Drop Zones

[cliveb]

My understanding is that a drop zone is an additional option, and that the normal relief options remain.
But is it permissible to have a local rule that a drop zone MUST be used? Wouldn't that be overriding a rule of golf?

The specific situation here is that we have a (fairly large) area of compulsory GUR, and in many cases dropping within 1CL of the NPR would be preferable to using the drop zone. But the competition committee has said that you MUST use the drop zone. I'd like to find out if they are allowed to enforce that.

 

[duncan mackie]

This covers the issues

The*Committee
*may establish dropping zones on which balls may or must be dropped when the*Committee
*considers that it is not feasible or practicable to proceed exactly in conformity with*Rule 24-2b*or*Rule 24-3*(Immovable Obstruction),*Rule 25-1b*or*25-1c*(Abnormal Ground Conditions),*25-3*(Wrong Putting Green),*Rule 26-1*(Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards) or*Rule 28*(Ball Unplayable).*

Generally, such dropping zones should be provided as an additional relief option to those available under the Rule itself, rather than being mandatory.*

They can, but they should try and avoid doing so...

 

[rulefan]

The Committee may establish dropping zones on which balls may or must be dropped when the Committee considers that it is not feasible or practicable to proceed exactly in conformity with Rule 24-2b or Rule 24-3 (Immovable Obstruction), Rule 25-1b or 25-1c (Abnormal Ground Conditions), 25-3 (Wrong Putting Green), Rule 26-1 (Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards) or Rule 28 (Ball Unplayable).

Generally, such dropping zones should be provided as an additional relief option to those available under the Rule itself, rather than being mandatory.

 

[cliveb]

Duncan and Rulefan: thanks for the clarification.

So it seems the committee is within its rights to make the drop zone mandatory, even though there are plenty of cases where using a normal NPR is eminently feasible and practicable. It strikes me that while their ruling is within the letter of the law, it runs against the spirit.

 

[duncan mackie]

Duncan and Rulefan: thanks for the clarification.

So it seems the committee is within its rights to make the drop zone mandatory, even though there are plenty of cases where using a normal NPR is eminently feasible and practicable. It strikes me that while their ruling is within the letter of the law, it runs against the spirit.

I would just highlight one additional consideration that they may have made...in any situation where relief is being made compulsory they will have considered the implications of those who may be disadvantaged by having to take relief and have to use the drop zone relative to those who have a welcome relief option.
And then they have the positioning of the drop zone relative to those who aren't in the area at all.

It's not always possible to position the zone in a way that balances things all round; although a pair of alternative drop zones normally achieves this for those dropping it's even more likely that they will provide a better option than those in the general area who don't get relief!

A lot will obviously depend on the general nature of the area, reason for compulsory relief, etc but I wouldn't imeadiatly conclude that they are running against the spirit of the rules.

Put another way, they are permitted to do it under the rules because there may be circumstances where it's the right course of action!

 

[rulefan]

Put another way, they are permitted to do it under the rules because there may be circumstances where it's the right course of action!

Exactly

 

[mikejohnchapman]

If it's a "must" drop in the LZ how can this be notified? Usually the DZ are white lined with a "D/Z" painted across it. Is there a convention for this other than the posting of a local rule in the clubhouse?

 

[rulefan]

Many clubs have small 'stick in' signs marked 'DZ'.

 

[mikejohnchapman]

Many clubs have small 'stick in' signs marked 'DZ'.

Sorry didn't make myself clear.

How do you deliniate a "must" from a "may" D/Z?

 

[Colin L]

Sorry didn't make myself clear.

How do you deliniate a "must" from a "may" D/Z?

Apart from the Local Rules, perhaps a sign in the GUR saying "GUR Play Prohibited. Mandatory Drop Zone" Just do what seems best - there isn't a set way.

 

[DonW468]

Drop zone is usually an additional option provided to golfers, but are mandatory in certain circumstances. You can stand either inside or outside the dropping zone when dropping your ball.

 

[rulefan]

Drop zone is usually an additional option provided to golfers, but are mandatory in certain circumstances. You can stand either inside or outside the dropping zone when dropping your ball.

Post #2 covered it exactly by quoting the rule.