Rule 13-4. Loose impediments in Hazard

Coimbatore golf course in South india is one of the toughest golf courses in India. Strong winds, not often seen in India, is the major factor to contend with. This golf course regularly hosts the Indian golf union categorised tournaments for the Amateurs.As this forms a regular part of the South India circuit, most of the top amateurs in the country participate in it.
An interesting Rules incident occurred in this championship, when I was officiating as a Referee.Shaurya Singh, one of the leading amateurs at that time, on a par 5 hole, hit his second shot into a lateral water hazard. The ball was partly covered by a leaf, a loose impediment, but the ball was clearly visible. The ball was also in a playable lie. The player removed the loose impediment and then belatedly realised that infringed R 13-4(c).He told his marker that he is proceeding under lateral water hazard rule 26-1c and took a penalty drop accordingly and completed the hole.The player thought by invoking R 26-1c, he will escape with a one stroke penalty under R26-1c rather than a 2 stroke penalty under R 13-4c, if he has played from the lateral hazard, after removing the loose impediment.
The above facts were reported to me before submission of score card.The player contented that he removed the leaf for identifying his ball. After confirmation that the ball was his, he decided that his better option was to take a penalty drop under R 26-1c. Hence, he pleaded that he should be docked only 1 stroke penalty under R 26-1c.
Referees Decision: After weighing in all evidence from the player, marker, caddies and others, I imposed a penalty of three strokes for the player for hole no 5. The Ball was in play, when the player removed the loose impdiment in the hazard. The player was not entitled to identify his ball in a hazard as claimed by him( R 12-2).Also, even if the ball was not his( wrong ball), he still incurs the 2 stroke penalty( Decision 13-4/16). Moreover, he cannot escape the penalty incurred under r 13-4c by proceeding under R 26-1c( Decision 13-4/17) Hence, he was imposed a penalty of 2 strokes under R13-4c and 1 stroke underR 26-1c, totalling three strokes for his action.
Rules Ravi

Rules incidents

I am trying to compile case studies and Rules incidents . I hope to illustrate these incidents and cases to highlight many of the finer points of the Rules. Readers are welcome to send details of various incidents they encounter and share their views. As a practising referee, on many occassions, gathering evidence and arriving at what constitutes reasonable evidence is the most difficult part of the job. I would welcome reports from the readers, especially from Rules officials.
Rules Ravi