Gravel/stone paths

[vstrom1]

If a ball which is laying just off a Gravel/stone path(still on grass)..so cannot make a free drop..but I know if I did a full follow thru I would hit the gravel/stones thus hurt wrist as well as do severe damage to club...what's the ruling on this??
Obviuosly if I was in contention in a tornament then I dont want to make a penalty drop...

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Most clubs have local rules that say if your stance or swing is impeded then you get a free drop from the nearest point of full relief

 

[brendy]

At our club they are integral parts of the course. You are always entitled to take an unplayable drop under penalty.
I have a 58 degree md that is great at getting the ball off gravel paths, just play then as bunkershots and splash them out, no sore wrists.

 

[Fyldewhite]

Rule 24-2
Interference by an immovable obstruction occurs when a ball lies in or on the obstruction, or when the obstruction interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his intended swing.

You therefore still get a drop in the circumstances you describe assuming paths are not declared integral parts of the course.

 

[RGDave]

At our club they are integral parts of the course. You are always entitled to take an unplayable drop under penalty.

Whoa. That sucks. I've never played anywhere that's so harsh.

 

[brendy]

I suppose you will be telling me you get relief from staked trees also?

 

[RGDave]

I suppose you will be telling me you get relief from staked trees also?

Of course.

Not that I ever go anywhere near them. Our trees are established. The staked ones are where the hackers dare to visit.

HOWEVER, I can confirm that we have a mini-version of Stonehenge behind one of our greens, and you're not allowed to take a drop in there just in case of bad pagan karma.

 

[jammydodger]

I've played at loads of clubs that state paths and tracks are integral parts of the course. Thats why I always check the local rules before teeing off

 

[RGDave]

I must add that I do check the local rules before helping myself to an "improved" lie.

 

[Parmo]

We have to play from paths at ours, rather take a pen that damage expensive clubs.

 

[bobmac]

We have to play from paths at ours, rather take a pen that damage expensive clubs.

Absolute rubbish.
If the paths on your course are man made (concrete/ tarmac/woodchippings/gravel etc) they should be classed as immovable obstructions and free drop.
I'd have a word if I were you
Decisions 24/9

 

[Smiffy]

Absolute rubbish.
If the paths on your course are man made (concrete/ tarmac/woodchippings/gravel etc) they should be classed as immovable obstructions and free drop.
I'd have a word if I were you
Decisions 24/9

Errr......... hate to say it Bob but if I remember correctly all roads and paths at Crowborough Beacon are considered "integral parts of the course"
So drop for a penalty or play it as it lies.
I can remember scuffing one off the path with my putter at the 5th many a time rather than take a penalty drop.
Good job I played with a cheap putter in those days

 

[bobmac]

I know clubs can make local rules and force you to take an unplayable lie or make you play it off a road, but why would they want to do that?

http://randapublic.loghar.com/flash/decisions/decisions.html

Rule 24/9

"A road or path to which any foreign material, e.g. concrete, tar, gravel, wood chips, etc. has been applied is artificially surfaced and thus an obstruction."

 

[Fyldewhite]

Always puzzled me too this one. In an ideal world there would be no need for paths on a golf course so why would a committee penalise players by making them integral parts of the course? Seen it done many times though, particularly north of the border. Always check the local rules, there are some strange ones about.

 

[SammmeBee]

I know clubs can make local rules and force you to take an unplayable lie or make you play it off a road, but why would they want to do that?

http://randapublic.loghar.com/flash/decisions/decisions.html

Rule 24/9

"A road or path to which any foreign material, e.g. concrete, tar, gravel, wood chips, etc. has been applied is artificially surfaced and thus an obstruction."

Isn't there a prime example of this that is probably in view from the Rules man's office?