Modernized Rules Discussion: Ball at Rest

[iacas]

This is for the discussion of this portion of the new Modernized Rules.

Ball at Rest

Ball Moved During Search

No Penalty for Moving Ball on the Putting Green

Standard for Deciding Why a Ball Moved

Replacing Ball When Original Spot is Not Known

[dsc123]

I think these are all good changes.  I'm glad to see them removing penalties in situations where people make mistakes that don't give them any advantage.  I also like that the Ball Moved During Search rule requires you to put the ball back under an object if that's where it was, protecting the spirit of the rule.

[iacas]

Ball Moved During Search

This is one I don't particularly love, but can learn to be okay with. I'd argued previously that players should take care around a ball in play. I still think that's important.

But I'm also reminded of how this actually played out. Caddies and the players when looking for their ball would often look nowhere near where their golf ball was, because if they moved it, it was a penalty, but if the outside agencies moved it, it was fine.

So initially I'd be against this, and I can see players arguing over what kind of lie the player has to re-create. But maybe it won't be a big deal.

No Penalty for Moving Ball on the Putting Green

Meh. Whatever. Saw this coming when they added the 18-2 Local Rule.  Not a fan, but… it's fine.

Standard for Deciding Why a Ball Moved

They basically took this from 50% to "virtual certainty."

Replacing Ball When Original Spot is Not Known

Fine. Just keeps the ball from rolling away after a drop even though you've estimated a spot.

[Fourputt]

Ball Moved During Search

Another very good change.

No Penalty for Moving Ball on the Putting Green

I can live with this one.

Standard for Deciding Why a Ball Moved

 I like this change in the responsibility clause.

Replacing Ball When Original Spot is Not Known

Okay.... no feelings one way or the other.

[Hardspoon]

10 hours ago, iacas said:

Replacing Ball When Original Spot is Not Known

Fine. Just keeps the ball from rolling away after a drop even though you've estimated a spot.

Right...and I do like that there's more consistency across the course (eg, the putting green).