Areas of the Course
The 2019 version of the Rules of Golf has five defined areas that make up the course. Those areas are the general area; and four specific areas: the teeing area, penalty areas, bunkers, and the putting green.
The area of the course where a player’s ball lies affects the Rules that apply in playing the ball or taking relief.
A ball is always treated as lying in only one area of the course:
- If part of the ball is in both the general area and one of the four specific areas of the course, it is treated as lying in that specific area of the course.
Check out the attached PDF, for further explanation and visual examples of the five defined areas of the course.
Penalty Areas
The term “Hazard” has been eliminated in the 2019 version of the Rules of Golf. Instead of lateral hazards and water hazards, we will now be dealing with red penalty areas and yellow penalty areas.
Along with the change in the terminology come some changes in what players are allowed to do within a penalty area, and options for relief from a penalty area.
Check out the PDF below and/or the provided USGA links to see what has changed and what has remained the same.
Additional Links:
USGA Video Explanation of Penalty Areas (1:25)
USGA Visual Explanation of the Elimination of Opposite Side Relief for Red Penalty Areas
Relief
It’s hard to imagine a rule change which will more directly impact high school golf than the changes involving finding relief and dropping once the relief area has been established.
Key New Terms:
- Reference Point – The point from which the size of relief area is measured. Finding the reference point will vary based on your situation.
- Relief Area – The area where you must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule.
Penalties to Know:
- Dropping a ball illegally: There is no penalty for illegally dropping a ball, however a player must redrop legally. Simple examples of an illegal drop would be dropping from the incorrect height, shoulder height for example, or a dropped ball hitting the player, or his/her equipment before striking the ground.
- Playing a ball that has been illegally dropped: 1 Stroke penalty
- Playing a ball that has come to rest outside of the relief area: 2 Stroke penalty as the player has played from an incorrect spot.
Dropping
USGA Video Explaining New Procedure for Dropping a Ball
Additional Links:
USGA Videos
- Measuring the Size of the Relief Area Where a Ball Must be Dropped and Played
- New Procedure for Dropping a Ball
- The significant change that requires the ball to be dropped in, come to rest in, and played from the relief area.
Embedded Ball
Rule 16.3 in the 2019 version of The Rules of Golf grants relief for an embedded ball in the general area (formally known as through the green) at anytime (minus the two exceptions below).
Exceptions – When Relief Not Allowed for Ball Embedded in General Area:
- When your ball is embedded in sand in a part of the general area that is not cut to fairway height or less (such as a waste bunker, or desert area), or
- When interference by anything other than your ball being embedded makes your stroke clearly unreasonable (for example, when you are unable to make a stroke because of where your ball lies in a bush).
Depicting when a ball is embedded and how to take relief from that situation.
Abnormal Course Conditions
In the 2019 version of the Rules of Golf, there are no major changes to abnormal course conditions and the relief provided from them. Therefore, this week we are simply going to review.
This USGA video helps define and explain taking relief from abnormal course conditions.
When Relief is Allowed
- Anywhere on the course except in a penalty area, free relief is allowed from interference of swing or stance by animal holes, ground under repair, immovable obstructions or temporary water.
- A player does not receive relief if it is clearly unreasonable to play the ball for a reason other than an abnormal course condition (for example, the ball lies in a bush).
- When a players ball lies on a putting green, they receive relief when swing, stance, or intended line of play are interfered with by an abnormal course condition.
- When it is known or virtually certain a player’s ball is lost within an abnormal course condition.
- A player must use the estimated point where the ball last crossed the edge of the abnormal course condition for the purposes of finding the nearest point of relief.
Links:
USGA Video explaining abnormal course conditions and taking relief from such conditions
Link to PDF of USGA graphics explaining abnormal course conditions
Lost Ball and Provisional Ball
Lost Ball
Under Rule 18.2 in the 2019 version of The Rules of Golf, the time permitted to search for a ball (before the ball becomes lost) has been reduced from 5 minutes to 3 minutes.
