A uncommon occasion the place hoofing it on the course is an issue.
Getty Pictures
The Guidelines of Golf are difficult! Fortunately, we’ve received the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Obtained a query? He’s received all of the solutions.
The deer round my residence course usually run via the bunkers. Charming… however can I easy the tracks if my ball involves relaxation in a hoofprint? —Shay Ballard, Prescott, Ariz.
Whereas deer tracks might, er, tick us off, you possibly can’t easy them, as a result of smoothing isn’t allowed if it improves the circumstances affecting the stroke — aka CATS.
Even when Mannequin Native Rule F-13, which treats harm by animal hoofs (or paws) as floor beneath restore, is in impact, you continue to wouldn’t be allowed to easy however would get a free drop as a substitute. We’ll focus on deer droppings one other time.
Rules Guy: Can you take free relief from an animal hole in a bunker?
For extra animal-related steerage from our guru, learn on …
As my good friend and I have been approaching his tee shot within the fairway, a fox trotted out of the woods, sniffed the ball after which urinated on it. Is my good friend allowed to wash or change the ball? —David Cole, by way of e mail
Effectively, presumably not like the now “marked” golf ball, the principles listed here are lower and dried.
In fairness, the participant is entitled to the lie current when the ball got here to relaxation. Thus, your good friend might elevate and clear the ball. If there is, um, “informal water” current, the participant can take reduction beneath Rule 25-1, which additionally permits the ball to be cleaned (and disinfected).
Need assistance unriddling the greens at your property course? Decide up a customized Green Book from Golf Logix.
Obtained a query in regards to the Guidelines? Ask the Guidelines Man! Ship your queries, confusions and feedback to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he gained’t throw the ebook at you.
