Marking ball on green in match play

[Wonkydriver]

Whilst playing match play recently, my opponent had a very tricky downhill shot from just off the green. My ball was near the hole so I asked him to wait whilst I marked my ball as I could see there was an advantage to him in having my ball where it was. Before I could get to my ball he played his shot and the inevitable happened with his ball striking mine and thereby stopping his ball from travelling another six to eight feet further.

Is this acceptable? I couldn’t see anything in the rules!

 

[Colin L]

It was not acceptable. He was obliged to let you mark your ball and by not doing so blocked your right to mark your ball when it could help or interfere with play. Rule 15.3a

 

[rulie]

Further to Colin's response, imo, the player incurs a loss of hole penalty (old Decision 2-4/8, mapping summary indicates no change in outcome for that action).

 

[salfordlad]

Completely agree with the gents above. Breach of 15.3a and it is a general penalty (loss of hole in match play). But a penalty would not apply unless a timely claim is made - you need to stand up for your rights in match play.