Hi Linda,
This is stroke play. Player A strikes his ball, it hits Player
B’s ball, which is a few feet in front of A’s ball. B’s ball is projected 100
yards down the fairway. Does Player B have to retrieve his ball and replace it
on its original spot, or can he substitute a ball to save time?
I have looked at Rules 15 and 18 but am uncertain as 15-2
says you can substitute a ball if it is to be placed, not replaced. Rule 18-5
says a ball struck by a ball in motion is to be replaced. It looks to me, you
have to walk the 100 yards or so and return with the original ball and replace
it, which seems very time wasting.
Lou from Bodicote, U.K.
Dear Lou,
Rule 18-5 states: “the moved ball must be replaced.” When
the Rules say “the ball” (as opposed
to “a ball”), the ball must
be replaced. However, Note 1 to this Rule further states: “If a ball to be
replaced under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be
substituted.” Based on this Note (and on Decision 18/11), I see no problem substituting another ball. A
ball that is 100 yards away is not, to my mind, “immediately
recoverable.”
Linda
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