Lost Ball
There are only two situations when a ball is deemed lost, see Rule 18;
- When a ball is lost out of bounds.
- When a ball in the General Area cannot be found after 3 minutes of searching.
A ball cannot be declared lost other than in the situations above
New Rules of Golf, Players Edition for 2019
Preferred Lies
Winter Rules
Winter Rules or more correctly Preferred Lies will be in force from the 1st October and will remain in force until the 30th April 2019. This feature of the game of golf often causes confusion. A ball that lies in the General Area* of the course on any area cut to fairway height or less may be marked, lifted and cleaned without penalty. The ball should be placed within 6 inches (150mm) of the original spot, not nearer the hole. Ensure you mark your ball before you lift it. Remember you can only do this ONCE per occasion. If you pick the ball up again you will incur a one-stroke penalty.
Bunker Etiquette
Putting Green Know How
The line of putt does not extend forward of the hole, so standing in front of the player on or near the line will not attract a penalty, however, standing in a players eye line is poor etiquette.
Animal Scrapes
Under the new Rules of Golf, an animal scrape is one caused by any living animal, other than a human. If your ball comes to rest in an animal scrape you get free relief from the abnormal course condition, but this not always the case. A common claim by many players when the ball comes to rest typically against a tree and in an animal scrape. The latter used to get them out of trouble! But is this always true? Let's look at two examples.
Remember a player can declare a ball unplayable anywhere on the course except in a penalty area.
Balls Lifted or Moved
- If a ball is lifted without marking it by accident can I replace it for free?
- If a player lifts his ball believing it has been conceded but an opponent says it has not, is this accidental and is there a penalty?
Gravel Overspill from Paths
Loose Impediments
clearly defined by the edging material in their construction.
Playing in the Wind
The answer is NO. Such an action would be deemed as intentionally influencing the movement of the ball and or improper use of a players equipment. Rule4.3. This is a two-stroke penalty for infringing the rule. For serious breaches of this rule, the Committee can disqualify a player.
Playing From The Wrong Tee
More Flagstick Questions.
- Applies only to the General Area that is closely mown not in the rough.
- Always mark your ball before lifting.
- Replace the ball within six inches no nearer the hole.
- Lift and replace it only once.
- If you pick it up a second time at the same spot you'll incur a 1 shot penalty.