2019 Rules Discussions •

Mr. Bean wrote:

Bearcub7 wrote:‘In your second example you are unfortunately making an error. When a ball is dropped or (re)placed it is in play (see Rule 14.4) as soon as it has left player's fingers. So a dropped ball is in play even before it has hit the ground. This has been verified by the R&A’

This statement surely can’t be right as if the ball doesn’t come to rest inside the relief area it is not in play?

Bearcup, what you write is a (way too) common misunderstanding and unfortunately involuntarily supported by most if not all referees on pro Tours. After a player has dropped their ball and the drop is good those guys say 'ball is in play'. This creates both players as well as spectators the illusion that a ball is in play only when the drop is good. But as Rule 14.4 says a ball is in play even if it was dropped or placed in a wrong place, wrong way of procedurally incorrectly.

STATISTICS: Posted by Richard J S — 5:28 AM - Today