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September - 2016 What a funny game we play. So many things happen that are beyond our control, and the things that we can control while playing golf, can be a mystery, as in "Hey, I didn't know you could do that!" If the hole is damaged, what do I do? In 2009, I wrote about the Rule that covers a hole that's damaged, and how to proceed. 16-1a/6 Damaged Hole; Procedure for Player Q. Prior to putting, a player discovers that the hole has been damaged. What is the proper procedure?
(a) If the damage is such that the proper dimensions of the hole have not been changed materially, the player should continue play without repairing the hole. If he touches the hole in such circumstances, a breach of Rule 16-1a occurs. (b) If the proper dimensions of the hole have been changed materially, the player should request the Committee to have the hole repaired. If a Committee member is not readily available, the player may repair the damage, without penalty. If a player repairs a materially damaged hole when a Committee member is readily available, he incurs a penalty for a breach of Rule 16-1a.
Another interesting Rule that doesn't come up very often, but I have seen this happen, is the hole liner not being sunk deep enough, or has moved after the grounds crew set up the course for the day. You probably never think about this, but the hole itself must be set up under uniform conditions from course to course, so as to keep the equity of playing conditions the same for all players. (Definition of Hole)
Under 16/4, a (Revised) Rule covers the possibility of the hole itself not being set up properly, or has become damaged and does not meet the requirements to be playable under the Rules of Golf. 16/4 Hole-Liner Not Sunk Deep Enough
Now you know… Derek Duesler |