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Rules of Golf
Rules from the Tours
11 Oct 24
4 mins
The 2024 major championship season came to an emphatic close as Lydia Ko followed up an Olympic Gold medal in Paris with a historic AIG Women’s Open victory at the home of golf in St Andrews. Now to delve into a few rulings that have taken place with some of the best players in the world over the last few months. They may just help you out with your own game.
Viktor Hovland, the Olympic Games, Le Golf National
Going into the second round of the Men’s competition at the Olympic Games, Viktor Hovland was looking for a strong start in his quest for an Olympic Gold medal. However, Hovland’s second shot found the yellow penalty area on the 1st hole. Hovland opted to take back-on-the-line relief for one penalty stroke, keeping the estimated point where the original ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area between the spot where the ball is dropped. Number two on the diagram represents the back-on-the-line penalty relief option:
After discussions with other players in the group, they concluded that Hovland had dropped the ball in a wrong place, i.e. not back-on-the-line from the hole, and so he was required to correct his mistake. As the ball was put into play using a Rule that applied to his situation (i.e. the penalty area Rule, Rule 17), Hovland had to continue to take relief under that same Rule (Rule 17), but was allowed to use any relief option under that Rule (see Rule 14.5b(2) for further details of this requirement). At this point, Hovland became aware that a dropping zone was also available for the penalty area and decided to select that option for relief instead. Unfortunately, Hovland still went on to start his day with a triple-bogey seven 7.
Eddie Pepperell, BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth Club
The eagerly anticipated DP World Tour flagship event once again returned to the stunning venue that is the Wentworth Club. Eddie Pepperell, a fans’ favourite, was involved in a ruling that is handy to be aware of for your weekly medal. Pepperell’s ball landed on a cart path and came to rest in the rough. Due to the resulting large black mark on the ball from striking the cart path, the player asked if the ball could be substituted. Substitution is only allowed under Rule 4.2c if the ball was cut or cracked but not simply for a mark or it’s paint being discoloured so Pepperell had to continue with the original ball. The referee rightly reminded the player that preferred lies were in operation due to the inclement weather, therefore, the next time he was on grass cut to fairway height or less and he was preferring his lie, he would be able to substitute the ball under Model Local Rule E-3 (preferred lies). Pepperell hit his next stroke onto the fairway and did just that. Rule 14.3a allows players when taking free relief or penalty relief to substitute a ball or use the original ball when dropping in a particular relief area.Robert MacIntyre, Genesis Scottish Open, The Renaissance Club
Many of the top golfers in the world made an appearance at the Genesis Scottish Open as they prepared to hone their games ahead of The 152nd Open at Royal Troon. It was Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre who was triumphant in front of the home crowds. Let us look at how MacIntyre made his eagle on the par-5, 16th hole during round four which proved to be a championship defining moment.
MacIntyre’s tee shot found the thick rough and he selected a lofted club to advance the ball. MacIntyre addressed the ball and found a sprinkler head was under his foot and interfering with his stance. Under Rule 16.1, the player was entitled to free relief from this abnormal course condition. As the ball was in the general area, the referee helped Macintyre find his nearest point of complete relief in the general area and MacIntyre dropped it within one club-length of this spot. Remember, the ball must not be dropped nearer the hole than the reference point and there must be complete relief from all interference by the abnormal course condition.
Having taken relief, MacIntyre found himself with a much better lie than he had originally. Rather than using the lofted club that he had originally selected before taking a drop, MacIntyre was able to use a much longer club that allowed him to hit a stunning shot onto the green. He made the most of his fortunate break by holing his putt for eagle and went on to become the champion. MacIntyre showed how helpful it can be to know the Rules and that sometimes they can work to your advantage.
For more information on how to take relief from abnormal course conditions, watch the following video:
Rory McIlroy, BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth Club
We return to Wentworth as Rory McIlroy stunned golf fans after using the back of his putter whilst making a left-handed stance to strike the ball at The BMW PGA Championship. After McIlroy’s second shot finished dangerously close to the penalty area on the par 4, 8th hole he had no other option but to take this unconventional stance. The Rules of Golf describes a Stroke as the forward movement of the club made to strike the ball. Furthermore, Rule 4.1 requires the player to use a conforming club but it does not restrict the player in making a left-handed stroke with a right-handed club or vice versa. In fact, it is permissible to have both right and left-handed golf clubs within your 14 club limit if desired provided the clubs conform to the Equipment Rules. This creativeness from McIlroy lead to a crucial par save.