When a Ball is Considered Out of Bounds
Procedure for a Ball Deemed Lost or Out of Bounds
Provisional Ball Rule 18.3
As we all know, few things can help pace of play like the use of a provisional ball. The procedure in announcing a provisional ball remains basically the same in the 2019 version of The Rules of Golf, however, there have been some key changes to address.
Rule Changes
Announcement of Provisional Ball
- Although Rule 18.3b does not specify to whom the announcement of a provisional ball must be made, an announcement must be made so that people in the vicinity of the player can hear it. (Previously the announcement had to be made to a players marker or playing competitor.)
- If there are no other people nearby to hear the player’s announcement (such as when a player has returned to the teeing area after briefly searching for his or her ball), the player is considered to have correctly announced that he or she has the intent to play a provisional ball provided that the player informs someone of that when it becomes possible to do so.
- When announcing the intent to play a provisional ball, it is best if the player uses the word “provisional” in his or her announcement. However, the USGA has softened their stance on this topic and now allow other statements that make it clear that the player’s intent is to play a provisional ball.
- For example “I’m playing a ball under 18.3” or “I’m going to play another just in case” clearly identify a players intent to play a provisional.
- However, statements such as “I’m going to re-load” or “I’m going to play another” do not satisfy the USGA’s requirement of clear intent.
Next Week’s Topic:
Next week we will look at local rules and how the USGA’s website can help save us time when putting together our own local rules sheet. We will also cover a new local rule not designed for competitive play.
Local Rules
Golf is designed around the principles of playing the ball as it lies and playing the course as it is found. However, conditions don’t always allow for this to be the case.
When weather, course conditions, or other circumstances don’t allow the course to be played as it is found or the ball as it lies, it is the responsibility of the committee to establish local rules.
When setting local rules it is imperative the principles set by USGA are adhered to and, whenever possible, USGA model text should be used on local rule sheets.
Principles for Setting Local Rules:
The USGA and R&A have set guidelines for establishing local rules. It is as imperative we follow these expectations as closely as we expect our players to follow the Rules of Golf. The USGA’s principles can be found in full text here.
- If the Committee believes that a Local Rule not covered by these principles may be needed because of local abnormal conditions that interfere with fair play, it should:
- Consult USGA.org to check if an additional Model Local Rule is available to cover such a condition, or
- Consult the USGA directly.
WIAA/GCAW Hard Card
The WIAA/GCAW hard card is linked here. It is strongly suggested this hard card be in effect during every Wisconsin High School golf competition ensuring all events are played under the same rules. The hard card should be printed and provided to all athletes and coaches at each competition.
Common Local Rules
The WIAA/GCAW hard card should be used as a minimum when establishing local rules for an event. Many times weather, course conditions, or other special circumstances may result in the need for additional local rules. In those cases, the committee should use the USGA model text. The USGA’s model text for all local rules can be found here, or in the newest edition of The Rules of Golf.
Local Rule E-5: NOT TO BE USED
The USGA has created a local rule, for recreational play only, providing an alternative to the penalty of stroke and distance when a ball is lost or out of bounds. The USGA and R&A clearly state this rule is not appropriate for competitive play.
Today’s Links:
USGA Relaxed Requirements and Reduced Penalties
Ball in Motion Accidentally Deflected
There is no longer a penalty for accidental deflection of a ball in motion. Note the key word of accidental. If a player should intentionally deflect their ball, or intentionally place equipment in a location that may deflect or stop their ball, the player would still be subject to the general penalty (2 Strokes).
Ball Accidentally Moved on the Putting Green
Under Rule 13.1d, there is no longer a penalty if a player (or opponent) accidentally causes the player’s ball to move on the putting green.
Putting With the Flagstick In
Under Rule 13.2a(2): There is no longer a penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits a flagstick left in the hole.
When a Ball is Considered Holed
Under Rule 13.2c: If a player’s ball comes to rest against the flagstick left in the hole and any part of the ball is in the hole below the surface of the putting green, the ball is treated as holed even if the entire ball is not below the surface.
For example, the ball pictured below would be considered holed.
