By Sr. Rules Officials: Pete Scholz and Terry McEvilly
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Winter Issues

With winter approaching, many golfers put away the clubs and pine for spring. Instead of putting away the Rule book for the year, this is the perfect season to brush up on the Rules.

Begin with a careful reading of the Definitions followed by Rules that pertain to situations you may have encountered on the course this past summer. You will be amazed to discover how many Rules must be applied to each situation.

For those golfers that are equipped with waterproof shoes, socks, pants, coat and hat, we dedicate this month’s article to you by focusing on winter issues. And we wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Questions: True / False

1. In bunkers and the general area, snow is an abnormal course condition and a player is entitled to free relief if the snow interferes with the lie of the ball or the area of intended stance or swing.
2. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, may be removed from the line of play on the putting green and anywhere else on the course.
3. Leaves and twigs may be removed from anywhere on or off the course. If the ball lies on the putting green and the removal of a loose impediment causes the ball to move, there is no penalty.
4. A caddie may hold an umbrella over a player’s head while the player putts.
5. Players in a match may agree to suspend play due to rain, provided the competition is not delayed.
6. A Local Rule must be in place to allow a golfer in the general area to lift, clean and replace the ball or to place the ball in a preferred lie.
7. Free relief is available for a ball embedded in the ground after a stroke everywhere on the course except bunkers.
8. Damage on the putting green caused by hail may be repaired.
9. Temporary water that has accumulated on the putting green may be removed by the player.
10. While a ball is in motion after a stroke on the putting green, wind blows a leaf, which deflects the ball. Since the leaf was moving at the time of the deflection, the stroke is canceled and must be replayed.

Answers:

1. True. Rule 16 and the definition of Temporary Water. When the ball lies in a bunker or the general area and snow interferes with the lie, area of intended stance or swing, free relief is available. Additionally, when the ball lies on the putting green, free relief is also available if the snow intervenes on the line of play.
2. True. Rule 15 and the definition of Temporary Water. Snow and natural ice, other than frost, are considered temporary water or loose impediments at the option of the player. Therefore, it may be removed by the player from anywhere on or off the course provided it is not attached.
3. True. Rule 15.1b and 13.1d. When a ball on the putting green is accidentally moved, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced. It is important to note that while an exception may apply, caution should be used when removing a loose impediment in the general area, bunkers or penalty areas. Because if the ball moves, the player incurs a one stroke penalty and must replace the ball.
4. False. Rule 10.2b(5). The player is not allowed to accept help or protection from the elements from any other person. However, this Rule does not prohibit a player from holding the umbrella over his or her own head.
5. True. Rule 5.7a. Players in a match may agree to stop play for any reason as long as the competition is not delayed.
6. True. Model Local Rules E-2 and E-3. “Winter rules” are not automatic and must be enacted by the Committee in charge of the competition. They may also be restricted to only certain holes. Be certain to read any Notice to Players before starting the round. Using one of these Local Rules when it’s not in place will earn you more penalty strokes than you care to add up.
7. False. Rule 16.3a(1). This Rule for relief for an embedded ball is available only in the general area of the course. Therefore, an embedded ball in a penalty area or bunker must be played as it lies or penalty relief taken. A ball embedded on the putting green may be lifted and the damage repaired and the ball replaced on the original spot.
8. True. Clarification to Rule 13.1c(2). Most damage to the putting green may be repaired, but there are a few exceptions that limit what damage may be repaired. Included in these exceptions is damage caused by natural forces. However, the clarification above issued by the USGA and R&A allows a player to repair damage to a putting green caused by hail.
9. False. Rule 8.1a. Water may not be removed to eliminate interference except when the water is located in the teeing area. If the player’s ball lies on the putting green and temporary water intervenes on the line of play, the player may take free relief under Rule 16
10. False. Rule 11.1b Exception 2. When a ball is played from the putting green, or anywhere else on the course, and it hits a moving loose impediment, the ball is played as it lies. Only when a stroke made from the putting green accidentally hits a person, (other than someone attending the flagstick), animal or movable obstruction (artificial object) on the putting green, the stroke does not count and must be replayed.

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