Ruling confirmation please

[didsbury_duffer]

Now I realise that a Texas Scramble is not a Congu/EGU recognised form of play, but this should not result in the basic rules of golf being ignored. Had the last Scramble of the winter today, and was YET AGAIN amazed at how many golfers fall foul of rule 14-2b which states: "In making a stroke, a player must not allow his caddie, his partner or his partner's caddie to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of play, or the line of putt behind the ball."
We were in teams of 4, and I witnessed countless team members standing directly behind the first team member to putt, so that they could watch exactly what the ball did. I also saw a few golfers who stood at the other side of the hole watching from an extension of the line of putt.
Both of these actions are in direct contravention of 14-2b, and should result in a 2 stroke penalty.
Anyone dare to disagree with me on this one?

 

[Dodger]

Yes,me.

To tell you the truth,I couldn'y tell you,it is a joke of a game and as you say not a recognised form of play,I mean some comps let you place your ball as opposed to drop....farce of a format,good fun but who really cares?

 

[DCB]

It's a fun format so it's not really a problem is it ? Everyone is in the same boat.

The line of putt does not extend beyond the hole bye the way

 

[Fyldewhite]

We played a Texas yesterday too. I've seen the rule quoted in Texas scrambles beofre. It's supposed to be a fun comp. As far as I'm concerned it's a team comp not covered by the rules - which refer to parner (singular) not partners or team members etc and to atempt to a) say that the rule covers this and b) enforce it, is opening a can of worms and to say the least is being anal in the extreme. I won't therefore be surprised that some clubs will attempt to do so with zeal.....

 

[Smiffy]

I've played in a few Texas Scrambles in the past and as a team we have all stood behind the guy putting to assist in getting the line right. Doesn't always work but I never saw anything wrong in it.
In fact, it usually supplies the biggest amount of laughs in what is supposed to be a fun competition.
They're not taken seriously are they????

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Seems like someone is getting way over zealous. My take was that these were basically glorified knockabouts and that providing the overall basics were observed then that was good enough. I certainly wouldn't be fussed about others watching my putts (wouldn't help them anyway) and as everyone gets to place etc its hardly following the rules to the letter from outset. Either don't play them if you are that much of a stickler for the rules or take it for what it is, relax and have some fun with it

 

[Losttheplot]

For me I feel Texas scramble is all about having fun and having a relaxed game of golf. It's a big team game and you won't find many people who don't try to help eachother during the round.

Not sure on the exact ruling of the one quoted but if it's not a recognised form of competitive play then I wouldn't be too worried personally.

 

[Spinn77]

It doesnt matter does it, its not a serious game and doesnt count for much. there's no real problem for me

 

[painterboy]

Would even suggest that standing behind your team mate should be mandatory. As all other posters have said it's a Knockabout. Great way for golfers to get to know each other.

 

[clubchamp07]

If there are prizes up for grabs, then yes the rules do apply.

 

[didsbury_duffer]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I know it may sound as though I was being over-zealous, however, I am the Competition & Handicap Convenor at an extremely competitive golf club. We have a competition EVERY Saturday throughout the year, coupled with Wednesday comps all through the summer and autumn months. All Saturday comps are sell-outs, and most of the Wednesday comps are 80% full. The members are so competitive that there is no such comp as a 'friendly' knockabout. They all play to win. Hopefully you will now appreciate why my OP seemed OTT to some people.

 

[Dodger]

If that is your capacity why you on here asking?Either get some balls and start penalising folk or get on with it....I suggest you do the latter as your club can't be that bothered about it if,as it appears, you are the only one with the problem

 

[Smiffy]

The members are so competitive that there is no such comp as a 'friendly' knockabout. They all play to win.

Sounds a right friendly gaff

 

[didsbury_duffer]

Dodger - for the record, many of the members are bothered about it, and I do intend to do something about it. I just thought that I would discuss it with the forumers as well. If the subject doesn't interest you, or if you can't offer anything constructive, then you have the option of ignoring the post in the first place.

 

[didsbury_duffer]

Smiffy - it is a very friendly, sociable club - just very competitive as well.

 

[SammmeBee]

Why do you have Texas Scrambles every Saturday and Wednesday? When do you play your medals?

 

[Dodger]

It does interest me thanks,but as I have said get a pair of balls and do what you think is right...sounds like your decision was made before you came on here but why wait till now instead of doing it at the tournament??

You must be going to put a notice up stating the ruling for the next one cos it aint like you can penalise anyone after the event unless you witnessed ALL the penalties occured...if you are going to follow the letter to the extreme of the law you should have had the nuts to intervene there and then not coming on here to ask folk to back up your thoughts..you witnessed it didn't you?!

 

[didsbury_duffer]

Why do you have Texas Scrambles every Saturday and Wednesday? When do you play your medals?

We only have about 4 or 5 Texas Scrambles a year, the rest are made up of medals, stablefords, etc.

 

[Imurg]

Up to a point I'm with Didsbury on this. Although Texarse Scrambles are fun comps, they are still comps and if there are prizes up for grabs then the rules need to be adhered to. After all which rules do you chose to break and which don't you? Strictly speaking you can't decide to ignore any of them.

 

[didsbury_duffer]

It does interest me thanks,but as I have said get a pair of balls and do what you think is right...sounds like your decision was made before you came on here but why wait till now instead of doing it at the tournament??

You must be going to put a notice up stating the ruling for the next one cos it aint like you can penalise anyone after the event unless you witnessed ALL the penalties occured...if you are going to follow the letter to the extreme of the law you should have had the nuts to intervene there and then not coming on here to ask folk to back up your thoughts..you witnessed it didn't you?!

This was the last Scramble until next Winter and so I will be strapping a pair on and sorting it out before the next one. Yes, I did witness a transgression yesterday, and it was the winners of the comp that I witnessed. I did intervene on the course by telling them on the 6th hole. Have I penalised them and taken away their first prize? No, because I cannot guarantee that the second or third placed teams didn't do the same.