Repairing Damage on a Putting Green
Rule 13.1c(2) allows repair of almost any damage on the green:
- “Damage on the putting green” is defined to include all types of damage (such as ball-marks, shoe damage, indentations from a club or flagstick, animal damage, etc.), except aeration holes, natural surface imperfections or natural wear of the hole.
Double Contact of the Ball
Under Rule 10.1a there is no longer a penalty for accidental double contact when striking the ball.
Ball Moved During Search
Under Rule 7.4, if a player accidentally moves his or her ball while searching for it:
- The player gets no penalty for causing it to move, and
- The ball is always replaced; if the exact spot is not known, the player will replace the ball on the estimated original spot (including on, under or against any attached natural or man-made objects which the ball had been at rest under or against).
Moving Loose Impediments in a Bunker
Under Rules 12.2a and 12.2b, the player is now allowed to touch or move loose impediments in a bunker and is generally allowed to touch the sand with a hand or club; but a limited prohibition continues so that the player must not:
- Deliberately touch the sand in a bunker with a hand, club, rake or other object to test the condition of the sand to learn information for the stroke, or
- Touch the sand in a bunker with a club in making a practice swing, in grounding the club right in front of or behind the ball, or in making the backswing for a stroke.
Today’s Links
- USGA Video detailing a ball accidentally moved on the putting green
- USGA video explaining putting with the flagstick in
- Golf.com video explaining repairing damage on a putting green
- USGA video explaining a ball accidentally moved during search
- USGA video explaining relaxed bunker restrictions
Pace of Play and Etiquette
The USGA has used the 2019 version of The Rules of Golf to stress the importance of etiquette and pace of play.
Simple modifications have been made to some rules with the intent of improving pace of play, such as removing the need to for a player to announce their intention when lifting ball, putting the trust of each player to do the right thing, and to do so in a timely manner.
The Rules of Golf now strongly recommend committees create and enforce pace play expectations and provide guidance on how to do so in section 5G of Committee Procedures.
Pace of Play: Rule 5.6(b) encourages prompt pace of play by recommending that a player recognizes their pace of play affects others, sets a time limit for individual shots recommending a player should make a stroke in no less than 40 seconds, and states committees should adopt a Pace of Play Policy.
The WIAA instituted a 40 second shot clock in 2012.
In addition, Rule 6.4.b.1(b) expressly allows playing out of turn in the name of ready golf. Please encourage ready golf both before, and during competitive rounds.
Expected Standards of Player Conduct
Rule 1.2(a) speaks directly to the high standards of conduct expected from players; mentioning behavior we all expect – integrity, consideration for others, and caring for the course.
The USGA has again empowered the committee to help shape the behavior they find important. Rule 1.2(b) allows a committee to set standards for player conduct. An example of this would be conference coaches drafting local rules, along with the penalty for violation of these rules, outlining behavioral expectations for all conference play.
There are two new rule changes that force us to put more trust into our athletes.
Elimination of Requirement to Announce Intention
- As mentioned earlier, a player no longer needs to announce their intention when marking and lifting their ball. So if a player needs to lift their ball to identify it, they simply do so. However, it is still on the player to do so under the Rules of Golf.
- USGA video explaining the elimination of the requirement to announce the player’s intent to lift a ball
Reasonable Judgment in Estimating and Measuring
- Rule 1.3b(2) states that when the player estimates or measures a spot, point, line, area or other location, his or her reasonable judgment is accepted.
- It’s really just a lot of jargon stating if a player does everything he/she can do to figure out where their ball entered a hazard, or where they should drop, we are going to trust their judgement.
- USGA graphic briefly explaining reasonable judgment.
- However, it must be stated again, that this does not allow for ignorance of the rules. Blatant violations can, and should, still result in penalty or disqualification.
Today’s Links
USGA video encouraging prompt pace of play
Bunkers
Today we focus on all things bunker. In the video linked here the USGA does a great job breaking down much of what is permitted and prohibited when a players ball lies in a bunker. The text and graphics below identify when a players ball is in a bunker, options for a player should they deem their ball unplayable when in a bunker, and lastly a refresher on abnormal ground conditions within a bunker.
