rulespin
8 by Paul Kruger lost it on the course ?
the world of lost balls
This article is another installment in the series exploring “ the world of lost ” balls as found within the Rules . In this article , we examine the fourth point in the Definition of “ Lost Ball ” which states , “ A ball is deemed “ lost ” if ... [ t ] he player has put another ball into play because it is known or virtually certain that the ball , which has not been found , has been moved by an outside agency ( see Rule 18-1 ), is in an obstruction
Paul Kruger is a PGA professional at The Landings Club
( see Rule 24-3 ), is in an abnormal ground condition ( see Rule 25-1c ) or is in a water hazard ( see Rule 26- 1b or c )….”
Rule 18-1 [ Ball at Rest Moved by Outside Agency ] advises , “ If a ball at rest is moved by an outside agency , there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced .” According to the Note to Rule 18-1 , in order to apply this Rule when your ball is nowhere to be found , “… it must be known or virtually certain that an outside agency has moved the ball .”
According to Rule 24-3 [ Ball in Obstruction Not Found ], it is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward an obstruction is in the obstruction . If it is known or virtually certain that your ball that has not been found is in a movable obstruction , then you may take relief without penalty by removing the obstruction and , through the green or in a hazard , drop a ball , or on the putting green , place a ball , as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where your ball last crossed the outermost limits of the movable obstruction , but not nearer the hole . If it is known or virtually certain that your ball that has not been found is in an immovable obstruction , then you may take relief without penalty by following the relief procedure of Rule 24-2 [ Immovable Obstruction ], deeming your ball to be lying at the spot where your ball last crossed the outermost limits of the immovable obstruction .
Per Rule 25-1c [ Ball in Abnormal Ground Condition Not Found ], if it is known or virtually certain that your ball that has not been found is in an abnormal ground condition , then you may take relief without penalty under this Rule . If you elect to do so , the spot where your ball last crossed the outermost limits of the abnormal ground condition must be determined and , for the purpose of applying this Rule , the ball is deemed to lie at that spot .
According to Rule 26-1 [ Relief for Ball in Water Hazard ], it is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward a water hazard is in the hazard . If it is known or virtually certain that a ball that has not been found is in the water hazard , then the player may under penalty of one stroke , drop a ball behind the water hazard per Rule 26-1b or drop a ball within two clublengths of the margin of the lateral water hazard per