The Ball
Marker
The Ball marker normally does not
merit any discussion among the college of referees. However, a routine incident
in a friendly four ball match generated heated discussions among us. A player’s
marker was moved by the practice swing of his partner. When my opinion was sought,
I ruled that the player (not the partner) incurred a penalty stroke under R
20-1 and application of R 18-2(which penalizes the player if the ball at rest
is moved/caused to be moved by his partner).
As this incident was widely debated, I thought I will put my
views in this blog. The Ball Marker, though unheralded, plays an important
role. It represents the ball when it is marked and lifted. It is also a movable
obstruction like a flagstick. Like flagstick, there are special rules - Rule
20-1 and 20-3 which applies to Ball Marker distinct from Rule 24-1 which
applies to Movable Obstructions.
The important implication of Rule 20-1 and 20-3 is that when
a ball marker is moved which cannot be directly attributable to the act of
lifting, marking, Placing, Replacing of the Ball/the ball marker, there is an
embracing penalty of one stroke. However, R 20-1 /20-3 does not elaborate in
detail about various possibilities of movement of the ball marker unlike the series
of Rules in 18 for a ball at rest moved. The Decisions also mention a few
passing incidents relating to the movement of Ball marker. It will be fit to
compare the consequences of movement of the ball marker with the movement of
the Ball at rest as spelt out in the Rules (R18) and Decisions.
1.
Ball Marker Moved by an Outside Agency: This is almost fully compliant with R 18-1. (Dec
20-1/9)The Ball Marker must be replaced without penalty. The test of virtual
certainty is also applicable. Decision 20-1/10.5 directs replacement of ball
marker if moved by wind/casual water agency, unlike a ball at rest moved by
wind.
2.
Ball Marker Moved by Player: It is almost
comparable with R 18-2. The Player incurs a penalty stroke and the marker to be
replaced. (D 20-1/15.5, D 20-1/8). While R 20-1 is not explicit about the
partner moving the player’s marker, it will be fair to apply R 18-2 and hold
the player responsible for his partner’s aberrations. An important distinction
between R 20-1 and R 18-2 is “Touches Purposely”. While R 18-2 applies a
penalty, the penalty seems to be exempt for purposely touching a ball marker(D
20-1/6.5)
3.
Ball Marker moved by Opponent
etc in Match Play—Though Rule 20-1 is not explicit, Decision 20-1/7,
confirms penalty and replacement of marker by applying equity(R 1-4) like R
18-3
4.
Ball Marker Moved by Fellow competitor in stroke
play- As in R 18-4, no penalty as fellow competitor is an outside agency.
5.
Ball Marker moved by another ball in motion: In
my view, there should be no penalty as in R 18-5 and the marker to be replaced.
The purpose of marking the ball, especially on the Green, is to avoid collision
of the balls. A marker on the Putting Green is more likely to be moved by a
ball in motion on the green, than elsewhere. Also, the owner of the ball, if
not marked on the green, does not incur a penalty. There should be no reason to impose a
penalty, if he marks it and the ball marker is moved. The status of the ball
marker should be a movable obstruction. In equity, there should be no penalty.
6.
Ball marker moved in Measuring: There is no penalty as clearly spelt out in R
18-6 which is one of the few special mentions for the ball marker in the R 18
series.
I will be debating two other interesting
possibilities with my fellow referees and attempt to put in the next blog. One
possibility is movement of the ball marker after address and the other, after a
dropped ball under R 20-2.
