Testing the ground ?

[Dellboy]

Hi,

Was playing yesterday when I hit my ball just off the fairway and within 3 ft of a large tree.

I was unaware of how far the roots came out so wanted to check if the ground under or around the ball was free from them, I did this by using a wooden tee and testing within a few inches of my ball.

Did I break any rules doing so please ? Also want pen should I have added if yes.

I did ask back in the pro shop after the game and got a 50/50 split yes and no.

Cheers

Dellboy

P.S I didn't move the ball as it seemed OK in front and behind the ball, them went on to top it all of 50 yrds

 

[rulefan]

13-2/27 Probing Near Ball for Tree Roots

Q.A player's ball comes to rest through the green in such a position that he believes tree roots or rocks may be just below the surface of the ground. May he, without penalty, probe the area around his ball with a tee or the like to see if his club would strike a root or a rock in the course of making a stroke?

A.Yes, provided the lie of the ball, area of intended stance or swing or the line of play is not improved (Rule 13-2) and the ball is not moved (Rule 18-2). The same principle would apply if the player wishes to probe to determine the presence of an immovable obstruction.

But note that this decision does not mention testing.
The only prohibition on testing is in relation to testing the surface of the green. And that only prohibits rolling a ball or scraping the surface. Probing is permitted.

 

[Hosel Fade]

That is specifically allowed should really be promoted more so tha players are more aware. I do it at mine all the time because we have trees everywhere and in some areas they are very shallow rooted. People try to pull me up on it regularly.

 

[Dellboy]

Thanks for the quick reply, good to hear I was ok in doing so.

Cheers

Dellboy

 

[rulefan]

That is specifically allowed should really be promoted more so tha players are more aware. I do it at mine all the time because we have trees everywhere and in some areas they are very shallow rooted. People try to pull me up on it regularly.

If they put everything that is allowed into the book we wouldn't be able to lift it.