off the tee into a hazard???

[jsaikaley]

My playing partners and I have agreed that off the tee into a hazard is a drop from point of entry no closer to the hole. And tee ball into OB is stroke and distance, 3 off the tee.

Are we within the rules? What happens when you hit a ball in the trees and can't find the ball. Is this where a provisional ball comes into play. If a provisional is not played, what then?

Thank in advance for clearing up some of the confusion.

[jvincent]

Generally speaking, what you described is USUALLY correct, and as such there is no problem.

However, if the rules make your friendly drop "ruling" incorrect (OB is always stroke and distance) you have agreed to waive the rules, and you would be disqualified in competition. See rule 1-3 below:

"Players must not agree to exclude the operation of any Rule or to waive any penalty incurred.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 1-3:
Match play — Disqualification of both sides;
Stroke play — Disqualification of competitors concerned. "

Your ball lost in the trees is covered by the lost ball rule, i.e. replay from the original position. If you are unsure if a ball is lost, then a provisional can be played to avoid having to walk back to where the original was played.

The RCGA website has the rules manual online, BTW.

[Gary Hill]

Generally speaking, what you described is USUALLY correct, and as such there is no problem.

It is irrelevant whether or not the ball is dropped at a point which conforms to the Water Hazard Rule.

The agreement by itself is grounds for disqualification.

[jvincent]

It is irrelevant whether or not the ball is dropped at a point which conforms to the Water Hazard Rule.

The agreement by itself is grounds for disqualification.

Damn, I thought I had that one.