DZ/GUR

[Scott W]

Another QQ if I may

we are having some major works done around our 16th green (par 3) so all bunkers and surrounds are GUR.

There are 2 or 3 drop zones marked

My ball came to rest in GUR maybe 4 feet off the green. Nearest point was 6 foot left and still fairly close to the green. The DZ was further away and would have meant a 10 or 12 foot carry to green versus 4 foot

Is use of DZ compulsory if one is marked?

 

[pbrown7582]

Think this is clarified by local rule once DZ are implemented?

 

[woody69]

As provided in Appendix I, Part B of the Rules of Golf, a Committee has the authority to establish special areas on which balls may be dropped when it is not feasible or practicable to proceed exactly in conformity with Rule 24-2b or 24-3 (Immovable Obstructions), Rules 25-1b or 25-1c (Abnormal Ground Conditions), Rule 25-3 (Wrong Putting Green), Rule 26-1 (Water Hazards and Lateral Water Hazards) or Rule 28 (Ball Unplayable).

 

[BTatHome]

I believe the rule can use the MUST word to enforce the use of the drop zone.

 

[woody69]

I believe the rule can use the MUST word to enforce the use of the drop zone.

Indeed. Players who encounter a Dropping Zone on a course must check the exact wording of the Local Rule in operation. It usually is an additional option to other rules, but they could word it so it is the only option I believe.

 

[Fyldewhite]

I believe the rule can use the MUST word to enforce the use of the drop zone.

Yes, we have a drop zone for relief from the practice putting green at the rear of our 18th. That is a MUST to protect the surrounds etc......although I'd guess most DZ's would be a MAY as an extra option if dropping as required may be problematic.

 

[woody69]

Yes, we have a drop zone for relief from the practice putting green at the rear of our 18th. That is a MUST to protect the surrounds etc......although I'd guess most DZ's would be a MAY as an extra option if dropping as required may be problematic.

I'm never a fan of mandatory DZs due to the fact it may cause me to be significantly further from the hole and often they aren't particularly well looked after.

 

[rulie]

I'm never a fan of mandatory DZs due to the fact it may cause me to be significantly further from the hole and often they aren't particularly well looked after.

Have you ever seen the mandatory drop zones in place at The Open for a ball in grandstands? The drop zone is often just part of the area, typically very long grass, similar to the situation the ball would be in if the grandstands were not there. Drop zones do not need to be "looked after".

 

[delc]

Our course has a fairly large area of boggy wet rough to the right of the 13th fairway currently marked as GUR with a marked DZ at its far end (i.e. nearest to the green). Can you drop in that if your ball is initially much further away from the hole in the GUR, or should you drop within one club length from the nearest point of relief?

 

[rulefan]

With all DZs it depends on what the Local Rule specifies. The R&A/USGA recommend that DZs should be an alternative to taking the normal relief. But is is up to the club. They must however, make it clear whether normal relief may be taken and/or play from the area is prohibited.

If play is not prohibited and the DZ is not specified as compulsory, then the player has all options available.

 

[woody69]

Have you ever seen the mandatory drop zones in place at The Open for a ball in grandstands? The drop zone is often just part of the area, typically very long grass, similar to the situation the ball would be in if the grandstands were not there. Drop zones do not need to be "looked after".

It depends on why the DZ is there. In the situation you describe, I would agree with you, but the OP was talking about bunkers and surrounds being GUR. If I landed in a nice patch of fairway that was GUR and was forced to take a drop in a DZ that had long grass or patchy muddy lies with lots of divots, I wouldn't be particularly happy. It's why it should be an alternative, rather than a mandatory option IMHO.