Golfing : You also can Part 9: Rules of golf introduced in the 2012 edition

Sport
CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEKRule 12-1, Seeing ball; searching for ball: This rule has been rephrased for clarity. In doing so an amendment has been added which permits a player to search anywhere for his ball when it may be covered by sand. There is no penalty applicable if the ball is moved under such circumstances.

However, if it is believed that the player’s ball is covered by loose impediments and when searching for it the player moves his ball, a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a is applied.

Rule 19-1. Ball in motion deflected or stopped by outside agency: Some guidelines have been given on what should be done when it is proved that a ball in motion has been deflected or stopped by an outside agency. If this happens (a) “after a stroke from anywhere other than on the putting green, the spot where the ball would have come to rest must be estimated”, and if it is (b) “after a stroke on the putting green, the stroke is cancelled.

 

The ball must be replaced and replayed.” In both two situations, if the outside agency referred to is a fellow-competitor or his caddie, Rule 1-2 (exerting influence on movement of ball) applies.  Appendix 1V.  Devices and other equipment:  One other addition to the rules is an addition of a new appendix. Appendix 1V has been brought in to deal with issues relating to different devices and equipment which golfers use, so that they are regulated and uniformised. It is important for every golfer to ensure that if he is in doubt as to whether the use of a device or any other equipment would constitute a breach of the rules that he consults the R & A.

The general regulations for the design of devices and other equipment together with specifications and interpretations of the following are detailed in the new rules.

In addition to just reading the 34 rules of play I recommend that golfers spend some time too going through what is covered in the appendixes to avoid “surprise“ penalties. Know the rules. It is your responsibility.For any feedback/comments and any assistance you may need contact the writer, Tavenganiswa Mabikacheche at The Centre for Training and Research Services on email: [email protected]  or mobile no. +263712200922 /+263772319612

 

By Mabikacheche