How long can you wait?

DaveyG

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Jan 27, 2012
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Ok so im playing an important 17th hole par 3 and have a 7 ft putt to make par and stay level for the match... The putt was destined for the hole only to sit right over the hole. I couldnt believe it... I was willing the wind that had caused so many issues for me all day. My question is how long can i wait to see if the ball will drop into the cup. I took a slow walk then put my hands on my hips shaking my head (no, not like a sailor). As i got within 3ft the ball drops in much to a big shout from myself. I looked back to see my friend/enemy not too impressed i hadnt rushed to put it away for bogie. Was i in the wrong?

Also in a little sub category i noticed he forgot to add a few shots he had taken which i guess anyone would want to forget. I work with him and have a good relationship so didnt raise it and let it go to play off. I won so wasnt really bothered and if i had lost the playoff would of known really i won anyway. He can be quite temperamental and as it was only for pride didnt care. But would you call it if you know someone never counted shots... I have seen this a few times when he has set up camp in a bunker... It is cheating isnt it really
 
As far as I understand it, you are allowed a reasonable amount of time to reach the ball, then 10 seconds once there. After that, if the ball drops, then it should be replaced and played as another stroke.
With regards to the 2nd matter, I would raise it, but in a jokey, matey way. If its in a comp though, I would pull him to one side, tell him to buck his ideas up, make him correct his score, then reconsider playing with him again..Give him chance to claim it was an honest mistake though. Even if you know it wasn't...
 
On the first point I believe that you're allowed to walk to the ball and then wait a further 10 seconds for it to drop, in which case it holed, if it drops after 10 seconds then I believe that it's still holed but a apenalty stroke is added to your score.

In the sub category, in match play it's your call if you want to ignore any rule infringements by your opponent but in a stroke play comp it's your duty to report them to ensure fairness to the field.

In a friendly game, which it sounds as though you were playing, it's entirely up to you, if he does it too much and it gets to you then you can start to pull him up in a joking way, or punch him.
 
it's entirely up to you, if he does it too much and it gets to you then you can start to pull him up in a joking way, or punch him.

Haha brilliant. I walked slow but was maximum 7 ft so didnt take the mickey. Yeah its all just for fun but his very competitive. Its bad but i think im going to count his shots which i wouldnt normally do. I can take being absolutely spanked (at golf) if its fair. Infact aslong as i play well at this stage i dont care too much but you gotta love bragging rights)
 
Yes, you do have 10 seconds to wait for it to drop.

Regarding his memory loss. I find the best way to deal with it is to say "Lets have a recount", you then go through the shots they made, this will normally be good enough for them to repent. If not give them a wide berth in future.
 
I don't like cheats and not counting all your shots is cheating.

Well said...:thup: Even if you have a bad hole you still know how many you had otherwise it would not have been such a bad hole. I enjoy playing most sports and quite happy to play anyone, but the moment they start cheating I loose interest in playing. As you only have 2 options open to you......pull them up for it or put up with it. Either way it takes out the enjoyment for me.
 
Pull him for the shots straightaway, especially if its matchplay. If he's aware your counting, he's less likely to make a mistake. Give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to counting them. We've all had a mare of a hole before and think was it an 8 or a 9?
 
In the sub category, in match play it's your call if you want to ignore any rule infringements by your opponent

Really? I thought that if you knew about a breach of the rules and done nothing then you were both dq'd. Might have picked it up wrong though.
 
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