Hi Linda,
I have a rules question. I hit my ball in the rough and it
lands near a tree (next to a cart path), making my next shot to the green
impossible. The only shot available to me is to play backwards (in the direction
of the tee box) towards the fairway. On taking my stance for a backwards shot,
I am standing on the cart path. Am I allowed to...
1. Take a free drop, as I am on the cart path, even though I
am playing back to the fairway.
2. Once I have taken relief (if it is allowed), I have a
swing in the direction of the pin. Can I play towards the hole?
Thanks
Lou from Roxby Downs in South Australia
Dear Lou,
The answer to both of your questions is “yes.” You are
entitled to a free drop from the cart path under the Exception to Rule 24-2b,
because a backwards stroke in this situation is not an unnecessarily abnormal
direction of play [Decision 24-2b/9.5]. After you drop the ball you may play in
any direction you wish.
Linda
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