Measuring NTP before your stroke- Is it a penatly?

[lukeysafc100]

Heard an interesting rule the other day and would like to know if there is any truth in it.

They stated that if you measure your putt before your stroke it is a penalty. I thought how are you meant to measure your putt then! but looking into it the only rule I can see is Rule 16-1 touching line of putt.

has anyone ever heard this before?

 

[TheJezster]

Sounds like an old wives tale. Best to ask them to show you the rule number in situations like this..

 

[guest100718]

You can measure all other shots before you hit then, dont see why a putt would be any different. Subject to what you can and cant do, re the lne of your putt.

 

[rulefan]

Heard an interesting rule the other day and would like to know if there is any truth in it.

They stated that if you measure your putt before your stroke it is a penalty. I thought how are you meant to measure your putt then! but looking into it the only rule I can see is Rule 16-1 touching line of putt.

has anyone ever heard this before?

Unless the local rule permitting distance measuring devices is in force, this is correct.

14-3b specifically prohibits devices used "for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play".

A tape measure is such a device.

A solution is to place a mark to one side and measure after the stroke.
However, many years ago the R&A approved a Local Rule to cover the situation. It was not widely published as a need was not foreseen.

"The use of measuring tape or other non-electronic equipment is permitted in measuring the distance from the hole to a ball on the putting green on any par 3 hole on the course included in a "nearest to the hole" competition."

 

[TheJezster]

Or just pace it out? Surely that's what they were referring to because who Carries a tape measure!?

 

[rulefan]

Or just pace it out? Surely that's what they were referring to because who Carries a tape measure!?

How do you 'pace out' the difference between 6'8" and 6'9" ?

But a tape measure is usually provided at the hole for NTP (NTH) competitions.

 

[guest100718]

I played a course where the flag had a measure along the poll. but I haven't played anywhere that doesn't have local rule for dmds either.

 

[rulefan]

I played a course where the flag had a measure along the poll.

That would illegal without one or other of the local rules

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

Or just pace it out? Surely that's what they were referring to because who Carries a tape measure!?

We play 50p nearest the hole on par 3's, I carry a chalk line in my bag to resolve any 'disputes' :thup: (only in bounce games BTW)

 

[Marc Cools]

"The use of measuring tape or other non-electronic equipment is permitted in measuring the distance from the hole to a ball on the putting green on any par 3 hole on the course included in a "nearest to the hole" competition."

Is there a site where you could find this kind of local rules? I never heard of this one before. So I'm curious for more of those rare possible local rules.
I love it that you know all that stuff.

 

[Colin L]

Is there a site where you could find this kind of local rules? I never heard of this one before. So I'm curious for more of those rare possible local rules.
I love it that you know all that stuff.

You will find a list of many Local Rules that are allowed and situations where a Local Rule is not allowed in the Decisions Book starting here
http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!decision-33,d33-8-1

If a club wants a Local Rule which is not specifically authorised in the rules, it can ask for approval from the R&A or USGA. If approval is given, it doesn't necessarily end up in the Decisions. I expect the one rulefan refers to has come about in this way.

 

[rulefan]

If approval is given, it doesn't necessarily end up in the Decisions. I expect the one rulefan refers to has come about in this way.

It did.

 

[rulie]

One needs to understand that there are many ruling situations/questions where the outcome has been decided and agreed to by the R&A and USGA but are not published in the Decisions book. There has been a concerted effort over the past several years to stop the growth of that book (which will essentially disappear in 2019, replaced by a 'handbook').