Backspin Nov_2018 | Page 8

Committee may make a Local Rule allowing players to use a distance-measuring device.” Opposite to this, forthcoming Rule 4.3a(1) [Allowed and Prohibited Uses of Equipment: Distance and Directional Information] points out that the Committee may adopt a Local Rule prohibiting the use of distance-measuring devices. 5. Now Per current Rule 12-1 [Seeing Ball; Searching for Ball], a player is subject to penalty under Rule 18-2 [Ball at Rest Moved by Player …] if he or she accidentally moves the ball while searching for it in the rough. Per forthcoming Rule 7.4 [Ball Accidentally Moved in Trying to Find or Identify It], there is no penalty if the player’s ball is accidentally moved by the player, opponent or anyone else while trying to find or identify it! 6. Then Currently, Rule 13-4 [Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions] prohibits the player from touching or moving a loose impediment lying in or touching the hazard when the player’s ball is in the same hazard. On the other hand, forthcoming Rule 15.1a [Removal of Loose Impediment] states, in part, “Without penalty, a player may remove a loose impediment anywhere on or off the course, and may do so in any way (such as by using a hand or foot or a club or other equipment).” 7. Then Currently, Rule 26-1c(ii) [Relief for Ball in Water Hazard] allows the player to Now Open! 8 drop a ball within two club-lengths of, and not nearer the hole than, a point on the opposite margin of the water hazard equidistant from the hole. Forthcoming new R u l e 17.1d(3) [Relief for Ball in Penalty Area: Lateral Relief (Only for Red Penalty Area)] points out that the Committee may adopt a Local Rule allowing lateral relief on the opposite side of a red penalty area at an equal distance from the hole.