Rules of Golf – Loose Impediments

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Loose Impediments and Movable Obstructions (Rules 23-1 and 24-1)

It seems that many golfers are confused as to whether objects on the course are loose impediments or movable obstructions. This is an important distinction to make, as there are a number of relevant Rules where players could incur penalties if they get it wrong.

In fact, in most cases, the distinction should be easy enough. Loose Impediments are natural objects and movable obstructions are anything artificial that can be moved without unreasonable effort. Here is a sample list of some of the items that may be encountered on the golf course during a round;

Loose Impediments
(natural)
Movable Obstruction (artificial)
stones
bunker rakes
leaves
other players’ golf clubs
branches and twigs
stakes (except out of bounds)
pine cones
signage and ropes
dung and droppings
bottles and cans
insects
score cards
worms and their casts
pens and pencils
spiders and their webs
paper, tissues
half-eaten fruit
plastic bags
fruit skins
packets and boxes
ant hills
toys
dead birds and animals
match sticks or cigarettes
aeration plugs
abandoned balls
clods of earth
loose stones from a wall
gravel
wood manufactured into planks
crushed shells
cables
wood chips
doors or windows

Be aware, that under the Rules sand and loose soil are loose impediments on the putting green, but not elsewhere; snow and natural ice, other than frost, are either casual water or loose impediments, at the option of the player; and dew and frost are not loose impediments. 
Some loose impediments may be transformed into obstructions through processes of construction or manufacturing. For example, a log (loose impediment) that has been split and has legs attached has been changed by construction into a bench (obstruction), or a piece of wood (loose impediment) becomes an obstruction when manufactured into a charcoal briquette. Also, there may be loose impediments that when placed together make up an obstruction. An example of this would be a manufactured path (immovable obstruction) made of wood chips. If a player’s ball lies on such a path and he chooses not to take relief then he may move any of the wood chips before making his stroke, providing that he does not move his ball in doing so, 

Except when both the loose impediment and the ball lie in, or touch, the same bunker or water hazard, any loose impediment may be moved. But if the player causes their ball to move while removing the loose impediment, they are penalised one stroke and the ball must be replaced, unless the ball is on the putting green when there is no penalty. 

Movable obstructions can be removed anywhere on the course, including when the ball lies in a hazard, and there is no penalty if the ball moves during the removal, but again it must be replaced where it was before it was moved. If the ball lies in or on the obstruction, the ball may be lifted and the obstruction removed. The ball must then be dropped, or on the putting green placed, as near as possible to the spot directly under the place where the ball lay in or on the obstruction, not nearer the hole. 
As already mentioned, if a player’s ball lies in a bunker they are not permitted to remove any loose impediment from that bunker. (The above photo illustrates this well – my ball was lying on a leaf in the bunker and had to be played as it lay.) However, very often there will be a Local Rule that says, “Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions”, because it is considered that the stones could represent a danger to players if they are hit during a stroke. This is a good illustration of why it is so important to read the Local Rules before commencing a round on an unfamiliar course. Whilst on the subject of bunkers, if a player cannot find their ball in a bunker because it is covered by sand, leaves or other loose impediments, they are permitted to probe or rake with a club or otherwise, as many loose impediments, or as much sand, as will enable them to see a part of their ball. When making a stroke out of a bunker, or water hazard, the player may not touch any loose impediment in that hazard before making their stroke, which commences with the downswing. So, for example, if a player brushes leaves in a bunker during their practice stroke or backswing they incur a penalty of two strokes in stroke play, or loss of hole in match play. 

Next Game – Impian Golf Club – 17th September 2013

On By Stuart TaylorIn http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Impian, LEGS, Loose CannonsLeave a comment

Next week is the return LEGS challenge match at Impian GC. We currently have 16, with a reserve. If anyone else wants to play then Ray Funnell must know by 1000 hrs, Wednesday 11th. Meeting Tiggy tomorrow morning to agree pairings and H/Caps. Hopefully we can achieve a close match as previously.


A further mail of the remaining details will be sent as soon as possible after the meeting. Tee off, slightly later than usual, 0830 hrs.


The 16 Cannons Men are:



Andre Holm
Allan McNicoll
Paul Geddes
Ray Funnell
Ian Dickson
Kevin Goodwin
Stuart Taylor
Hans Berger
Bernard Rohman
Aftab Ahmad
Iain Wise
Ted Parslow
Rick Currin
Graham Cadman
Bernard Rohman
Andrew Robinson

Results – Nilai Springs Golf and Country Club – 10th September 2013

On By Stuart TaylorIn http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Loose Cannons, Nilai Springs Golf and Country ClubLeave a comment

Report

4 flights teed off on time, using the Island and Pines courses, in overcast conditions, which remained throughout the morning. Steady drizzle then set in for most of the first 9’s. The course was in good condition, although some drainage improvement work is taking place, which made some of the paths a bit messy, but no effect on the playing surfaces. Greens were true, but the only comments received was that the Island 9 were quicker.

