politeness
The rules of golf are tough! Fortunately, we have a guru. Our Rules The man knows the book from front to back. Got the question? He has all the answers.
Par 3, very wet day, my ball flew into the hole – but upon reaching the green I saw that it was, in fact, completely buried on the back edge of the cup. The ball must have flown into the hole above the cup liner, which was positioned two inches below the edge of the hole. You asked for an ace, making sure the ball went into the hole and was below the playing surface. My friend disagreed, saying it doesn’t rest on the bottom of the cup. Who is right? Brad Middleton, Issaquah, Wash.
Let’s make one thing clear: Starting last January, what were called “explanations” are now, yes, “clarifications.” So please see
Illustrations: Holed/1.
Your friend’s argument, unlike earth, does not hold water: there are many cases covered by the rules where the ball is not quite at the bottom of the cup or completely at rest and is still considered holed. You can claim an ace if (and only if) all of the ball is below the surface and embedded in the side of the hole.
Now go and buy it.
For more hidden ball tips from our expert, read on…
A few weeks ago, I made a perfect par 3 slam shot…but our club put 2 inches of pool noodles in the holes for COVID-19 reasons, and the ball bounced. Our pro team said it was magical. The State Golf Association said it likely would be, but after not seeing it suggested I speak with fellow players. They all agreed that the ball went straight into the hole. Do you agree that it’s a hole in one (with an asterisk)? Dennis Doherty, Lexington, Kentucky.
Dennis, there are no pictures on the scorecard, no asterisks, question marks, or parallelograms…. The USGA has not changed its guidance In terms of when the ball is considered holed.
It should, yes, be pierced…or with limited exception as it is resting on a flagpole with part of the ball below the surface.
Otherwise, sorry, you have to play, pasta or not.
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