Q : Cleanig the ball on the fairway ?

[Arthur Wedge]

I’d say it’s the opposite .

Surely marking every time would actually be adding time

 

[clubchamp98]

It seems a while since I have contributed so, just to be pernickity, the modernised Rules were introduced in January 2019, not 2020.

Interestingly (?), pre-2019 Rule 20-1 said 'The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted under a Rule that requires it to he replaced', which is pretty much what current Rule 14.1a says: 'Before lifting a ball under a Rule requiring the ball to be replaced on its original spot, the player must mark the spot'

The difference back then was that Specimen Local Rule 3b for Preferred Lies and Winter Rules specifically said 'Before lifting the ball, the player must mark its position.' Whereas today, Rule 14.1a says 'When a ball is lifted to take relief under a Rule, the player is not required to mark the spot before lifting the ball.'

The pre-2019 Rules are fading in my memory but, as I recall, there was never a requirement to mark the ball before lifting it for unplayable, obstruction, etc.

A good explanation.
But my real question was why change the need to mark it.?

I have witnessed many arguments where the player has been accused of taking more than 6”.
When the ball was marked at least there was a reference point for anyone to see.
I just don’t understand why this was changed and must have caused some serious arguments especially when money is involved.

Worst ones are when behind a tree and 6” becomes 2 ft.

Surely marking every time would actually be adding time

for some yes
But what about those who forget where it was and go searching for the tuft of grass they were using as a reference point.?

 

[Arthur Wedge]

A good explanation.
But my real question was why change the need to mark it.?

I have witnessed many arguments where the player has been accused of taking more than 6”.
When the ball was marked at least there was a reference point for anyone to see.
I just don’t understand why this was changed and must have caused some serious arguments especially when money is involved.

Worst ones are when behind a tree and 6” becomes 2 ft.

for some yes
But what about those who forget where it was and go searching for the tuft of grass they were using as a reference point.?

Not sure many will forget the general area where the ball was in the seconds it takes to clean your ball

 

[Neilds]

Surely marking every time would actually be adding time

Not enough to make any difference over the course of a round. If people think it takes that much time, maybe they would also want people to wipe the ball on their trousers to save time walking back to their bag to get the towel?

 

[Arthur Wedge]

Not enough to make any difference over the course of a round. If people think it takes that much time, maybe they would also want people to wipe the ball on their trousers to save time walking back to their bag to get the towel?

Or just carry the towel with you in the winter

Common sense eh

 

[Neilds]

Or just carry the towel with you in the winter

Common sense eh

In golf - never!

 

[jim8flog]

It seems a while since I have contributed so, just to be pernickity, the modernised Rules were introduced in January 2019, not 2020.

Interestingly (?), pre-2019 Rule 20-1 said 'The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted under a Rule that requires it to he replaced', which is pretty much what current Rule 14.1a says: 'Before lifting a ball under a Rule requiring the ball to be replaced on its original spot, the player must mark the spot'

The difference back then was that Specimen Local Rule 3b for Preferred Lies and Winter Rules specifically said 'Before lifting the ball, the player must mark its position.' Whereas today, Rule 14.1a says 'When a ball is lifted to take relief under a Rule, the player is not required to mark the spot before lifting the ball.'

The pre-2019 Rules are fading in my memory but, as I recall, there was never a requirement to mark the ball before lifting it for unplayable, obstruction, etc.

and my brain these days get confused by the dates the rules changed and the introduction of the WHS

 

[doublebogey7]

A good explanation.
But my real question was why change the need to mark it.?

I have witnessed many arguments where the player has been accused of taking more than 6”.
When the ball was marked at least there was a reference point for anyone to see.
I just don’t understand why this was changed and must have caused some serious arguments especially when money is involved.

Worst ones are when behind a tree and 6” becomes 2 ft.

for some yes
But what about those who forget where it was and go searching for the tuft of grass they were using as a reference point.?

I witnessed way more problems with players failing to mark under the old system and not liking it when told it was a penalty for not marking when they couldn't understand the need to mark, when the ball was clearly returned to the right spot I also don't recollect seeing a player not marking the ball when they need to take their eye away from the spot to clean the ball.

 

[doublebogey7]

Can you explain how marking your ball takes more time as your bending down to pick up the ball anyway ?
How long does it take to put a tee in the ground before picking up the ball?

It then saves time because you know where your ball was.

Prob 2 seconds to mark and place back your ball while your pps play is that really holding anyone up and slowing down the pace of play.?

Not everyone keeps a tee in their pocket, many many ladies don't, so have to go to their bag/trolleyto get one.

 

[Colin L]

To my mind, the single reason for the change is consistency. if you were required to mark you ball before taking this kind of relief, it would be at the odds with the general rule that you must mark the position of your ball only if it is to be replaced but no such requirement when placing or dropping a ball in other place. There seems to be no good reason for making an exception of this relief rule.

 

[clubchamp98]

Not sure many will forget the general area where the ball was in the seconds it takes to clean your ball

Well I have seen some heated debates about where they have placed.

Funnily the more money that’s involved the louder it got.

 

[clubchamp98]

Not everyone keeps a tee in their pocket, many many ladies don't, so have to go to their bag/trolleyto get one.

You don’t have to use a tee.
How do these people mark on the green.?