Ball-Marker Helping or Interfering with Play

It has become apparent, quite a few people believe that it is ok to ask another player to leave a ball on the Putting Green whilst he or she plays on to the Green. In Stroke play, it is not and will result in penalties. Remember, Stroke play is a form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition and therefore, you are playing the whole field, not just the group you're with.

Here's what the Rules of Golf state at Rule 15.3a:

"15.3 Ball or Ball-Marker Helping or Interfering with Play"

a) Ball on Putting Green Helping Play

Rule 15.3a applies only to a ball at rest on the putting green, not anywhere else on the course.

If a player reasonably believes that a ball on the putting green might help anyone’s play (such as by serving as a possible backstop near the hole), the player may:

• Mark the spot of the ball and lift it under Rule 13.1b if it is his or her own ball, or if the ball belongs to another player, require the other player to mark the spot and lift the ball (see Rule 14.1).

• The lifted ball must be replaced on its original spot (see Rule 14.2).

In stroke play only:

• A player who is required to lift a ball may play first instead.

• If two or more players agree to leave a ball in place to help any player, and that player then makes a stroke with the helping ball left in place, each player who made the agreement gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes).

I hope this has been helpful to eliminate confusion; please pass on to get the word around.

Finally, if you have any Golf Rules questions, don't hesitate to stop me and ask (but not whilst I'm playing!)

Terry Hembrow