Hole full with water

[scubascuba3]

I can't find a rule or decision relating to these scenarios and at our course they are not uncommon.

In matchplay and strokeplay, what do you do if:
1) hole is full of water, so the ball can't easily drop in the whole.

2) ball is on the green and the hole is surrounded by casual water, so full relief cannot be obtained.

 

[Colin L]

I can't find a rule or decision relating to these scenarios and at our course they are not uncommon.

In matchplay and strokeplay, what do you do if:
1) hole is full of water, so the ball can't easily drop in the whole.

2) ball is on the green and the hole is surrounded by casual water, so full relief cannot be obtained.

1) You cannot remove the casual water. See Decision 16-1a/14
http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!decision-16,d16-1a-4
I've always noticed that whenever I've hit my ball into a pond or a river it has a habit of sinking. Just putt and watch it sink.

2) In stroke play, the Committee should suspend play until the water surrounding the hole is removed. In match play the hole should be relocated. See Decision 33-2d-2
http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!decision-33,d33-2d-2

 

[rulefan]

Re 2.
It would seem that committees have been given permission to squeegee a line of putt.

 

[scubascuba3]

1) so you are meant to just play on if the hole is full of water?

2)Relocating a hole for an amateur matchplay isn't practical is it? So what next?
2) in strokeplay how can the committee suspend play if no committee members are around and can't be contacted?

Squeegees are rarely available so not really an option

 

[upsidedown]

1 ,That's what we did today on 3 holes until play was suspended :thup:

 

[rulefan]

1) so you are meant to just play on if the hole is full of water?

Yes, why not? The ball will still go in the hole

2)Relocating a hole for an amateur matchplay isn't practical is it? So what next?

They can suspend play as they would if lightning was around

2) in strokeplay how can the committee suspend play if no committee members are around and can't be contacted?

Squeegees are rarely available so not really an option

That is a committee problem not rules problem.

But the players can suspend play
If the player discontinues play without specific permission from the Committee, he must report to the Committee as soon as practicable. If he does so and the Committee considers his reason satisfactory, there is no penalty.

 

[Colin L]

1) Yes- assuming that the water is entirely within the hole. If is over the edges, then you have situation 2. Clearly, however if a hole is full of water the rest of the course is likely to be becoming unplayable,

2) Rulefan has indicated that the Committee is permitted to have the line of putt squeegeed.
I except that at many clubs, as at mine, the professional is there. He/she should be authorised to suspend play or abandon a competition.

 

[scubascuba3]

Yes, why not? The ball will still go in the hole
PUTTING IN A HOLE FULL OF WATER IS DIFFERENT TO A HOLE NOT FULL, MORE RESISTANCE, BALL WILL BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY.


They can suspend play as they would if lightning was around
WHO ARE "THEY" ITS AN AMATEUR LOCAL MATCHPLAY WITH NO COMMITTEE ABOUT


That is a committee problem not rules problem. I'D SAY IT IS A RULE ISSUE THAT DOESN'T DEAL ADEQUATELY WITH THE AMATEUR GAME. WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE A HOLE FULL OF WATER ON THE PRO TOURS?

But the players can suspend play
If the player discontinues play without specific permission from the Committee, he must report to the Committee as soon as practicable. If he does so and the Committee considers his reason satisfactory, there is no penalty.

........

 

[Colin L]

Of course, the ball will behave differently if the hole is full of water. It will take longer to reach the bottom than it would if there were no water. What's the problem? It sinks. Are you concerned lest your putt does a dambusting hop, skip and a jump past the hole?

In matchplay, players are entitled to suspend play by agreement. See the Exception to Rule 6-8a.

 

[Colin L]

I fear the first paragraph above may sound dismissive and rude. I should have added a smiley: it was meant to be lighthearted and humourous.

 

[rulefan]

........

PUTTING IN A HOLE FULL OF WATER IS DIFFERENT TO A HOLE NOT FULL, MORE RESISTANCE, BALL WILL BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY.

But it won't float


They can suspend play as they would if lightning was around
WHO ARE "THEY" ITS AN AMATEUR LOCAL MATCHPLAY WITH NO COMMITTEE ABOUT

The players can still suspend play. Exception in match play: Players discontinuing match play by agreement are not subject to disqualification, unless by so doing the competition is delayed.

In stroke play, players can suspend play. If there is no committee available, they contact a committee member later ie as soon as practicable.


That is a committee problem not rules problem. I'D SAY IT IS A RULE ISSUE THAT DOESN'T DEAL ADEQUATELY WITH THE AMATEUR GAME. WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE A HOLE FULL OF WATER ON THE PRO TOURS?
When I was at Hoylake for the Open a couple of years ago. On the Friday if I remember rightly.
It has happened three times this year in County competitions.


But how would you change the rule?

Incidentally, elite level amateur competitions often have many more officials around that low level pro events.

 

[cliveb]

Are you concerned lest your putt does a dambusting hop, skip and a jump past the hole?

A few years ago that did happen to one of my mates. His putt went directly over the centre of the hole, which was full of water.
Admittedly, it was going at some pace, but I suspect that had the hole not been full of water it would have dropped in.

We decided to name his ball "Jesus"

 

[rulefan]

A few years ago that did happen to one of my mates. His putt went directly over the centre of the hole, which was full of water.
Admittedly, it was going at some pace, but I suspect that had the hole not been full of water it would have dropped in.

Water would provide more resistance than air and would slow the ball down.
.

 

[Slab]

Water would provide more resistance than air and would slow the ball down.
.

But also keep it from dropping as quickly once over the hole aperture

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Of course, the ball will behave differently if the hole is full of water. It will take longer to reach the bottom than it would if there were no water. What's the problem?

The problem is slow play. 4 players......18 holes.....if it takes an 2 seconds for each ball to reach the bottom of the cup that is an extra 2mins 24 secs per round fer chrissakes!!!!!!!!

 

[rulefan]

I doubt you'll ever see all 18 holes full to the gunwales.

 

[jim8flog]

A few years ago that did happen to one of my mates. His putt went directly over the centre of the hole, which was full of water.
Admittedly, it was going at some pace, but I suspect that had the hole not been full of water it would have dropped in.

We decided to name his ball "Jesus"

Beach ball would have been apt. "It will be fun, fun surfing"

 

[Imurg]

Am I the only one thinking that if the holes are full of water and there's standing water around the hole then an adjournment in the general direction of the bar is the correct etiquette.....?

 

[shortgame]

👆👆👆 is the correct answer 🍻👍

 

[atticusfinch]

Sometimes the rules just do not have a remedy for the situation at hand. Then equity (R. 1-4) kicks in, but must be applied properly.