Rules question to settle an argument

[Oggie41]

Hello all,

Been a reader of the forum for a while, but this is my first post. Just wanted to settle an argument...

When playing the other day an approach to the green was overhit, which led to the ball resting against the OOB fence (with no chance of making a stroke at the ball). The ball was declared unplayable, but here's the problem - no matter where the ball was dropped (within 2 club lengths) the ball would always be closer to the hole. What should we have done? Is a drop allowed in this instance?

Hopefully you'll win me a pint

Cheers

 

[mattyb0y]

I have no idea of that situation il try find out for you!

 

[Parmo]

The rule is not to thin your approach shots

 

[Cernunnos]

In an unplayable situation you do have the option to return to where you hit your last shot from. Under penalty of a stroke.

 

[JezzE]

The only option in those circumstances would be to go back and play from where the previous shot was played under penalty of stroke and distance.

(Cerunnos got there first, I see. Cerunnos, I'm not sure what your job is, but I seriously think you might have written more words than me today - or are you on a day off?)

 

[DCB]

There are three options when a ball is unplayable. the only one applicable to this particlar scenario as you describe it would be covered by Rule 28-a.

The player may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the course, except when the ball is in a water hazard. The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.

If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, he must under penalty of
one stroke:
a. Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or
b. Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped; or
c. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.

If the unplayable ball is in a bunker, the player may proceed under
Clause a, b or c. If he elects to proceed under Clause b or c, a ball
must be dropped in the bunker.
When proceeding under this Rule, the player may lift and clean his ball or substitute a ball.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes.

 

[Dodger]

the ball is OB if it is under the fence....I think I'm right in saying if it is a wired fence and it is underneath its OB but if leaning against a mesh it is in......now I'm getting confused!

 

[Cernunnos]

was wondering that too dodger... and i think in hindsite that is actually correct... it is oob

 

[JezzE]

A ball is only out of bounds if all of it lies out of bounds, which I didn't think was the case the way the OP was worded?

 

[Cernunnos]

the impotant word here i believe is fence. but will habe to look up the specific wording in randa

 

[Oggie41]

The rule is not to thin your approach shots

It was a perfectly struck shot that was taken an extra 80 yards by a gust of wind. Honest!

 

[Oggie41]

A ball is only out of bounds if all of it lies out of bounds, which I didn't think was the case the way the OP was worded?

It was definitely still in bounds. Just!

 

[Dodger]

Jezz you are incorrect,if it's a line on the line is out.In this instance we need to know a)what kind of fence it was b)was there a line c)where was it lying in relation.

 

[Cernunnos]

The only option in those circumstances would be to go back and play from where the previous shot was played under penalty of stroke and distance.

(Cerunnos got there first, I see. Cerunnos, I'm not sure what your job is, but I seriously think you might have written more words than me today - or are you on a day off?)

Day Off, though waiting on the washing machine to clean golf gear for trip down to Devon with the Missus. So killing time.

BTW. Think I'll have to Look up the specifics on the rule, as I'm questioning my initial thoughts & want to make sure I was instinctively right or not as to whether the ball is inbounds or out, as if its out Its a return under penalty anyhow. So same result

EDIT: I tend to type quite quickly even though not trained to type.... And my job is not one I want to be doing, so If you've any openings I'd be interested.

 

[Oggie41]

Jezz you are incorrect,if it's a line on the line is out.In this instance we need to know a)what kind of fence it was b)was there a line c)where was it lying in relation.

It was a metal fence, and the ball was lying about an inch in bounds.

 

[JezzE]

That's wrong, dodger. If there is an out of bounds line, the line is indeed out of bounds. But if even a tiny fraction of the ball overhangs the golf course side (or inside) edge of the line then it is in bounds.

As for our scenario in the OP, as the ball transpires to be an inch away from the fence then OOB is not really an issue

 

[Dodger]

you are correct in what you have said now but if none of it touches the course then it is out...you stated...A ball is only out of bounds if all of it lies out of bounds,now if none of the ball which is on the line touches the 'in' side of the course while sitting on the line it is OUT!
May be splitting hairs but your opening statement was incorrect.

 

[JezzE]

In the context of the Definition of out of bounds within the rules I stand by my original statement - a ball is only out of bounds if all of it lies out of bounds.

 

[Dodger]

Well maybe I am wrong but I am sure thatif a line on the ground and the ball is on it and not touching the in bounds side it is out......anyone from the R&A care to help?

 

[Cernunnos]

Now I know I've found the link with a description of what is classed as inbound & OOB, but can I find it today... Can I as hell as like... rofl.

I think John Paramor came up against a similar issue on one of the European Tour events either last year or the year before, where the ball was near enough right up against the OOB wire mesh fence. Now I know in this instance the ball is up against the marker post, but I'm racking my brains trying to remember what the outcome was. I think it might have ended up relief under penalty which left the player in a position that gave free relief. But don't quote me as being right. Oh & return to the Tee box as that is where the previous shot had been an option right up to the moment the player took relief under penalty of stroke.

But getting back to the initial post, regardless of whether its in or out it seems there really is only one option available & that's to return to where the initial shot was taken under penalty of one stroke.