Chipping on the Putting Green

[HawkeyeMS]

I was just looking at the Mill Ride website as I am considering entering the Ascot Stakes in a couple of weeks if I can wangle the time off work.

Anyhow, I noticed that they have a local rule prohibiting chipping from any putting surface. Are they allowed to do this given that you are allowed to use any club for any shot under the rules?

I know clubs can apply for dispensation for abmormal ground conditions or Environmentally Sensitive Areas but can't think of a reason a club would be allowed to prevent chipping from all greens.

Obviously it's not something that happens often and is probably frowned upon but I was interested none the less.

 

[duncan mackie]

no they can't - that simple

but then again, they have.......

 

[HawkeyeMS]

no they can't - that simple

but then again, they have.......

Thought as much, so, my next question. If I decided to play and found myself needing to chip from the putting green, and given that it is against the rules to breach a local rule, would chipping from the green be a breach even if the local rule is not valid?

 

[6inchcup]

Are you referring to chipping on the green your playing or playing from another green onto your green,I have always understood (and always done it ) taken a free drop from a green under the rules,I don't think the group playing to the green you wish to take a divot from would think kindly on it,and in all my years of playing I have never had the need or inclination to chip to a pin as opposed to using the flat stick.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Are you referring to chipping on the green your playing or playing from another green onto your green,I have always understood (and always done it ) taken a free drop from a green under the rules,I don't think the group playing to the green you wish to take a divot from would think kindly on it,and in all my years of playing I have never had the need or inclination to chip to a pin as opposed to using the flat stick.

Chipping on the green of the hole I am playing on (instead of putting). I know it is rare but it is allowed in the rules and I have done it once.

 

[6inchcup]

I have seen it done on tv a few times but then we are watching top pros at the top of their game,i would hate to follow some weekend warrior if THEY desided it was the norm to lash the wedge on every green !!!!

 

[bluewolf]

Thought as much, so, my next question. If I decided to play and found myself needing to chip from the putting green, and given that it is against the rules to breach a local rule, would chipping from the green be a breach even if the local rule is not valid?

I believe, and I'm happy to be corrected, that a local rule, even if illegal, has to be followed. Strange I know, but there you go.

 

[Colin L]

Chipping or playing in any other way from a wrong putting green is always prohibited. You must take relief. Rule 25-3b.
And as Duncan says, you cannot legitimise a local rule prohibiting chipping on the correct putting green. But if there is one, no matter that it is invalid, you need to abide by it.

 

[drawboy]

After around 7pm onwards on any evening especially during school holidays we tend to have a number of "little darlings" who think nothing of practicing their chipping and indeed 7 iron shots from off several of our greens. I do not know if they have ever been pulled under the rules however if I ever catch one doing it then they would probably have to visit A&E to have my foot removed from their anus. It would be worth being arrested by the PC brigade just to have a chance to do it.

 

[Foxholer]

I was just looking at the Mill Ride website as I am considering entering the Ascot Stakes in a couple of weeks if I can wangle the time off work.

Anyhow, I noticed that they have a local rule prohibiting chipping from any putting surface. Are they allowed to do this given that you are allowed to use any club for any shot under the rules?

I know clubs can apply for dispensation for abmormal ground conditions or Environmentally Sensitive Areas but can't think of a reason a club would be allowed to prevent chipping from all greens.

Obviously it's not something that happens often and is probably frowned upon but I was interested none the less.

Indeed, that LR was crossed out when it was used as a qualifier for The Senior Open at Sunningdale a few years ago.

That LR is really only there for 1 green - the 6th - that is kidney shaped with a knoll that could be between ball and hole. so a putt, even using the fringe, could be impossible to make from certain combinations of hole and ball positions. Not something I agree with!

And what happens if you break your putter?

Play it anyway. It's a great day!:thup: You could always claim you were 'Pitching' too!

They probably still have the 'relief from seeded divots' rule on the card too. No relief these days!

 

[Colin L]

And what happens if you break your putter?

You putt with your lob wedge.

 

[duncan mackie]

Thought as much, so, my next question. If I decided to play and found myself needing to chip from the putting green, and given that it is against the rules to breach a local rule, would chipping from the green be a breach even if the local rule is not valid?

you have the answer, sorry my original response was slightly cryptic but I thought it might lead to a healthy discussion...

what you might like to point out to them is that their handicapping is illegal because illegal LRs mean that competitions can't be qualifying.......can of worms :thup:

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Thanks all, I thought that was the case but wanted to check.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

you have the answer, sorry my original response was slightly cryptic but I thought it might lead to a healthy discussion...

what you might like to point out to them is that their handicapping is illegal because illegal LRs mean that competitions can't be qualifying.......can of worms :thup:

Thanks Duncan, I wonder how many clubs are running with illegal LRs.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Indeed, that LR was crossed out when it was used as a qualifier for The Senior Open at Sunningdale a few years ago.

That LR is really only there for 1 green - the 6th - that is kidney shaped with a knoll that could be between ball and hole. so a putt, even using the fringe, could be impossible to make from certain combinations of hole and ball positions. Not something I agree with!

And what happens if you break your putter?

Play it anyway. It's a great day!:thup: You could always claim you were 'Pitching' too!

They probably still have the 'relief from seeded divots' rule on the card too. No relief these days!

If I can sort the time off work I will play

 

[Foxholer]

what you might like to point out to them is that their handicapping is illegal because illegal LRs mean that competitions can't be qualifying.......can of worms :thup:

Already been done!

Can't quite remember the exact response, but 'sex and travel' was mentioned.

 

[duncan mackie]

Thanks Duncan, I wonder how many clubs are running with illegal LRs.

loads

some knowingly but feeling forced into it by outside influences (irons only off a tee for example), some who have managed to confuse their wordings (eg Princes have 2 in that category) and some, as already suggested, that simply haven't reviewed them against revised rulings.

 

[Region3]

Thanks Duncan, I wonder how many clubs are running with illegal LRs.

We have a board up near the starter's hut suggesting that slow play will be penalised, but since no-one is out with the groups to see who it is or time anyone, the penalty applies to everyone in the group.

I'm keeping quiet for now because it appears to be having the desired effect, but I won't do if they ever try to add any strokes to my score.

 

[duncan mackie]

We have a board up near the starter's hut suggesting that slow play will be penalised, but since no-one is out with the groups to see who it is or time anyone, the penalty applies to everyone in the group.

I'm keeping quiet for now because it appears to be having the desired effect, but I won't do if they ever try to add any strokes to my score.

Given that the rules state that slow play is penalised this doesn't really fall into the category of illegal LR - however, I share your concern over how they could apply a penalty (competition one) in practice!

 

[ScienceBoy]

I have putter out with my driver on many an occasion, just to show off how good the V-Easy is at teaching putting.