Hits ball off tee with practice swing

[Vikingman]

Playing the other day a playing partner teed up his ball but then accidently hit it sideways off the tee when taking a practice swing.

The rules we checked seemed to indicate the ball was "not live" so replace with no penalty but I've got something in the back of my mind that says this rule was revised not too long back and its now a one shot penalty.

Have I imagined this?

 

[Deleted member 15717]

Ball isn't in play....so replace and crack on as normal

 

[atticusfinch]

Playing the other day a playing partner teed up his ball but then accidently hit it sideways off the tee when taking a practice swing.

The rules we checked seemed to indicate the ball was "not live" so replace with no penalty but I've got something in the back of my mind that says this rule was revised not too long back and its now a one shot penalty.

Have I imagined this?

In the teeing ground, the ball is made "live" (put into play) when a stroke is made at it. A practice swing is not a stroke so it is not live yet. Replace on tee no penalty. This has been the rule for 400 years and has never changed. :swing:

 

[snell]

Sorry to hijack the thread....is this only the case for shots on the tee box?

 

[rulefan]

Yes. it only applies when the ball is not in play.

Essentially "A ball is "in play" as soon as the player has made a stroke on the teeing ground. It remains in play until it is holed, except when it is lost, out of bounds or lifted"

But see the definition for a fuller explanation of a ball in play

 

[mikejohnchapman]

This happened to me (embarrasingly) during a league match. The guy I was playing was adament it was a penalty and insisted we resolve it by getting a third party (their captain) involved. We let all the other match through whilst waiting for the words of wisdom. We finally agreed there was no penalty but it ruined the match as he was convinced I cheated.

Amazing how these myths get ingrained.

 

[mikejohnchapman]

Sorry to hijack the thread....is this only the case for shots on the tee box?

Not any more- now applies on the green if the new local rule has been applied.

 

[Kellfire]

Not any more- now applies on the green if the new local rule has been applied.

Are you sure?

I thought the rule on the green was that if you caused the ball to move, penalty still, but you must be sure you moved it?

Hitting it would certainly constitute moving it beyond any doubt...

 

[rulefan]

mjc is correct - providing the new LR is in force.

When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.

 

[Kellfire]

Ah, cheers for the clarification!

 

[lukeysafc100]

Correct no penalty!

If it was "in play" such as anywhere through the green it would be penalty!

The new rule on the putting would be replace the ball as it was accidental. No Penalty. But as it is a local rule - it would only if your club decides to use the rule.


Personally one rule should be - if you hit the fairway and land in divot you should get free relief.

 

[woody69]

Correct no penalty!

If it was "in play" such as anywhere through the green it would be penalty!

The new rule on the putting would be replace the ball as it was accidental. No Penalty. But as it is a local rule - it would only if your club decides to use the rule.


Personally one rule should be - if you hit the fairway and land in divot you should get free relief.

Nothing to do with the OP at all, but as you have raised it personally I disagree.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Nothing to do with the OP at all, but as you have raised it personally I disagree.

That's a divot mark I'm in!
Naw it's no!
Yes it is!
Naw it's no - it's a scuff mark!
What's a scuff mark then?
That is - and your balls on it - it's no in a divot mark!
Yes it is!

fight! fight!

 

[atticusfinch]

Personally one rule should be - if you hit the fairway and land in divot you should get free relief.

BOOO. (You should aim better.)

 

[cliveb]

mjc is correct - providing the new LR is in force.

When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.

Anyone know why this change has been introduced as a LR rather than a standard RoG?
Is it simply that RoG's can only be changed as part of the normal 5 year cycle? Or is there some other rationale why it should be a LR?

 

[rulefan]

Anyone know why this change has been introduced as a LR rather than a standard RoG?
Is it simply that RoG's can only be changed as part of the normal 5 year cycle? Or is there some other rationale why it should be a LR?[/QUOT


If it had been introduced as a Rule they would have had to update, reprint and issue a few million books (free of charge).
It was easier and cheaper to make it a local rule and let clubs simply inform their members using the clubs' normal procedures.

Normally the cycle is 4 years but you may have noticed the date on the current book does not have an end date. It simply says 2016. The previous one says 2012-2015.
It is anticipated that the R&A/USGA will be publishing a major rewrite in 2018.

 

[Beezerk]

So just to clear it up, I'm taking a practice stroke behind my ball on the green. I stupidly catch my ball with the toe of the putter and it shoots off 6ft. I replace the ball with no penalty if the club has enforced this "local rule"?

 

[Colin L]

Assuming you mean a practice swing rather than a practice stroke, that's correct.

 

[rulefan]

So just to clear it up, I'm taking a practice stroke behind my ball on the green. I stupidly catch my ball with the toe of the putter and it shoots off 6ft. I replace the ball with no penalty if the club has enforced this "local rule"?

When the Local Rule is in force and when a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment. The ball must be replaced.

 

[Beezerk]

Assuming you mean a practice swing rather than a practice stroke, that's correct.

They differ?