Golf 1-0-1 contributor Brian Tan is a member of
the Greens Committee, and oversees Rules and
Tournaments at NSRCC. When he’s not busy
officiating as a Rules Official, he can be found
contributing balls to NSRCC’s penalty areas.
Can or Cannot?
This episode is inspired by the numerous questions the contributor has been asked during rounds
of golf since the new 2019 Rules were implemented of what is or is not permissible when a ball
lies in a certain area. Whilst not comprehensive, it should cover most situations a golfer may find
themselves in, as well as questions that might arise.
Where
Can or Cannot?
General Area Penalty Area Bunker
Relief from Immovable
Obstructions Can Cannot Can
Remove Movable
Obstructions Can Can Can
Remove Loose
Impediments Can Can Can
Take Practice Swings Can Can Cannot touch sand
Ground the club Can Can Cannot
Touch or move sand Cannot. Sand and
loose soil are not loose
impediments Can touch ground or
water Can, but only
reasonable amount as
part of other allowed
actions. Cannot touch
sand when making
backswing.
Relief for Embedded
Ball? Can Cannot Cannot
Caring for the course Can Can Can
14 RESORT VIEW