Upon playing my 3rd shot on a par 5, about 160 yards to the green, i cud not find my ball. The putting green was guarded by a bunker in which I saw a ball that was covered with sand, and the logo was barely visible. I assumed that this is my ball. However, after I played my 4th shot from the bunker, one of my playing partners made me realize I played his ball (we were a foursome). I conceded that hole, and allowed the other 3 to continue. When we walked to the flag on the putting green, my ball was found inside the cup. Thus, since that incident occured before I played the wrong ball ie. my own ball caught the hole first, would I still be Disqualified for the hole?

I have a question.

This happened to me the other week and none of my playing partners knew what the rule was.

I played a ball off the tee that went straight down the fairway not hitting anything except grass. when i came to my resting ball i noticed a large crack in it with the core showing.(unusual as it was only three holes old and a titliest)

As it was only a friendly round we all agreed to let me replace the ball with a new one no penalty as we were not playing competitively.

What would happen in a comp?

Unplayable?
two shot penalty?
return to the tee and hit three?

Any help greatly appreciated. Jon

John,

The penultimate paragraph to Decision 14-1/5 clearly supports the fact that a stroke was indeed made;

“If the player had not successfully checked his downswing (i.e., he had struck the ball), he is considered to have made a stroke.”

In other words, once the player has commenced his downswing the only way he can cancel the stroke is to intentionally miss the ball and succeed in doing so.

Regards,

Barry

Fortunately, there is only one set of unified Rules now, as published separately by the USGA and R&A. In fact, there is just one subject that they have failed to agree on and when my book is delivered you will be able to check it out at Q.999.

Decision 14-3/0.5 is relevant to your question;

“Q. May a Committee, by Local Rule, permit the use of distance-measuring devices?

A. Yes. A Committee may establish a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only (see the Note to Rule 14-3). However, the use of a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player’s play (e.g., gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc.) is not permitted regardless of whether such an additional function is used.

In the absence of such a Local Rule, the use of a distance-measuring device would be contrary to Rule 14-3.”

Regards,

Barry

Therefore I have both a comment and a question at the end.

Q2 re GPS devices and that the committee may make a local rule that allows the use of devices that measure or gauge distance only.

Although I was born in England and now live and play in NZ and therefore still come under the auspices of the R & A I am a member of the USGA. When this rule was introduced they sent emails out to members stating that the devices measuring distance is very strict. There are devices that give other information such as wind speeds and and Gradients, These devices the USGA stated are not allowed to be carried during a round even if these extra functions are “turned off” under penalty of disqualification. Please can you comment and say whether this view is also taken by the R & A. I don’t have a GPS as our committe won’t allow them at present.

I think that Rule 5-3 answers ll your questions;

“A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut, cracked or out of shape. A ball is not unfit for play solely because mud or other materials adhere to it, its surface is scratched or scraped or its paint is damaged or discolored.

If a player has reason to believe his ball has become unfit for play during play of the hole being played, he may lift the ball, without penalty, to determine whether it is unfit.

Before lifting the ball, the player must announce his intention to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play and mark the position of the ball. He may then lift and examine it, provided that he gives his opponent, marker or fellow-competitor an opportunity to examine the ball and observe the lifting and replacement. The ball must not be cleaned when lifted under Rule 5-3.”

Regards,

Barry

thanks for your golf rules articles. most informative.

however your ruling on the rule when the ball falls of the tee is i believe
wrong. the definition of a stroke is that there must be intention to strike and move the ball. therefore there is no penalty or stroke.

What state must the ball be in?

Must a hole have been completed first?