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
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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
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