Rules Corner: Ball in Motion
W
e’ve all had it happen before. You’re watching your fellow competitor hit a shot from the
bunker, they hit it a touch thin and next thing you know, a ball comes screaming towards
you and your bag. In that split second, it’s hard to know what you can and can’t do. Can
you move the bag even though it will clearly influence it’s movement? if it hits your bag, do you or
your fellow competitor incur a penalty?
According to Rule 1-2, you are prohibited from taking an action with the intent to influence
the movement of a ball in play. When a ball is in motion, you must let it continue wherever it wants
to go. This includes loose impediments or other objects that could affect where the ball might roll.
However, you are allowed to move the flagstick if it is attended or has been removed, or equipment
of any player. Equipment is defined as anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or his caddie
except any ball that the player has played at the hole being played,. or any small object used to mark
the position of the ball or extent of area in which a ball is to be dropped. So when that ball is heading
right for your bag, you’re allowed to move it out of the way.
Rule 19 covers cases where a ball in motion is deflected or stopped. If your ball is deflected
or stopped by an outside agency, or your opponent, fellow competitor, or their equipment or caddies,
there is no penalty. However, if a player’s ball is accidentally deflected or stopped by himself, his
partner or either of their caddies or equipment, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke and must
play the ball as it lies.
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CSGA Links // September, 2016 | 43