Test your knowledge of the rules of golf with our video rules quiz where you are the ref.
A player’s ball lies on the fairway in front of a divot, with some of the replaced turf hanging outside the divot.
The player goes to address the ball, but sees some of the replaced turf interferes with their swing.
You are the ref – what is the correct ruling?
Leave your guess in the comments below, or find out the answer on our website: https://www.englandgolf.org/handicaps-rules/golf-rules-quiz-you-are-the-ref/
Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
0:04 – Scenario
0:22 – Option 1
0:31 – Option 2
0:37 – Option 3
0:47 – Choose your answer!
12 Comments
I'd say 1. Surely a replaced divot is still replaced even if it hasn't been done to the highest standard?
Whilst it's a major bugbear for me and an issue I disagree with in golf, I think option 1 is the correct ruling according to the current regulations as it would still be classed as a repaired divot?
I wish that it was option 3, or better still a free placement of the ball within 15cm of the ball's position, when in a divot or a badly repaired divot is interfering with your shot. I think the answer is option 1 suffer.
Option one as an attempt has been made to repair/replace divot just one of the many green rubs in golf this game we love ?
If the divot is dead then isn’t it a loose impediment?
I am getting totally fed up of the stupid rules of golf that allow other so called competitors rank stupidity to detrimentaly effect your game of golf, where a player wanders through a bunker leaving hoof prints for another players ball to become unplayable in or not replacing divots creating the same issue. Could you imagine playing snooker and your opponent is allowed to leave blocks of chalk and the rest on the table and its called rub of the green !!!! Thought not, sort it out r&a !!!!
2
It’s option 1. Most of the divot has been replaced, however badly, so you must play as it lies. To move the divot would be classed as building a stance (I’m sure). 🤞
I think option two as the ball does not touch the divot so you can lift and replace it correctly.
it's option 1, the majority of the turf has been replaced unfortunately not very well but play it as it lies is the order of the day, good luck with the shot
Bobby Jones always advocated, play the ball as it lies, which is what I would do in this situation.
The rules of golf – ever fascinating.