The Death of Chivalry (R15)
She looked at Foremost …. a simple question in her eyes. They traded stares for what seemed like an eternity. An awkward silence ensued.
Issue
Would Foremost mark his damn ball?
Facts
F’s ball was in the fringe on the 9th hole of HCC, six inches off the putting green. DD was 4 feet off the putting green with a putter in her hand. F’s ball was directly in her putting line.
Ruling
A gentleman always, F would have loved to take the initiative in this situation by swooping down and marking his ball, which was clearly in DD’s putting line. Unfortunately, however, F was mindful of R15.3b, under which a player may not lift his own ball (except on the putting green) based upon his own belief that his ball might interfere with another player’s play. He would have incurred a penalty stroke!
In this situation, if she wanted relief from F’s ball interference, it was DD’s obligation under the Rule to ask F to mark and lift his ball.
Trying to be polite, DD asked F if he expected her to knock his ball onto the putting surface. F could sense a growing frustration. The situation was resolved amicably when F decided he better move his damn ball anyway.
As usual, all comments or corrections are welcome!
Respectfully submitted,
F
5 thoughts on “The Death of Chivalry (R15)”
If DD could chip, she could have gone right over the ball. Don’t cross her on the putting green, she may come at you with her putter!
Never mess with a drummer holding a putter
Why wouldn’t the always gentlemanly F just play first if she didn’t know to ask. Then explain the rule to DD after the whole was completed?
Gentlemen never “play first” out of turn and ahead of a lady. They always hold the door. Did you not learn this at Citadel?
You couldn’t eloquently handle that situation? Maybe you are taking the rules too far. Also you didn’t mention if this was a match play event? If not, the “ready golf” guideline could apply. The “hold door comment” is just stirring the pot (very CNN esk)
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