PETER TURNER

Our Shropshire-based England Golf referee with his latest rules questions to test your knowledge.The question topics in this issue relate to the more common type of situations where the Rules of Golf have changed following the amendments made with effect from 1st January 2023. Other rules changes have been made as part of that revision, particularly clarifications, but many are those that you will rarely come across. We will cover others in future issues.

QUESTION 1: A player taking part in a strokeplay competition must show their handicap on their scorecard.True or False?

QUESTION 2: On the fifth hole Geoff’s tee shot came to rest underneath a branch of a tree. On his backswing he struck the branch and, as a result, the shaft of his club was accidentally broken. He may replace the broken club with another club. True or False?

QUESTION 3: Jenny’s tee shot went into a red penalty area. In accordance with Rule 17.1d she dropped a ball under penalty of one stroke within two club lengths of where the ball entered the penalty area. The ball came to rest within the relief area, but while she was choosing which club to play her next stroke with, a gust of wind caused her ball to roll down a slope and back into the penalty area. What is the procedure? a. As the ball was moved by natural forces she must play the ball as it lies in the penalty area without penalty, or take relief again under Rule 17, incurring a further penalty of one stroke. b. She must replace the ball on its original spot where it came to rest after taking relief the first time, and play from that spot without penalty. c. She must replace the ball on its original spot where it came to rest after taking relief the first time and play from that spot with a further penalty of one stroke.

Answers below