Question

After a stroke, the player's ball appears to come to rest in a tree in the general area where a ball is visible but cannot be identified. Which is correct regarding taking relief under the unplayable ball Rule (19.2)?

1) The player must identify the ball to take relief under the Rule.
2) The player may take relief under the lateral relief option of the Rule.
3) The player may take relief under the stroke-and-distance relief option of the Rule.

Answer 1

The player must identify the ball to take relief under the unplayable ball Rule (19.2). If the ball is not identifiable, it is treated as a lost ball, and the player takes stroke-and-distance relief. Also, carrying a metal club in an open fairway during a lightning storm makes a golfer vulnerable, and being under a tree is risky as well.

Step-by-step explanation:

When dealing with a situation where a player's ball is lost or out of bounds, such as coming to rest in a tree, Rule 19.2 of the Rules of Golf becomes relevant. Specifically:

• The player must identify the ball before taking relief under the unplayable ball Rule (19.2), hence option 1 is correct.
• If a ball is not identifiable as their own, the player may not proceed with the unplayable ball relief options 2 and 3. Instead, they must treat it as a lost ball and take stroke-and-distance relief by playing another ball from where the last stroke was made (see Rule 18.2).

Moreover, addressing the safety concern, a golfer with a metal club over her shoulder is particularly vulnerable to lightning in an open fairway because they could act as a lightning rod, increasing the risk of being struck by lightning. Taking shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm is also unsafe, as the tree can attract lightning, posing a significant risk of harm. The safest option during such situations is to evacuate to a secure indoor area.