Dog Golf

[Bruce Lynn 2]

We take our dogs golfing with us. For starters, we never lose any balls in the rough any more (win). Not just a saving on ball costs, but also countless penalty strokes. Which got me thinking...if I trained my dog to kick the ball out of the rough, what are the rules on that? Just curious.

 

[patricks148]

We take our dogs golfing with us. For starters, we never lose any balls in the rough any more (win). Not just a saving on ball costs, but also countless penalty strokes. Which got me thinking...if I trained my dog to kick the ball out of the rough, what are the rules on that? Just curious.

why penalty strokes? if the ball is moved by a dog you just put it back where they found it or near as surely?

 

[DCB]

 

[Bruce Lynn 2]

I save the penalty strokes because the dogs find the balls within the 5 minute rule many of which are playable (as opposed to having to take a drop).

Yes, you are right, I guess the outside agency rule would key thing here.

 

[Bruce Lynn 2]

Sorry DCB. I wasn't familiar with the outside agency rule in detail until Patrick prompted me to refer to it.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Call me simples, but isn't this "cheating"?

 

[patricks148]

Call me simples, but isn't this "cheating"?

how would it be cheating, no different than your playing partner helping you look for a ball

 

[jim8flog]

Would the dog not be your playing partner

 

[rulefan]

We take our dogs golfing with us. For starters, we never lose any balls in the rough any more (win). Not just a saving on ball costs, but also countless penalty strokes. Which got me thinking...if I trained my dog to kick the ball out of the rough, what are the rules on that? Just curious.

I can confirm that rule 18-1 applies as the dog is an outside agency.

 

[Bruce Lynn 2]

There do not appear to be any rules against assistance in searching for the ball. There is nothing that I can see that prohibits competitors or spectators from assisting in the ball finding. I think the dog could classify as a "spectator" (tagging along), or could classify as part of your "side" (ie. "caddie").

 

[rulefan]

The R&A says it is an Outside Agency.

 

[Bruce Lynn 2]

Just to be clear, "moving the ball" is an "outside agency" (which was really just a curious, fun and speculative scenario), but "finding the ball" is not affected by "outside agency", correct?

 

[atticusfinch]

The question put was what is the rule if the dog is trained to kick the ball out of the rough. Isn't he part of the players equipment. at that point? Rule 18-2?

 

[rulefan]

A dog does not satisfy the definition of Equipment. The R&A agree that it is a 'tricky one' but confirm that the Rules provide nothing other than 18-1. They were not prepared to make any other ruling.

 

[patricks148]

Even if you trained a dog to find it and tee the thing up for you in the middle of the fairway, it wouldn't matter. you have to replace it back to where they found it or near as dammit.

nice try though..

not a great an idea as it sounds anyway my two always chew decent balls, so they are no used once Baldrick had had it for 5 mins