Rules of Golf
Question:
Every time we watch international golf events on the television we witness players replace their balls on the putting green and while the marker is still in place, they step back, step forward again and re-align the ball before removing the marker. We have received a number of queries about this practice.
Answer:
If a ball is to be replaced, it must be placed on the spot from which it was lifted or moved – see Rule 20-3a. A ball at rest on the putting green is a ball in play (see Definition of Ball in Play) whether or not the position of the ball is marked. However, when a ball is replaced on the putting green, as long as the ball-marker is still in place, there is nothing in the Rules of Golf that prohibits the player from stepping away from the ball and then re-lifting it. There is also nothing in the Rules that requires a player who marks the position of his ball, reaches down to lift it and touches it, to go through with the acts of lifting the ball just because he touched it. Note also that the last phrase in Rule 18-2a(i) says “except as permitted by a Rule.” Therefore a player permitted to touch a ball under another Rule (such as Rule 20-1) is not subject to penalty under Rule 18-2a.
CANTERBURY GOLF REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION
AIMS OF OUR ASSOCIATION
1. To develop, promote and foster knowledge of the rules of golf according to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews amongst members of affiliated clubs of Canterbury Golf Incorporated (CGI).
2. To offer courses on the rules of golf to members of affiliated clubs, members of the NZPGA and golfers nominated by CGI.
3. To provide suitably trained and qualified referees for National, Provincial or District tournaments.
4. To give interpretations of rules, and rulings on questions or disputes referred to the Association by CGI or affiliated clubs.
5. To make such representations to the governing bodies of golf as may be thought necessary for the good of golf and the benefit of referees and refereeing.
6. In consultation with CGI, provide assistance to clubs in the formation of Local Rules and correct marking of courses as required.
7. To promote and organise social functions for the benefit of members and the Association as a whole.
BASIC RULES OF GOLF
There are three important principles to remember when playing golf:
• Play the course as you find it.
• Play the ball as it lies.
• And if you can't do either, do what's fair.
CANTERBURY GOLF REFEREES COMMITTEE
President: Jenny Tilson, jf.tilson@xtra.co.nz
Secretary: Dawn Marshall, marshalldl@clear.net.nz, 354 3121
Treasurer: Jenny Tilson, jf.tilson@xtra.co.nz
Convenor: Anthony Alberts, antlil@clear.net.nz, 358 1155
Committee:
Markham Lee, markham.lee@immigration-solutions.co.nz, 374 9544
Kerry Sullivan, kerrysullivan@xtra.co.nz, 355 5095
David Page, davidpage@xtra.co.nz, 351 5910
Fiona Rynne, mifi.rynne@xtra.co.nz, 03 318 1181
EMERITUS REFEREES
Des Maslen (Tai Tapu)
Dawn Marshall
Jim Will
NATIONAL REFEREES: (Active)
Anthony Alberts (Harewood)
Kel Doolan (Tai Tapu)
Terry Downey (Rawhiti)
Paddy Maskill (Waitikiri)
David Page (Christchurch)
Ernie Poole (Russley)
Kerry Sullivan (Christchurch)
Jenny Tilson (Harewood)
DISTRICT REFEREES: (Active)
David Aydon (Pegasus)
Tony Burling-Claridge (Avondale)
Pam Ellis (Waitikiri)
Rona Fisher (Waitikiri)
Carole Forster (Avondale)
Markham Lee
Fiona Rynne (Coringa)
Lin Wang (Coringa)
Gwyn Williams (Amberley)
Tracy Wills (Tai Tapu)
Lyn Robertson (Waitikiri)
