The Only Game You Can Call a Penalty on Yourself!

[Sandy Lie]

With the recent Patrick Reed incident whereas he was accused of “cheating” and other rumored PGA incidents (Vijay, Watson, Player) what have you witnessed in a tournament or while playing with your buddies.  Perhaps it doesn’t matter when playing with your friends because it’s just for fun.

Anyway, what I’ve witnessed over the years in tournaments:

1. Rolling the ball in the fairway, then denying it!

2. Fudging the ball mark. Not just once but twice! 1st while marking and then when replacing!

3. Ball identification in the deep rough! Then improving the lie for a better shot.

4. Hitting into the hazard and then exaggerating the entry point by 20 yards.

My experience in tournaments is calling penalties on myself. Once hitting the ball twice from a lie in the deep rough ( not a penalty today).  The other was hitting the wrong ball.  My opponent hit two balls because the first was possibly lost. His second shot was in the fairway.  My shot was on the same line as his second and of course I thought his ball was mine and there you have it. That cost me the hole only as it was match play.

What have you experienced?

 

 

 

 

[Patch]

Biggest rules violation I have consistently seen is picking the ball up before holing out.

That said, in friendly rounds between friends, practicing a little gamesmanship, I am guilty of not finishing off that 2" putt.  This, and intentionally running over your buddy's with the cart tire. 

I have also seen a few few "foot wedges" used.

"Mulligans" are another rules issue when playing for a hdcp score.

"Illegal drops" from water hazards is a common occurrence. 

However, for the most part, I have to say most golfers I have played with, play with in the rules. The game is still in good shape from the rules stand point.