[Golf Rules... Knowledge Is Power] When the Ball Hits a Tree and Comes In

Park Hyun-kyung Wins Twice at McCol·Mona Yongpyong Open
Ball Hits Tree at 18th Hole and First Playoff, Stops on Fairway
Wins with No Penalty Play from Stopped Spot

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.

Park Hyun-kyung is cheering after making a 'winning birdie' on the first hole of the Maccol·Mona Yongpyong Open extension.
[Photo by KLPGA]

Perhaps because of the good deeds accumulated over time, the tree saved her twice. This is the story of "Cutieful" Park Hyun-kyung. It happened during the final 3rd round of the McColㆍMona Yongpyong Open of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour held on the 30th of last month at Birch Hill Golf Club (par 72) in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do. The tee shot on the last 18th hole (par 5) veered to the right. Fortunately, it hit a pine tree and landed back on the fairway. Park Hyun-kyung made par on this hole, pushing the competition into a playoff.

Her opponent for the victory was Choi Ye-rim. Luck came again on the first hole of the playoff, which was played on the same hole. The tee shot hit a tree and landed in a spot that did not interfere with the next shot. In the playoff, this led to a 5-meter birdie opportunity, and she made the birdie putt to secure her third win of the season and seventh overall, winning in a playoff for the second consecutive week. "At first, the ball hit the tree on the open side, and the second time, the wind suddenly blew strongly, pushing the ball sharply to the right. When I heard the sound of the ball hitting the tree, I thought, 'Oh, I'm done for.' Both times were lucky. I received a miraculous gift."

In golf, the basic principle is to play the ball as it lies. If the ball hits a tree and lands in a playable area, the next shot can be played without penalty. Winning is not easy for professional players. Most retire without a single victory in their lifetime. Skill and luck must accompany a player to reach the top. Park Hyun-kyung said, "Rather than the prize money title, I definitely want to win the Player of the Year award," and added, "I want to achieve 10 career wins before I retire."