Rules question #1

[CliveW]

If that is the case, then I would suggest no rule has been infringed as the definition of a "Lost Ball" is:-
"A ball is deemed "lost" if:

a. It is not found or identified as his by the player within five minutes after the player's side or his or their caddies have begun to search for it; or

b. The player has made a stroke at a provisional from the place where the original ball is likely to be or fro a point nearer the hole than that place (See Rule 27-2b); or

c. The player has put another ball into play under penalty of stroke and distance (see rule 27-1a); or

d. The player has put another ball into play because it is known or virtually certain that the ball, which has not been found, has been moved by an outside agency (see Rule 18-1), is in an obstruction (see Rule 24-3), is in an abnormal ground condition (see Rule 25-1c)or is in a water hazard (see Rule 26-1): or

e. The player has made a stroke at a substituted ball."

Therefore, if the original ball was found within the five minutes, and no substituted ball was ever hit or put in play the original ball was still in play.

 

[freddielong]

OK, Saturday morning, first round of the club championship.

2nd hole

I hook my drive left into the trees. It's fairly open and we see the ball bounce so I decide not to play a provisional.

Of course, get up there and can't find it. We look for a while before I decide to go back and play another.

I get back to the tee when my playing partner finds my ball.

I run back down the fairway and hit my second.

I'm in the clubhouse on Sunday morning and the club President tells me that as soon as you take one step back towards the tee to hit another drive then the first ball is out of play and cannot be hit, even if found. Is that correct?

Moral of the story is, of course, to always hit a provisional......

No if its within the 5 mins you can play your original ball Id suggest someone buys Mr President a rule book for Christmas

 

[chrisd]

As most have said, your President is typical of lots of golfers who seem to want to make up the rules as they go along. Most players I have played with, being aware of how close the group behind are when a ball needs looking for, quite often dispatch the player back to the tee before 5 mins is up whilst they carry on looking, so if the group behind are not close enough to be called through then not so much time is lost and you can carry on ahead. The downside is that it is one less person looking at the time where he goes walking back.


Chris

 

[chrisd]

Does anyone actually time looking for a ball

Funny one this, I am sure that most dont time it properly, but I think it's usually to their detriment. I played a Club 4BBB final once and our Secretary (a rules man)walked with us and officiated where necessary. One ball was lost and he did set his stop watch and 5 minutes went by much slower than in situations which I have had at other times where someone says "must be 5 mins up by now" and we all walk on.

Might be a good idea to check your watch next time and that minute or so coud be a competition winner if you find your ball



Chris

 

[Smiffy]

Does anyone actually time looking for a ball

Funny one this, I am sure that most dont time it properly, but I think it's usually to their detriment. I played a Club 4BBB final once and our Secretary (a rules man)walked with us and officiated where necessary. One ball was lost and he did set his stop watch and 5 minutes went by much slower than in situations which I have had at other times where someone says "must be 5 mins up by now" and we all walk on.

Might be a good idea to check your watch next time and that minute or so coud be a competition winner if you find your ball



Chris

Bloody right.
I'm sure Bobmac had only given me 4mins 15secs

 

[chrisd]

Bloody right.
I'm sure Bobmac had only given me 4mins 15secs

It could be that the other 45 seconds is the time taken to start looking for the first one, of your three provisionals Smiffy!


Chris

 

[jammydodger]

quote]

Does anyone actually time looking for a ball




[/QUOTE]

Actually yes I do. I have an old watch that is strapped to my bag and when I get to where i'm going to start looking I make a note of the exact time