Hitting opponents ball with ball

[3offTheTee]

This happened to my mate last weekend when playing with 2 other competitors in a 3 ball in a Medal Comp. on 18th green they BOTH played their balls at the same time and just missed each others' ball. What would have happened if they had hit asthey would both have said it was their turn to putt on the green.

Additionally what would have happened if one accepted he was further away and hence his turn to play.

 

[woody69]

I believe the relevant rule is 19-5b - If a player's ball in motion after a stroke on the putting green is deflected or stopped by another ball in motion after a stroke, the player's stroke is cancelled. The ball must be replaced and replayed without penalty.

Regarding your second point, I think this is covered by 16-1f - Making stroke while another ball in motion, which for match play is loss of hole and stroke play two strokes.

 

[Colin L]

Yes, both strokes are cancelled and must be replayed. However, these questions need to be answered:

Did one or other hit his ball first?
Or did both really play simultaneously as described.
Which player was further from the hole.
If one hit his ball before the other, which was it? The one further from the hole or the one nearer?

If the player further from the hole played first, the other player is penalised 2 strokes for playing while a ball was in motion after a stroke on the green.
If the player nearer the hole played first, he is not penalised as there was no ball in motion when he did so; the player further from the hole is not penalised either, because although he played while another ball was in motion after a stroke on the green, it was his turn to play.
If both played simultaneously there would be no penalties because there wasn't a ball in motion when they made their strokes.

 

[3offTheTee]

Many thanks for the comprehensive reply Colin

 

[Colin L]

You're welcome - and always with the caveat that I hope I'm right. I've not thought of the simultaneous play before, but I can't see any other answer.

 

[3offTheTee]

Well if Duncan has not corrected you it MUST be correct!!!