RULES OF THE GAME
The Golf Rules Nerd
Jason hit his second shot on the seventh hole at St . Johns , a very high nine iron from 145 yards . The ball landed on the fringe in the front of the green and hopped back about a foot . Rickie and Bubba both hit shots to the green .
When Jason arrived at his ball , it had left a pitch mark in the fringe a foot in front of the ball . He wanted to putt the ball to the front flag , but the pitch mark was in the way . Jason took a step forward and pressed down the mark so it would not bother his putt . Jason then putted the ball in the hole for a birdie 3 .
Bubba was watching this action and asked Rickie what he thought . They both approached Jason and asked him what he had repaired in the fringe . “ A pitch mark ,” he replied . “ Your own pitch mark ?” was their next question . “ Yes , of course it was my pitch mark . I am allowed to repair my own marks , even off the green .”
Jason thought he knew the rule , but actually he made a big mistake .
According to Rule 8.1 , a player may not improve conditions affecting his stroke . In this case , Jason had improved his line of play by repairing the pitch mark that was not on the green . Jason ’ s birdie 2 was quickly transformed to a bogey 4 when he added the penalty for improving conditions . Even if Jason had not putted the ball , he still would receive the penalty for improving conditions .
This situation comes up often enough to provide further explanation . A player is entitled to the lie of his ball when it comes to rest . If the pitch mark was in the ground before the ball got there , or , in Jason ’ s case , before it came to rest , then it may not be repaired . It does not matter whose ball made the mark .
If Jason ’ s ball had been at rest and Rickie ’ s ball had landed and left a mark in front of it , then Jason would have the right to make the repair since his ball was there first , before the mark was made . Remember , the player is entitled to the lie when his ball comes to rest .
Play fair , follow the rules , and hit ‘ em straight ! Suggestions , comments , or questions … thegolfnerd @ gmail . com
10