How can knowing the rules help you improve your score? Have you ever seen a case where knowing the rules saved someone a stroke or two?
Knowing the rules will not only keep the integrity of the game, but will help you play your best round of golf each time you go out to play. Many times, not knowing a rule may lead to a player losing strokes or taking a higher score then necessary.
Recently after watching a tournament a fan sent in the following question:
When watching the RICOH Women's British Open on August 2 on the final hole a player had a putt of about 29 meters. She walked down the line of putt and removed loose impediments. However, in doing so, she (inadvertently) placed/rested her putter next to her on same line of putt. This is a transgression of Rule 16-1a and she should probably have been penalized.
Inus, a fan from South Africa watches and plays golf and he has also completed R&A level 2 rules school.
Thanks Inus for your question and interest in learning the rules. The Rules of Golf are fascinating and the more you learn, the more you understand their principles.
According to LPGA Rules Official Dan Maselli, "Because, as stated the act was inadvertent, the player would not be penalized in this case. Yes, the line of putt must not be touched, but the act must be intentional. We get that distinction from Decision 16-1a/12 with a player walking on her line of putt."
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