IJGT Rules Blog

Nearest Point of Relief

At every IJGT Tournament, players encounter situations where they are unsure of how to proceed under the Rules of Golf. In this brand new blog series, we will be highlighting a scenario from one of our prior tournaments. Real on-course examples allow us to better understand the complicated set of guidelines we call rules. Contrary to popular belief, the Rules of Golf are there for the player’s benefit.

Last weekend at Temecula Creek Inn in Temecula, Calif., we had a situation involving Rule 24 – Obstructions. Player A's golf ball was on the cart part. In order to take relief from a cart path you must find your nearest point of relief which is the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies: 1) that is not nearer the hole, and 2) where there is no interference from the same cart path from which relief is being taken.

In order to find the nearest point of relief accurately, the player should use the club they would have made the stroke with had the cart path not been there. Once you find the spot put a tee down and then you get one club length from that spot. You can use any club when measuring the one club length.

Remember, relief is one of your options when your ball rests on a cart path. The other option would be to play from the cart path as Player A decided to do last weekend during our tournament. The picture below might help you understand why the player choose to play from the cart path.

The nearest point of relief in this situation would have been on top of the large rock. From there, one club length would have put him dead behind the rock. Instead, he choose to take the awkward stance and play off the cart path.

One important thing he did was leave his ball on the cart path while exploring his relief options. Had he picked up his ball he would not have been able to play from the cart path without incurring a penalty stroke for moving the ball. 

Quiz of the Week:

A cart path is one example of an immovable obstruction. Others include electrical boxes and sprinkler heads. In which of the options below are you NOT entitled to free relief.   

1) Your ball is resting on a sprinkler head

2) Your ball is 5 yards behind an electrical box that is in your direct line of flight

3) Your feet are on the cart path, but your ball is not

4) Your ball is close to the cart path (but not on it), however on your follow through your club will strike the cart path

5) In all of the options above you would get free relief

Email your responses to Kyle Wolfe (kylew@ijgt.com). Every answer will be entered into a drawing to receive a dozen Bridgestone golf balls!

ANSWER:

2) Your ball is 5 yards behind an electrical box that is in your direct line of flight.

You do NOT get "line of play" relief from an immovable obstruction. Relief is only granted if there is interference in a) your stance b) area of intended swing c) lie of ball.

Check out the previous Quiz of the Week with the correct answer here.

Have questions about the Rules of Golf? Email IJGT Tournament Director, Kyle Wolfe (kylew@ijgt.com).