Useful Local Rules for Golfers During the Rainy Season
Clean the Ball and Place Within 6 Inches
Moved Ball Is Valid, 1 Penalty Stroke If Touched
Golf has no referees. It is a "gentleman's sport" where golfers play by following the rules themselves. The golf rules are "assistants" created to help with play. If well understood and properly applied, they can greatly aid in score management. These are golf rules that weekend golfers must know.
Even tour players can make mistakes. Lydia Ko (New Zealand), ranked 3rd in the world, made an error. It happened during the 4th round of the Dana Open (total prize money $1.75 million) on the LPGA Tour, which concluded last week at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, USA. She scored an even-par 71 but received 7 penalty strokes for rule violations, resulting in a 7-over-par 78.
Lydia Ko misunderstood the "Preferred Lies Rule" and played accordingly. The tournament committee announced that the "Preferred Lies Rule" would only be applied on the 1st hole (par 4) and the 10th hole (par 4), but Lydia Ko mistakenly believed the rule applied on all holes and picked up, cleaned, and replaced her ball on the 3rd hole (par 4), 7th hole (par 5), and 9th hole (par 4) as well.
The basic principle in golf is to play the ball as it lies. However, the situation changes when it rains. If the ball is covered with mud, normal play is not possible. The "Preferred Lies Rule" can help in such cases. It is a local rule temporarily applied during bad weather such as the rainy season.
Players are allowed to pick up the ball, clean it, and continue play. This applies only to balls on the fairway. The purpose is to prevent disadvantages from well-hit shots. According to the newly revised rules, marking the ball is not necessary. However, marking is recommended for accurate play. The ball may be replaced with a new one. However, if the "One Ball Rule" is in effect, the replacement must be within that scope.
The size of the relief area varies slightly by tournament. It is chosen from three options: the length of the scorecard, 6 inches (about 15.24 cm), or one club length, on the side away from the green. If the ball is placed outside this range, it is considered "Out of Play" and results in a two-stroke penalty. After placing the ball, even if the spot is unfavorable, the ball must be played as it lies. The moved ball is considered a valid ball. Touching it incurs a one-stroke penalty. Before starting the round, players should agree with their playing partners on the "Preferred Lies Rule." It helps protect the course, prevent injuries, and manage scores.
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