Red Penalty area - touch grass on back swing

[mikseymono]

Hi team,

So I was in a red penalty area today, the higher side of a pond that was dry. Lie was OK...so hit it out with a wedge. On my backswing for the actual shot I brushed the grass.....do I incur a penalty and can some kine soul point me to the rule on this...

Thanks,

M

 

[User20204]

No. New rules you can ground your club in a "penalty area"

 

[mikseymono]

thanka...but not grounded club....just hit grass hanging pampers grass on back swing...I know I can ground it.....just on the backswing...can't find the ruling on the backswing!

M

 

[Crow]

It's fine, even under the old rules you were allowed to brush growing grass as long as you didn't ground your club or improve your swing area.

 

[Colin L]

Playing from a penalty area, you can do whatever you are allowed to do in the general area - move loose impediments, ground your club when preparing to play, take practice swings that touch the ground, play your ball in water.... You cannot, however, take relief from an immovable obstruction.

 

[mikseymono]

Yes, thanks for reply. This is what I knew...just trying to find the specific rule for this...if someone can help me.

 

[rulefan]

Yes, thanks for reply. This is what I knew...just trying to find the specific rule for this...if someone can help me.

The Rule is 17.1a, which in part says:
(The player may) play the ball as it lies without penalty, under the same Rules that apply to a ball in the general area (which means there are no specific Rules limiting how a ball may be played from a penalty area)

 

[mikseymono]

Excellent...thank you rule fan.........I did of course stiff this and make par much to the horror of my opponent having said before I play the shot not to touch the grass on my back swing...and watching me play my shot........going to have to get me a new rule book ......anyways, back to the wine and proper golf...

M

 

[Colin L]

Oops, I forgot to give you the rule reference. To be more complete in what I said about not being allowed to take relief from an immovable obstruction, you are not allowed to take relief from any abnormal course condition in a penalty area - immovable obstruction, temporary water, ground under repair or animal hole. That's Rule 16.1a(2). Nor can you take penalty relief for an unplayable ball. That's Rule 19.1.