4 Man Texas Scramble

[user2010]

Simple question.
Are the 3 other team members allowed to stand on an extension of the putting line(behind from the person putting), on the green, to watch which way a putt will turn?

 

[Rlburnside]

Yes

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Depends on what the Comp rules are - it’s not an official golf format and as such it’s not covered in any R&A or Congu rules

 

[user2010]

Yes

Sure?
Because 2 of my mates had a proper row today over that scenario.
One saying you could the other saying you couldn't.

 

[user2010]

Depends on what the Comp rules are - it’s not an official golf format and as such it’s not covered in any R&A or Congu rules

The only CoC written down today was each player had to get 3 drives in.

 

[duncan mackie]

Fundamentally you still play the format to the rules of golf don't you? Otherwise why not just walk up and place the ball in the hole (or next to it) on each hole.

Yes, there will be rules implemented that aren't consistent with the rules as written e.g. the one about how many drives, where to drop, does the ball selected for play get dropped, or placed, in line with the others etc etc but you play to the rest of the rules.

IMO unless the organisers have made a rule to the contrary rule 14.2 still applies, and if the players ball was holed when his partners were standing on an extension of his line of put when he made his stroke he is penalised 2 strokes. They wouldn't be very happy if he holed it!

Nothing to stop them stepping in after he has played.

However, the sole judge and jury is the event organiser - what he says goes (or has gone in this case). No appeals to any ruling bodies (which is what's really meant by it being outside the rules)

 

[williamalex1]

Not allowed at ours [ behind the player ] rule 14/2b is quoted on the comp rules sheet.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Have always played Scrambles where team mates stand behind the putter to check the line. Never realised it was even a question that you couldn't.

 

[Grant85]

This is often a grey area. Even in stroke play you see guys walking in behind other players and gaining an advantage on the field.

In my opinion, there should be a competition rule stating you should not watch the prior putts from behind and other players still to putt should stand square of the line.

I have seen scrambles where 3 other guys are lined up behind the 1st putt.

 

[Colin L]

Not allowed at ours [ behind the player ] rule 14/2b is quoted on the comp rules sheet.

Perhaps it is easier to have a catch-all condition that says something like The Rules of Golf and Local Rules apply as far as the format allows than to specify particular rules.

 

[duncan mackie]

Perhaps it is easier to have a catch-all condition that says something like The Rules of Golf and Local Rules apply as far as the format allows than to specify particular rules.

Shouldn't be necessary to make that statement - drawing people's attention to a specific rule that may crop up such as Williamalex posted makes more sense (supported by Lord Tyrion!).

 

[Colin L]

Don't agree!!

A general statement followed by the specific rules for the Scramble. That's the way to go.

 

[chrisd]

Don't agree!!

A general statement followed by the specific rules for the Scramble. That's the way to go.

Absolutely this as far as I'm concerned

 

[duncan mackie]

Don't agree!!

A general statement followed by the specific rules for the Scramble. That's the way to go.

You are simply setting people up for penalties under 14.2 by that approach, with all the associated issues.

I'm surprised you would take that approach.

 

[user2010]

Thanks Guys.:thup:

 

[chrisd]

You are simply setting people up for penalties under 14.2 by that approach, with all the associated issues.

I'm surprised you would take that approach.

But it is important that all the teams play the same rules as I've seen some pretty impressive prizes at some Texas Scrambles

 

[Foxholer]

Perhaps it is easier to have a catch-all condition that says something like The Rules of Golf and Local Rules apply as far as the format allows than to specify particular rules.

This is what I've generally experienced/applied - that RofG apply except....

So for the specific question by the OP...not allowed in ones I've participated in. That's not to say that's always the case, so best to confirm with 'The Committee'. Of course, it's safe to act as if 14/2b does/did apply rather than risk possible penalties! As stated, nothing to prevent moving from 'legal' position for a 'better' view once a putt is rolling. And a putt that misses doesn't show the break that a putt that will fall anyway!

 

[duncan mackie]

But it is important that all the teams play the same rules as I've seen some pretty impressive prizes at some Texas Scrambles

You have lost me completely with that one!

Obviously the competition rules themselves should be printed out ( ColinL in known to have an excellently words and thought out version!) And yes I'm aware that most organisers don't bother, or think there's nothing to really worry about and people all know what they are doing etc etc

My point is that over and above that, drawing people's attention to 14.2b is more appropriate than putting in a line that simply says all other rules of golf apply.

 

[BTatHome]

This is often a grey area. Even in stroke play you see guys walking in behind other players and gaining an advantage on the field.

which rule is being broken in your strokeplay comps?

Remember there is a distinction between partners and fellow competitors.

 

[duncan mackie]

which rule is being broken in your strokeplay comps?

Remember there is a distinction between partners and fellow competitors.

Lol - even more basically there's no penalty for the people gaining those fantastic advantages anyway!

It's the person putting who is being penalised under 14-2b.

I think there were some crossed wires in that post.