Aftab must have played a lot of golf in California as he came out the winner with 93 for 40 points. Stuart was second with 90 for 38 points. Lowest gross was the returning “ice man” John Laidley with a gross of 83.

Photos

Results

FLIGHT NAME H’CAP GROSS POINTS POSITION
           
1 AFTAB AHMAD 24 93 40 1
  STUART TAYLOR 20 90 38 2
  JONATHAN PERRY 13 84 35 5
  VINCENT VIJAYAN 21 103 25 12
           
2 ANDRE HOLM 18 98 28 10
  HANS BERGER 23 96 35 5
  RAY FUNNELL 29 DNF   16
  BERNARD ROHMAN 18 101 24 13
           
3 GRAHAM CADMAN 22 94 36 3
  PAUL GEDDES 13 96 23 14
  BARRY COUSINS 32 116 23 14
  GLEN WOMBWELL 32 107 35 5
           
4 TED PARSLOW 11 89 31 9
  ALLAN MCNICOLL 24 105 27 11
  EROL AKINCI 25 98 35 5
  JOHN LAIDLEY 11 83 36 3

Review of GolfSoftware Online Handicap System

On By Stuart TaylorIn GolfSoftware, handicap, online, software, systemLeave a comment

We have been testing the online handicap system from GolfSoftware.com now for the last 6 weeks on a 60 day free trial basis. This online system provides an easy to use and comprehensive handicap management system for a large group of golfers. The advantage of this online system is the ability to have a number of Admins who can update and input golfer information and scores and is not dependent on a single computer installation of the software. Also it allows all golfers in the group to access their golfing scores and statistics and print out their updated USGA handicap which is obviously very useful when playing at other groups or golf courses who require an “official” handicap card.

A brief overview is given below about the system. For full details of the Handicap System you can read here: http://www.golfsoftware.com/products/hs/online-golf-handicap-tracker.aspx

Course Information

The GolfSoftware system has a large database with detailed course information. There are already many golf courses in Malaysia on the system with full details of rating and slope for each course and each tee position.
However if the course is not in the system you can add or edit courses with all the relevant hole distances, par, index and course rating and slope.

Golfers

Up to 100 golfers can be entered into the system so individual golfer information and scores can be maintained. Different rosters can be used so for example you may have different groups that you manage so the system can handle this. In our case I have an active Loose Cannons roster with an additional roster for players who are not active.

Individual scores can be entered for each player with course played, date and gross score. Once player information and scores are entered you can calculate the handicaps of all players (or individuals) on a routine automatic basis or d this calculation manually by clicking one button.

Handicap Calculation

The handicaps are calculated using USGA rules and the calculation is as follows:

1. Handicap Setup is as follows …
The table below is used to determine the number of handicap differentials to use :
Number of Acceptable Scores Differential(s) to be Used
5 or 6 Lowest 1
7 or 8 Lowest 2
9 or 10 Lowest 3
11 or 12 Lowest 4
13 or 14 Lowest 5
15 or 16 Lowest 6
17 Lowest 7
18 Lowest 8
19 Lowest 9
20 Lowest 10
Stuart has 20 scores so the highlighted parameters are used to determine which scores to use for handicapping
2. The Differentials for these scores are calculated…
Date Adjusted Grs Score Score Type Course Played Tee Course Rating Course Slope Differential Used
9/3/2013 96 Bukit Kemuning White 70.5 115 25.1
8/27/2013 90 Staffield Resort – N&S Course White 70.7 128 17.0 Used
8/20/2013 97 Port Klang Golf Resort Blue 72.3 126 22.2
8/13/2013 95 Bukit Tinggi Golf & Country Club White 68.4 129 23.3
8/6/2013 96 IOI Palm Garden Blue 70.2 128 22.8
7/30/2013 91 Tropicana E1/W3 White 70.2 126 18.7 Used
7/23/2013 93 KGSAAS White 69.0 128 21.2 Used
7/16/2013 90 Kota Permai Golf & Country Club White 72.0 113 18.0 Used
7/9/2013 89 Bukit Unggul Country Club White 70.5 115 18.2 Used
7/2/2013 95 Rahman Putra White 71.9 129 20.2 Used
5/28/2013 96 Staffield Resort – N&S Course White 70.5 115 25.1
5/21/2013 87 Bukit Kemuning White 70.5 115 16.2 Used
5/14/2013 92 Saujana Impian G. & C.C. White 70.5 115 21.1 Used
4/29/2013 92 IOI Golf Resort White 67.7 112 24.5
4/16/2013 94 KGSAAS White 69.0 128 22.1
4/11/2013 97 Orna – East/West Course White 70.5 115 26.0
4/2/2013 94 Bukit Unggul Country Club White 70.5 115 23.1
3/12/2013 86 KRTU White 71.0 130 13.0 Used
3/5/2013 95 Saujana Impian G. & C.C. White 70.5 115 24.1
2/26/2013 86 Bukit Unggul Country Club White 70.5 115 15.2 Used
The equation for calculating a differential is …
Diff = (Adjusted Gross Score – Rating) X (113 / Slope)
3. Use the differentials to calculate a USGA Index
Differentials ‘used’ are added together…
178.8 = 17.0 + 18.7 + 21.2 + 18.0 + 18.2 + 20.2 + 16.2 + 21.1 + 13.0 + 15.2
Then divide the total number used
Average differentials = 178.8 / 10  = 17.880
Multiply average by 96%.
USGA Index = 17.880 x 0.96         USGA Index = 17.1 (Digits after tenths place are deleted)
Final USGA Index = 17.1

