Written by: Darin Green, Director of Rules and Competitions
Most players have had situations on the golf course where two players do not agree or where they are not certain. Players may not agree, or know, where a ball entered a penalty area, they may not agree on a score made by player, or they may not agree if a player took relief properly. When it comes to questions of fact like these, what responsibilities does a player have to gather information and make the most correct decision?
Rule 1.3b “Applying the Rules” gives us guidance on how to handle these situations. Unlike nearly all other sports, players are responsible for applying the Rules to themselves and are expected to be honest in applying their own penalties.
When it is necessary to decide questions of fact, a player is responsible for considering not only his or her own knowledge of the facts, but also all other information that is reasonably available. That includes other players, caddies, spectators, officials, etc. For example, if a player hit a tee shot 200 yards down the hole and the ball bounced into a red penalty and there was a spectator standing nearby who saw the ball bounce into the water, the information from the spectator should be used to determine the most accurate point where the ball crossed the red line.
While running junior tournaments our staff have heard arguments from parents that the players and Tournament Committee should not use any information provided from spectators, but that is not true. Golf is a game of honesty and integrity and we must assume everyone is acting in that manner. It is the player’s responsibility, along with the Tournament Committee to get information from anyone with knowledge of the situation to decide questions of fact.
Quickly gather as much information as reasonable possibly and make the best decision.
Enjoy the cooler weather and good luck on the course!
