Virginia Golfer January/February 2014 | Page 13

TheRULES No Rescue In Sight A wayward shot offers direction on how to proceed properly under the Rules of Golf | by JOSH COATES Rule 26-1/1 provides guidance and clarity regarding the meaning of "known or virtually certain." STEVEN GIBBONS/USGA PHOTO ARCHIVES C ommon misconceptions about the rules can often lead to confusion among casual golfers as well as players competing at some of the game’s highest levels. During last summer’s State Open of Virginia at Independence Golf Club, an incident occurred at the 10th hole, a short par four, which provides a valuable lesson on how to play by the book and outlines one’s options under the Rules of Golf. From a course setup standpoint, the hole wasn’t playing to its full length. On this particular day of the championship, the tees were moved up so players could go for the putting green with their tee shot if they wanted to take on the risk. There are w w w. v s g a . o r g Master_VSGA_JanFeb_2014_v20.indd 11 lateral water hazards bordering both the left side of the hole and behind the green. Additionally, an area of tall brush is located just left of the green and thick rough surrounds the lateral water hazards, adding to the challenge for competitors trying to drive the putting surface. When I arrived to assist with the ruling, the player indicated that he tried to go for the green with his tee shot but his ball sailed left toward the area of heavy brush and water hazards. He thought the ball bounced into the lateral water hazard over the green. As a result, he asked that I show him where to drop under the water hazard rule (Rule 26) beyond the putting surface. Based on his description of the shot and the layout of the hole, I informed him that this would not be permitted under the rules. Why? In the Rules of Golf, Rule 26-1 (Relief For Ball In Water Hazard) tells us the following: “It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward a water hazard is in the hazard. In the absence of knowledge or virtual certainty that a ball struck toward a water hazard, but not found, is in the hazard, the player must proceed under Rule 27-1 (stroke and distance).” The key term when applying this rule is “knowledge or virtual certainty” and Decision 26-1/1 explains the meaning in its entirety. In this situation, the player did not have knowledge that his ball was in the water hazard because no one actually saw the ball come to rest in it. Also, he could not be virtually certain that his ball was in the water hazard. In order for a player to be virtually certain that his ball, that has not been found, is in a water hazard, he must reach the conclusion that there is nowhere else the ball could be, other than in the water hazard. All factors must be considered, including turf conditions and grass heights. Keep in mind, the player’s ball could have come to rest in any number of places, including in the area of high brush left of the green or in the thick rough surrounding the water hazard. After giving the player an explanation of this rule, he acknowledged that there was no way he could be virtually certain that his ball was in the water hazard. His only option was to return to the teeing ground and play another ball under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1) because his ball was deemed lost. Situations similar to this one occur frequently on the course, and many players are too quick to assume that their ball is in a water hazard when they are not sure where, in fact, it came to rest. It is important to remember that unless there is almost no doubt that the ball is in a water hazard when it cannot be found, the player is not entitled to relief under the water hazard rule. Author Josh Coates is the VSGA’s assistant director of rules and competitions. Want to learn more about the Rules of Golf? Register for fun and interactive VSGAMAPGA rules workshops at www.vsga.org. J ANUARY/F EBRUARY 2014 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 11 1/3/14 11:40 AM