A couple good ones, and Sue May, Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame rules expert with Nevada Golf, is here to guide us with our rules questions and unique situations.
Question: My ball comes to rest on the cart path. The nearest relief is in a waste area with loose, small stones. Can I clear an area before making the drop?
May’s Ruling: Loose rocks are loose impediments and can be picked up or brushed away. Dirt and loose soil are loose impediments and may not be moved. When you are moving the pebbles, you must not move the dirt or soil near them.
Question: On the 18th hole, there is a lake to the right and a temporary chicken wire fence guarding the edge of it. The fencing is on the red line, but probably just outside of the hazard. Do I get free relief if ball rests against it or impedes swing?
Sue’s Ruling: If the ball rests OUTSIDE the penalty area and the fence is inside the penalty area, there is free relief for an immovable obstruction. That is assuming the Golf Course has not stated on the Local Rules this fence is an integral part of the course.
But if any part of the ball is touching the penalty area, it is in the hazard. No free relief. But the course should have a clear local rule for this situation: In other words, how has the golf course defined the fence?
Want your question answered? Send to [email protected] today.
