Blowing Bug off Golf Ball

[mpare]

The following appeared in my latest copy of Golf World:

"6. Lloyd Mangrum, 1950 U.S. Open
Trailing Ben Hogan by one stroke in a three-way playoff for the U.S. Open at Merion GC, Mangrum made things easier on Hogan when he was penalized two strokes for blowing a bug off his ball on the 16th green."

Is this still rule? If so, what rule is being breached assuming that the ball doesn't move and the player doesn't physically touch the ball?

[AAA]

Decision 23-1/5 says it is permissible to blow an insect off the ball or simply remove it with your fingers.

[LobWedge]

Hey Mike, here's your answer...

...Yet Mangrum’s legacy rests as much on his reaction to adversity as upon his reputation for danger, as revealed during the 1950 U.S. Open. Hailed as the glorious Open Hogan won after coming back from a near-fatal automobile accident, Hogan prevailed only after Mangrum (and George Fazio) forced an 18-hole playoff. There, on the 17th green, Mangrum lifted his ball to brush away a bug. Under PGA rules, which he’d been playing all year, cleaning the ball was permissible. USGA rules govern the Open, however, and they did not allow for such actions. Mangrum was penalized two strokes, ending his chances of winning. Instead of complaining (or killing some pencil-necked rules official), Mangrum simply shrugged and said, “Fair enough. We’ll eat tomorrow no matter what happens.”

http://www.ruleshistory.com/rules1946.html

See Rule 9

[fundonny]

See, dumb rules CAN change. lol

[mpare]

This has been enlightening. Thanks.

[fundonny]

This has been enlightening. Thanks.

No doubt my comment in particular.

[mpare]

Any thoughts that I had with respect to this rule change would have been expressed differently.

No doubt my comment in particular.

[fundonny]

Yes, you are a tad more eloquent then I am. Just a tad though Mike, don't get all pompous on me. lol

[mpare]

Yes, you are a tad more eloquent then I am. Just a tad though Mike, don't get all pompous on me. lol

[BC MIST]

Decision 23-1/5 says it is permissible to blow an insect off the ball or simply remove it with your fingers.

Just don't do this when your ball is in a bunker as the insect is considered a loose impediment.

[mpare]

And don't ground your club either ....

Just don't do this when your ball is in a bunker as the insect is considered a loose impediment.

[justsomeguy]

Just don't do this when your ball is in a bunker as the insect is considered a loose impediment.

Actually, I think it is also OK to do this in a bunker:

23-1/5.5 Status of Insect on Ball in Bunker
Q. With regard to Decision 23-1/5, what is the ruling if the ball was in a bunker?
A. The insect is considered to be in the bunker and because it is, by definition, a loose impediment, the player may not touch or physically remove the insect from the ball (Rule 13-4c). However, as the insect is animate and capable of moving on its own, the player may take action, such as waving his hand or a club or towel, to encourage the insect to move. If the insect moves, there is no penalty provided the player has not touched the insect or the ground in the bunker, or moved another loose impediment in the bunker.

[DenisO]

Ohh, the mentor has become the mentee!

Actually, I think it is also OK to do this in a bunker:

[mpare]

I'm glad you pointed out the ruling, because I have done this in the past while under the impression that it was acceptable.

Actually, I think it is also OK to do this in a bunker:

23-1/5.5 Status of Insect on Ball in Bunker
Q. With regard to Decision 23-1/5, what is the ruling if the ball was in a bunker?
A. The insect is considered to be in the bunker and because it is, by definition, a loose impediment, the player may not touch or physically remove the insect from the ball (Rule 13-4c). However, as the insect is animate and capable of moving on its own, the player may take action, such as waving his hand or a club or towel, to encourage the insect to move. If the insect moves, there is no penalty provided the player has not touched the insect or the ground in the bunker, or moved another loose impediment in the bunker.

[LobWedge]

I'm glad you pointed out the ruling, because I have done this in the past while under the impression that it was acceptable.

Just remember...

Blow on it, or wave at it to get it to move under its own power = OK

Touch it = PENALTY

[mpare]

Don't worry about the touching part. I avoid that like the plague.

Just remember...

Blow on it, or wave at it to get it to move under its own power = OK

Touch it = PENALTY