Hole-in-one? Or easy birdie? Would you count it?

[Foursum Golf]

I posted this on our Facebook page yesterday and it generated some good discussion. Thought I'd do the same here.

Assuming this is your first shot on a par-3, is it a hole-in-one? Or an easy birdie?

[boogielicious]

Birdie.

[Patch]

It's a bird as it's shown in the picture. As I understand it, the golfer who hits a shot like this, has a reasonable amount of time to to get to the ball, and can then wait another 10 seconds to see if the balls falls in on it's own. After that final 10 seconds, it's a tap in.

I have always believed that ball was not in the hole unless it was resting on the bottom of the hole.

I suspect the damage to the hole could take a little longer.

[imsys0042]

Based on my understanding of the rules, the ball needs to be below the ground to count.   Since part of it is sticking up above the ground, it would not be a hole-in-one.   But someone who better knows the rules can chime in.   I'd probably call the pro shop on this one if it happened during a round.   Or ask afterward before posting the score.

[Dave2512]

Wow can't believe it avoided the stick.

[Abu3baid]

I would like to think it is a hole in one.. I can see why it would be a tap in since it is not in the bottom of the cup! I would be happy with either ;)

[billchao]

I would like to think it is a hole in one.. I can see why it would be a tap in since it is not in the bottom of the cup! I would be happy with either ;)

It's not in the cup. This would be no different than a ball resting on the lip.

[Abu3baid]

It's not in the cup. This would be no different than a ball resting on the lip.

I know I know :) I did say I would "like" to think.. I didn't say I think it is. Just so damn close and unfortunate for who ever hit it!

[Golfingdad]

Birdie.  It has its own specific rule: http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-16/#d16-3

[David in FL]

Heartbreaker, but it's a birdie.

[rehmwa]

Birdie.  It has its own specific rule: http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-16/#d16-3

nice, I was going to ask if the hole liner was buried too deep in the OP's scenario, and your link also had a comment about that too.....

[mvmac]

Unfortunately it's a birdie

[DrvFrShow]

It stayed there longer than 10 seconds. Pick it up and add one stroke. Birdie.

[Fourputt]

By rule, it's a birdie - IF he makes the putt.

[Golfingdad]

By rule, it's a birdie - IF he makes the putt.

Are you sure?  It looks like its entirely possible that after the hole is repaired and he goes to place it, it'll just fall into the hole.  In which case: http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-16/#d16-2-0.5 would apply, yes?

[DrvFrShow]

Aside from hitting the ball away from the hole on purpose, has anyone putting toward the hole ever missed a putt where the ball is overhanging the lip of the hole?

[SavvySwede]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourputt

By rule, it's a birdie - IF he makes the putt.

Are you sure?  It looks like its entirely possible that after the hole is repaired and he goes to place it, it'll just fall into the hole.  In which case: http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-16/#d16-2-0.5 would apply, yes?

A hole in one plus a penalty stroke is still only a birdie.

[RayG]

Are you sure?  It looks like its entirely possible that after the hole is repaired and he goes to place it, it'll just fall into the hole.  In which case: [URL=http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-16/#d16-2-0.5]http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-16/#d16-2-0.5[/URL] would apply, yes?

But it's still a birdie. An ace with a penalty stroke. As for the incident when the opponent knocks it away in a match, the hole is WON but not counted as an ace. it still would be a birdie and a win, even if the opponent birdies the hole...