When is a ball “In a bunker”
The 2019 edition of The Rules of Golf states a players ball is in a bunker when any part of the ball:
- Touches sand on the ground inside the edge of the bunker, or
- Is inside the edge of the bunker and rests:
- On ground where sand normally would be (such as where sand was blown or washed away by wind or water), or
- In or on a loose impediment, movable obstruction, abnormal course condition or integral object that touches sand in the bunker or is on ground where sand normally would be.
However, If a ball lies on soil or grass or other growing or attached natural objects inside the edge of the bunker without touching any sand, the ball is not in the bunker.
Unplayable Lie in a Bunker
See the diagram below for relief options when a players ball is in a bunker and they deem their ball unplayable.
Abnormal Course Conditions in a Bunker
See the USGA Graphic below explaining relief for an abnormal ground condition when in a bunker.
Today’s Links
Unplayable Lie Within the General Area
In the video linked here and in the graphic below, the USGA explains the three options provided to a player should they deem their ball unplayable.
Today’s Links
USGA video explaining unplayable lies in the general area
Preferred Lies vs. Cleaning the Ball
Weather permitting, we are only a few short weeks from competitive high school golf. Those early season rounds will no doubt bring sloppy fairways, mucky rough, and as a result, mud covered golf balls.
As we all know, the USGA allows local rules to help combat these issues. However, the cut of the grass in which the players ball lies (within the general area) directly affects which local rule the USGA has designed for use.
E-3 Preferred Lies
Preferred Lies, commonly called “Winter Rules”, is designed by the USGA to be used when a player’s ball lies in part of the general area cut to fairway height or less. It is not designed to be used throughout the entire general area. The USGA suggests not using this rule throughout the general area to avoid players taking relief from other circumstances which makes the ball more difficult to play, such as being behind a tree or in a bush.
- Preferred Lies allows a player to place their ball (either the original or a different ball) within a designated relief area.
E-2 Cleaning Ball
While preferred lies is designed to be used when a players ball lies in a portion of the general area cut to fairway height or less, local rule E-2 Cleaning Ball, can be used throughout the general area. This provides a player relief from the dreaded mud ball, but does not allow them to get around a tree or out of a bush.
- E-2 Cleaning Ball allows a player to mark their ball, lift it, clean it, and then replace the ball in the same spot from which they lifted. Note: under this local rule the player must place the same ball they lifted
Embedded Ball
We covered embedded ball back in week four, but just a quick review, the 2019 edition of The Rules of Golf allow a player to take relief from an embedded ball anywhere in the general area with two exceptions. Visit the week four link to review relief procedures and the exceptions to relief.
Player/Coach Search for a Ball
In Week 6 – Lost Ball and Provisional Ball we looked briefly at rule 18.2, in which the search time for a ball changed from five minutes (2018 rule) to three minutes (2019 Rule). Today we will look a bit closer at that rule, specifically what it means to us as coaches.
Both the WSGA and the WIAA have stated coaches will be treated the same as a caddie when it comes to searching for a player’s possible lost ball.
Rule 18.2 states “The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after you or your caddie begin to search for it.”
When does search time start?
Because a coach is treated as a caddie when searching for a lost ball, the three minute search time officially begins when either the coach or the player arrive at the search area.
Coach is not required to search before the player arrives
18.2a(1)/2 – Caddie Is Not Required to Start Searching for Player’s Ball Before Player
- A player may instruct his or her caddie not to begin searching for his or her ball.
- For example, a player hits a long drive into heavy rough and another player hits a short drive into heavy rough. The player’s caddie starts walking ahead to the location where the player’s ball might be to start searching. Everyone else, including the player, walks towards the location where the other player’s ball might be to look for that player’s ball.
- The player may direct his or her caddie to look for the other player’s ball and delay search for his or her ball until everyone else can assist.
Only the player or the player’s coach start the official search time
Other players, coaches from other teams, parents, spectators, rules officials, even teammates may all begin a search without the official time starting. Time only begins when the player or a player’s coaches arrive in the search area.