Rullin on # 11 Augusta

[Farzin]

Interesting ruling on # 11 Augusta

After Ernie drove his tee shot into the woods on # 11, he had a couple of unsuccessful tries to move fallen tree branches whitout moving his ball. The ball was unplayable as it lied. He called the ruling officials (3 of them) to give him a ruling that allows him for a free drop. Because he is not in the hazard and those branches are not supposed to be there, He got a free drop by the decree of top golf ruling official.
Now the question.
After the ice storm we have tons of fallen branches or trees in many courses in Ottawa and surrounding area that are not supposed to be there, or they are not removed yet. What is the ruling if one of those branches become an obstacle to one's swing or the ball becomes unplaybale becouse of those fallen branches and tree. Is one allowed a free drop?

[Gary Hill]

Hanifi - NO.

In Els case, it was ruled that the branches were "piled for removal by the greenkeeper".

Therefore, he was allowed relief under Rule 25 (Ground Under Repair).

[Farzin]

Hanifi - NO.

In Els case, it was ruled that the branches were "piled for removal by the greenkeeper".

Therefore, he was allowed relief under Rule 25 (Ground Under Repair).

I agree, but it WAS NOTmarked as ground undre repair though.

[Gary Hill]

Definitions

Ground Under Repair

“Ground under repair’’ is any part of the course so marked by order of the Committee or so declared by its authorized representative.

It includes material piled for removal and a hole made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked.

All ground and any grass, bush, tree or other growing thing within the ground under repair is part of the ground under repair.

The margin of ground under repair extends vertically downward, but not upward.
Stakes and lines defining ground under repair are in such ground. Such stakes are obstructions.

A ball is in ground under repair when it lies in or any part of it touches the ground under repair.

It doesn't have to be marked because its is usual for course maintenance to be carried on while the players are playing. The greenkeepers may cut up a dead tree or dig an irrigation hole without the knowledge of the Committee.