Rules Modification •
When I first read this, I literally did not believe what I thought I had just read and had to reread it.
I know as a minimum for over two decades, a variation on this situation has periodically appeared on USGA/PGA Workshop practical exercises and on the validation tests. Though, generally has always been problematic to determine the proper Rule cited for a breach.
But make no doubt, it was always recognized as a breach. Just as the tee markers lose their status and can become a movable obstruction, the teeing ground lost it's protected status once that firs stroke was made. This interpretation turns all of that on its head and is done with no roll-out or fanfare that has been afforded most of the other major changes.
I don't like it and would not be surprised if it is eventually reascended. I As Thom pointed out, it is in direct opposition to one of the three major principles that has guided the Rules of our game.
I know as a minimum for over two decades, a variation on this situation has periodically appeared on USGA/PGA Workshop practical exercises and on the validation tests. Though, generally has always been problematic to determine the proper Rule cited for a breach.
But make no doubt, it was always recognized as a breach. Just as the tee markers lose their status and can become a movable obstruction, the teeing ground lost it's protected status once that firs stroke was made. This interpretation turns all of that on its head and is done with no roll-out or fanfare that has been afforded most of the other major changes.
I don't like it and would not be surprised if it is eventually reascended. I As Thom pointed out, it is in direct opposition to one of the three major principles that has guided the Rules of our game.
Statistics: Posted by doc568 — 1:40 AM - Today