What would you do?

[bobmac]

You're playing in the monthly medal in a 2 ball and by the 17th, the other guy is 10 over his h/cap.
You see him play a bunker shot and notice he brushes the sand with his club on his backswing.
Do you tell him what he has done there and then, do you wait till you're in the bar and he has had time to recover from his bad round or do you just say nothing as it would have no affect on the outcome of the comp?

 

[Smiffy]

Tell him there and then.
He might not know it's a penalty and may do it the next time without thinking

 

[bobmac]

Tell him there and then.
He might not know it's a penalty and may do it the next time without thinking

But you could wait till he's calmed down in the bar and then tell him

 

[Smiffy]

But you could wait till he's calmed down in the bar and then tell him

It wouldn't be as much fun

 

[Fish]

You're playing in the monthly medal in a 2 ball and by the 17th, the other guy is 10 over his h/cap.
You see him play a bunker shot and notice he brushes the sand with his club on his backswing.
Do you tell him what he has done there and then, do you wait till you're in the bar and he has had time to recover from his bad round or do you just say nothing as it would have no affect on the outcome of the comp?

I personally can't see how anyone wouldn't know they've brushed the sand in their backswing, especially in a bunker, so I'd add the penalty when saying to him "that's a 6 then" once he'd putted out, if & when he challenged it I'd state I saw him brush the sand and try to make light of it by then saying "its not your day is it" :smirk:

 

[AmandaJR]

Tell him in the bar afterwards. I'd like to think he didn't notice or would have called it, so would just make him aware for future reference...

I can't get into this "rules is rules" mentality when genuine mistakes are made and, more importantly, no advantage gained.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Nothing, I would not have seen that as a rule break as I don't know of such a rule.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Another way to ruin someones day for no benefit. Let it ride.

 

[shortstuff]

Tell him and be prepared for the argument!

 

[snell]

Force feed him a handful of sand so he learns his lesson

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Another way to ruin someones day for no benefit. Let it ride.

But if he was 2 under and it would ruin his day, you'd be all for it?
Surely in a comp he should play correctly and be made aware.

 

[Robobum]

After we'd teed off the next hole I'd mention it whilst we're walking to our balls.

"I think you flicked the sand back there. That should be a penalty, just so you don't get stung by someone if you've got a good score going another time"

 

[Imurg]

After we'd teed off the next hole I'd mention it whilst we're walking to our balls.

"I think you flicked the sand back there. That should be a penalty, just so you don't get stung by someone if you've got a good score going another time"

I like this approach.
If he was in contention and you're sure he infringed then you have to call it but in this scenario I'd go with Robobum's way.

 

[Tommo21]

What's wrong with just telling him what he done. He's playing bad, don't say anything. It's doesn't matter, so lets decide this rule is not applicable. That should be a penalty, eh no, it's a penalty. Ruin someone's day for no benefit, what scenario would be rewarded with a benefit.

You could argue it's a stupid rule. I would say it's important as you can clear the way for your down swing, even if you don't intend to.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

But if he was 2 under and it would ruin his day, you'd be all for it?
Surely in a comp he should play correctly and be made aware.

I am not OCD about rules. Was it a blatant infringement? Did he gain by it? Did he knowingly look to benefit or give a shifty look that said I know I did something wrong but I hope you didn't see it? The comment is he brushed the sand. I know, rules are rules, but really. Worth falling out over? We are amateurs playing for fun, supposedly. Everyone feel free to rant but the question was asked what would you do and I have no problem in saying in this instance nothing, diddly, nada. Play the game, walk off the course, have a drink and smile.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I am not OCD about rules. Was it a blatant infringement? Did he gain by it? Did he knowingly look to benefit or give a shifty look that said I know I did something wrong but I hope you didn't see it? The comment is he brushed the sand. I know, rules are rules, but really. Worth falling out over? We are amateurs playing for fun, supposedly. Everyone feel free to rant but the question was asked what would you do and I have no problem in saying in this instance nothing, diddly, nada. Play the game, walk off the course, have a drink and smile.

99% I agree, but informing someone they have broken/infringed the rules isn't about getting one over on them or ruining there day, it can also be about education and in the future saving the day for them, as said above, there different ways to let them know what they did, but you should tell them, they may actually thank you for it.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

After we'd teed off the next hole I'd mention it whilst we're walking to our balls.

"I think you flicked the sand back there. That should be a penalty, just so you don't get stung by someone if you've got a good score going another time"

This 👍

 

[Robobum]

What's wrong with just telling him what he done. He's playing bad, don't say anything. It's doesn't matter, so lets decide this rule is not applicable. That should be a penalty, eh no, it's a penalty. Ruin someone's day for no benefit, what scenario would be rewarded with a benefit.

You could argue it's a stupid rule. I would say it's important as you can clear the way for your down swing, even if you don't intend to.

Clues in the thread title. What would YOU do!

Doesn't say what's the right/ fairest/ jelly legged cop it thing to do.

 

[Tashyboy]

Not one to kick a man when he's down.

 

[dewsweeper]

This 

I agree with this approach.
I have found,after 30 odd years playing comps at the club,many of us know less about the Rules of Golf than we think.
Robos way is both reasonable and educational and more likely to stick when a little calmer IMO.
Dewsweeper