The recently concluded ALL India Amateur Golf did not pose many Rules incidents, except the controversial prohibition of practice putting between holes, illustrated in my last post.However, as a referee I have to deal with one referral in the Finals.Jha took a fast 4 up lead in the 36 hole hole final.Shoel, the eventual winner, clawed back and reduced the lead to 2 holes after 7th.After Shoel won the 8th hole, Jha claimed that while conceding a putt to him , Shoel tapped the ball back to him. Jha wanted to know if this action constituted a breach of Rule 16-1d-testing the surface of Green. I answered in the negative as casual rolling back or tapping the ball back, does not constitute a breach.( Decision 16-1d/1.)
The Question for referees will be what constitutes a breach of Rule 16-1d?Some guidelines are given in Decisions 16-1d/2.The test will be if the player purposely rolls the ball back and tries to assess the speed and break of the green. But, it is still a difficult task for the referee to establish this question of fact. The line separating will be the interpretation of the referee if the act is casual or deliberate.
1 comment:
USGA golf rules can be very confusing. This illustrated version makes them clear and easy to understand with excellent illustrations and relevant examples. Great book for anyone wanting to learn the proper application of the rules.
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