Practice

[6Aces]

5.5c indicates that when play is suspended, a player may practice putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the hole last played, any practice green or near the teeing area of the next hole (5.5b). It also appears that upon an "immediate" suspension of play (where there is imminent danger) a player may continue to practice as described above. Would it not have been wiser, considering the safety of all players, to suspend all practice while this kind of suspension is in effect?

 

[Colin L]

One difference is that during play the Committee has a duty of care to all the players who are obliged to be on the course and may have to suspend play for the safety of all. Once play is suspended, if an individual wants to stay out and practise, that is his or her own reponsibility.

That's how I see it.

 

[backwoodsman]

One difference is that during play the Committee has a duty of care to all the players who are obliged to be on the course and may have to suspend play for the safety of all. Once play is suspended, if an individual wants to stay out and practise, that is his or her own reponsibility.

That's how I see it.

Ditto.
During play of a competition, the players can't cease play without authorisation from the committee. So if committee upholds an obligation to stay out in dangerous conditions, then they will have a responsibilty for the players' welfare. Once the committee suspends play then the player/person is outwith any obligation imposed by the rules of golf, and is now responsible for their own actions/welfare - and its up to them to choose whether they wish to swat balls in a field with a lightning conductor in their hand.

 

[rulie]

In our "hard card", practice between the play of two holes (Rule 5.5b) is prohibited, and it is specified that when play has been suspended for a dangerous situation, all practice facilities are closed until the Committee declares them open.