rolling ball

[Gary Hill]

During a long holdup on the 3rd tee, a player walks over to the 5th green which is open and rolls his ball at the hole from various locations on the green and then returns to the 3rd tee.

Any opinions?

[spidey]

This would be the same as practicing on the course. I think the wording is "practice or test".

Rule 7-2

He's only allowed to practice on the green just played if he doesn't delay play, or a practice green, or on the teeing area of the hole to be played. Hole 5 can't be one of these.

Match Play - loss of hole
Stroke Play - two strokes on hole 4

spidey

[Gary Hill]

Here is the relevant snippet from Rule 7-2.

A player shall not play a practice stroke either during the play of a hole or between the play of two holes....

Does this change anyones opinion?

[spidey]

The player did not play a stroke, he rolled the ball, but.....

Rule 7-1b

On any day of a stroke competition or play-off, a competitor shall not practice on the competition course or test the surface of any putting green on the course before a round or play-off.

....so this sounds like rolling the ball on the green of any green you haven't played yet should be a penalty.


Either way, you bring up an interesting point. It looks as though the rules don't address the player rolling the ball on a green without a practice stroke once the round has started. Hm.

spidey

[spidey]

btw, Gary.... love the new moniker!!!

Hey Dan, can anybody apply to have their monikers changed??

spidey

:

[Kilroy]

Gary is special. You have to earn them

[spidey]

So, Gary....

Does this mean that there's no rule or decision that specifically addresses this eventuality?

spidey

[Gary Hill]

There is nothing in the Rules that specifically prohibits such behavior.

However, the committee would be justified in disqualifying the player under Rule 33-7 for actions contrary to the spirit of the game.

[spidey]

Just read Rule 33-7. The USGA version doesn't quote verbiage like 'actions contrary to the spirit of the game', but it is nevertheless a pretty powerful rule. Basically, anything that isn't anywhere in the rules, can be a disqualification penalty at the discretion of the committee.

At this point, I'm thinking that the next time I play in a tournament, I'll hire Gary as my caddie, and spend the entire day checking in on him for rules. Would I have any time left to hit the ball????

spidey

[Gary Hill]

FYI- The U.S.G.A rule book, the Royal and Ancient rule book, and the R.C.G.A. rule book are the same rule book; word for word from cover to cover.

P.S. I will caddie for you if you promise not to fire me for an incorrect club count.

[Kilroy]

Just so long as he does not have the lead in "The Open" at the time, I am sure your job is safe.

[spidey]

Well... I suppose I won't fire you, but if you let us get to the first tee with too many clubs, that might make a dent in the tip I give you at the end of the round... hm?

spidey

[Gary Hill]

Can I assume my tip would increase if I save you some strokes with my Rules knowledge?

[spidey]

I would have thought that all the wind in Woosie's sails would have died if his caddie had found a way to earn back those two strokes by the end of the round...

Either way, I would at least buy you a pitcher of beer at the end of the round, and a pitcher of single-malt if you save me enough strokes to win the game.

spidey