was an old fence, but there were no makings suggesting it was a hazard or ground under repair.
If you look closely, Jean is pointing at his ball that came to rest on the bottom rail of the fence. We search for quite a while and finally we were able to find it in this odd position. The question that came up was, “Now what?”
Under Rule 24-1 – Immovable Obstructions, our interpretation was that the fence should not have been there or be considered a hazard. It is man-made and be classed as a building or a sign post. The exact rule reads as follows:
An immovable obstruction is an artificial object on the course that cannot be
moved (e.g., a building) or cannot readily be moved (e.g., a firmly embedded
direction post). Objects defining out-of-bounds are not treated as obstructions.
An abnormal ground condition is casual water, ground under repair or a
hole, cast or runway made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird.
Except when the ball is in a water hazard, relief without penalty is available from
immovable obstructions and abnormal ground conditions when the condition
physically interferes with the lie of the ball, your stance or your swing. You
may lift the ball and drop it within one club-length of the nearest point of relief
(see Definition of “Nearest Point of Relief”), but not nearer the hole than the
nearest point of relief (see diagram below). If the ball is on the putting green, it
is placed at the nearest point of relief, which may be off the putting green.
Determining Jean was entitled to a free drop was the easy part. The next question was where should he take his full relief. Following the fence, the nearest point of relief was at the edge of the woods almost in the rough! This drop location was of great benefit because he now had a shot at the green.
Yes, this does sound strange, but we also had to consider the definition of ‘nearest point of relief’. Basically, without going into a long explanation, the immoveable obstruction must not impede the player after they take relief.
In this unique situation, we had to follow the fence to the end, establish his relief position, and then allow his one club length no closer to the hole! If we went in the other direction, the nearest point of relief would have been farther than the direction we chose.
In this case, knowing the rules was very beneficial for Jean. Of course, his playing partners had to agree and this is what we decided.
What do you think? Did we make the right call according to the rules?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 