Cleaning the Ball

[Del]

Hi
Out playing yesterday, and on the last hole, I put my drive onto a stone and mud path, now local rules say I get a free drop, which I took, but before the drop my playing partner said I could clean the ball, I wasn't sure, so didn't do it, and played with a muddy ball.

While in the 19th, I asked a few other members about this, and had a 60-40 split in favour of cleaning.

I asked the pro, who told me ( Not sure, I always ask my caddie!! )

So can anyone here tell me please if I could have cleaned the ball??

Cheers

Del

 

[TonyN]

I would say that if it is a free drop then its not a hazard and therefor you shouldnt be at a disadvantage so yes you could clean the ball if you where playing with me.

And to be fair, if its prefered lies, i always clean the ball unless am in the rough! No point being on the fairway with a muddy ball, where's the advantage in that!

By the way, where was the path, fairway or rough?

 

[Del]

The path run down the side of the fairway, just in the semi-rough.

As the next shot was with a long iron, par 5, I don't think it would have made a lot of difference to have a bit of mud on the ball, and seeing as I'm only playing off 26 at the moment.

Cheers
Del

 

[Greenkeeper]

I am presuming its ground under repair, or greenkeeing workings, I presume the mud was a direct result to the working so all this in mind its perfectly legal and fair to clean your ball.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My understanding that if paths are viewed as an integral part of the course and a player can get relief if their stance or shot is interfered with then they are entitled to pick, clean and drop within one club length of the nearest point of relief.

As the card made provision for you to take a drop without penalty I'm almost 100% certain that you have the option to clean.

 

[Del]

Many thanks for the info, if I get on to the path again,( good chance thanks to my slice ) I will give it a clean.

Cheers

Del

 

[DCB]

Rule 21 covers what can and can't be done with regard to cleaning the ball.