We are back with another fun and informative Sue’s Rules with Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame rules official, Sue May. Have a question? Email [email protected].
Question: I am confused when I hear the term stroke and distance. What does that mean and when is it in play?
Sue’s Rule: At ANY TIME a player may take Stroke and Distance relief by adding one penalty stroke and playing the original ball or another ball from where the previous stroke was made. When a ball is lost or out of bounds the only option you have is Stroke and Distance. It’s the only rule you can use. So, as an example, if you hit a ball you declare lost on your second shot of the hole, you drop, add the penalty and are hitting four from that spot.
Question: What happens if my ball moves on the putting green after I have marked it?
Sue’s Rule: Ok, again, we are getting a lot of questions about ball at rest moving on putting green. First thing to remember is, addressing the ball has nothing to do with whether it moves or not.
- Did you MARK your ball on the putting green and LIFT it? If you did, it doesn’t matter what caused it to move. Put it back to original spot. No penalty.
- If a player accidentally causes their ball to move whether it has been marked or not, they must always put it back, without penalty. Playing the ball where it ends up after moving is solely when a ball is moved by natural forces. Never when moved by the player. Playing the ball where it ends up is solely when a ball is moved by natural forces, AND that ball has not yet been marked and lifted.
- You lifted your ball on putting green without marking it. Put it back and take a one stroke penalty.
