Can I still go back to the tee?

puttnfool · 2017-09-09T03:17:03+00:00

Ok, so, if you read my post from my other thread (titled "The 70's are lurking..." now) I explain there about a situation I was in today and not sure if I ha...

Weirfan

fnufan

A provisional ball could have been played off the tee if the OP felt that his original ball was not going to be found but the provisional ball MUST be abandoned once the original ball was found. You cannot use a provisional for an unplayable ball. You can however, go back to the tee as an option , but only AFTER declaring the original ball as unplayable.

raggmann54

Was this in tournament play of some sort or did you have a satchel full of money riding on the outcome of the game??? If so, follow all the rules that even the Supreme Court would have trouble interpreting. If just a couple of guys out enjoying the game and day, grab the ball, walk out of the woods, place 2 club lengths from edge of woods and hit the ball. Take a 1 or 2 stroke penalty, agreeable with playing partner and move on. It is a game to be enjoyed, so enjoy it in the late September weather we are having.

Weirfan

raggmann54

pefcectly fine as long as the score is not entered for handicap purposes. I have many friends who don't keep one and will play by whatever rules they make up.

if you are keeping a handicap then you are obligated to play according to the rules.

puttnfool

raggmann54 Not sure what the scenario really has to do with anything. Do you only play chess by the rules when you're playing for money? What about checkers? Monopoly? Heck, any game worth playing is worth playing by the rules.

eltigrecda

puttnfool To be fair, when you play chess, checkers, Monopoly or almost any other sport - you are playing against an OPPONENT. Playing by the rules is much more important in those situations.

When you play non-competitive, stroke-play golf and do not keep a handicap (i.e., your score will not be used in future competitions against future opponents or competitors), then you're just hitting balls around the course for fun - and there is nothing really wrong with that.

puttnfool

eltigrecda you're just hitting balls around the course for fun

Exactly. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's just not golf.

atticusfinch

Why would someone post a question on a rules site to find out how to ignore the rules? BTW the ROG do not have an exclusion for non handicap rounds. They apply to ALL stipulated rounds. 😇

puttnfool

atticusfinch I had no intention of ignoring the rules. Don't think that's what you meant, but wanted to clear that up.

Sarnella

atticusfinch They apply to ALL stipulated rounds.

atticusfinch

Wouldn't that depend on the jurisdiction? In the USGA almost all scores must be recorded, casual, tournament, match, stroke. 👮

darpar

atticusfinch
Not if you play by yourself,scores don't count then....just another new stupid rule!

sdandrea1

atticusfinch ? In the USGA almost all scores must be recorded, casual, tournament, match, stroke. 👮

Says the USGA. Many don't give a shit and choose to enjoy their version of the game. Those folks are included in the group that the USGA doesn't care about.

atticusfinch

darpar Hence...."almost all"

fnufan

If they don't care about the USGA why should the USGA care about them?

But at least the USGA have done some things for them. They have given the game a framework in which to work. The players at least have basis for the rules they use. The courses the (generally) play on are affiliated to the USGA, who give them guidance and assistance (often financial). The equipment the players use is built to consistent and standard specifications so that players are potentially on an equal footing.
If the USGA didn't exist, golf in the USA would be in a shambles. But there is no law that says the USGA must be obeyed. But there is a consensus amongst many that it makes sense.

GLFTPS

fnufan You can only hit a provisional ball for a potentially lost ball or out of bounds. If you find your ball and declare it unplayable, you have the three options. Go back to original shot location, take a drop two club lengths from where the ball is and go back directly keeping the location of the ball and the hole in a straight line.

fnufan

GLFTPS
Where did I say otherwise?

Sneakylong

GLFTPS

In our group we may adopt the proposed new local rule the USGA announced where one of the options for hitting a ball out of bounds is to walk on a slight diagonal (not closer to the hole) from where it went out of bounds until you reach the fairway and then take a two club length drop in the fairway with a 2 stroke penalty.

There's a couple of other options I believe, but this one seems the best IMO. Basically it's the same as hitting a provisional and you're still lying 3 in the fairway after the drop.

This saves time and possibly golf balls. Great rule change IMO and like I said we may adopt this early rather than wait until next year.

GLFTPS

fnufan Sorry, I was looking at puttinfool's reply asking why you did not hit a provisional before leaving the tee.

Rickochet

Sneakylong In our group we may adopt the proposed new local rule the USGA announced where one of the options for hitting a ball out of bounds is to walk on a slight diagonal (not closer to the hole) from where it went out of bounds until you reach the fairway and then take a two club length drop in the fairway with a 2 stroke penalty.

I would like that rule if it only gave a 1 stroke penalty similar to a red stake boundary. Determine where it crossed the line, drop one within two club lengths with a single penalty stroke and hit your third. I don't see the wisdom in taking a 2 stroke penalty at a shorter distance than you probably would get it you hit another shot from the tee box. I think it might take more time instead of less.

Sneakylong

Rickochet

I'd like one stroke as well. However, I'm guessing they can't treat it like a red stake hazard because in that case you would have the option on hitting out of Mrs. Brown's flower bed (destroying private property) or near a busy street (possibly getting hit by a car). They could just say you have to take a drop with no option of hitting it from outside the out of bounds stake.

As I remember there were 3 options. I liked the drop in the fairway because of the time factor and you could very well drill your provisional out of bounds as well.

Rickochet

Sneakylong I'd like one stroke as well. However, I'm guessing they can't treat it like a red stake hazard because in that case you would have the option on hitting out of Mrs. Brown's flower bed (destroying private property) or near a busy street (possibly getting hit by a car).

Simple fix. Add a new stake color. Blue, black, whatever. Play it like a red stake hazard but you have no option of hitting it.

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