Individual golfers have the ability to review their scores online and download a copy of their handicap card for printing.

Reporting

Many useful statistical reports can be generated to track player performance and current handicaps. For example the table below shows the Most Improved Golfer over a specific period of time. Custom reports can also be designed for your won use.

Online Files

There is also a facility for uploading files onto the system to share with all golfers. For our group I have uploaded the weekly results for reference as well as the current updated Loose Cannons master spreadsheet with all the player info and handicaps. I also have prepared some user notes for the running of the online system and the updating procedure for the spreadsheet.
E-Mail/Message
There is a utility to be able to mass e-mail all the players in the roster or message them which is useful for the routine sharing of information or sending updates.
Summary

I believe that this online web system from GolfSoftware is an ideal method to track all our golfing activities and importantly calculate an official USGA handicap for all players on a routine basis. In this way there can be no arguments on anyone’s handicap. because it is an online system it is easily accessible by all players and the Admins who will run the system therefore not relying on a single person or single software installation on someone’s computer.
There is a web based system (the system we have been testing) or a desktop system. The advantage of the web based system is easy access from many different computers, iPads, iPhones, etc and access by many people. There are different pricing schemes depending on how many golfers to be managed – we would need the 50-100 golfer system.
The annual cost for a 100 player web based handicap system is 240USD and I would recommend to the group that we commit to this system for our routine ongoing handicap monitoring and player management.

Rules of Golf – Ball Unplayable

On By Stuart TaylorIn ball unplayable, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, R&ALeave a comment

Continuing our series of golf rules here is a brief description of Ball Unplayable – prepared by our “Rules Man” Allan McNicoll

Ball Unplayable (Rule 28)

If your ball is in a water hazard and you do not wish to play it as it lies, you must proceed under the water hazard Rule – the unplayable ball Rule does not apply. Elsewhere on the course, if you believe your ball is unplayable, you may under penalty of one stroke:
  • play a ball from where your last shot was played, or
  • drop a ball any distance behind the point where the ball lay keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball lay and the spot on which the ball is dropped, or
  • drop a ball within two club-lengths of where the ball lies not nearer the hole.
If your ball is in a bunker you may proceed as above, except that if you are dropping back on a line or within two club-lengths, you must drop a ball in the bunker.

Spirit of The Game – Honesty, Integrity & Courtesy

On By Stuart TaylorIn courtesy, honesty, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, infringements, integrityLeave a comment

Spirit of The Game

With some recent issues raised within the group it is perhaps a timely reminder for everyone to consider some of the fundamental philosophies of the game of golf as detailed by the R&A. 

Honesty, integrity, courtesy: three words that have come to represent the spirit in which the game of golf is played.
Part of that spirit sits beneath the term, ‘etiquette’ and part of it relates to the Rules of Golf. But the Spirit of the Game goes much deeper than just those two tangible terms.
It is something that every golfer should develop an innate sense of, something that is born of golf’s unparalleled history, and something which lifts golf, one could argue, above other sports.
Whether it’s through divot and pitch-mark repair, or simply through silence on the tee, the spirit of the game dictates that players make sure they give others on the course, often opponents, a fair chance to play the best shot they can.
For most of us, the game of golf is self-regulating. There is seldom a referee present so we are reliant upon our own honest adherence to the Rules in order to enjoy the game. As a result we are all occasionally forced to call a penalty on ourselves for infringements which, often, will go unnoticed by everyone else.

It is this dependency upon honesty and courtesy that has elevated ‘integrity’ to sacrosanct status. Without them, we may as well hang up our clubs.
Everyone, no matter how well they think they know the rules, makes numerical mistakes or rules infringements in the game of golf and it is up to each individual to question any situation or indeed confer with their playing partners should there be a questionable situation. Additionally if a player has been seen to make an infringement then this should be raised by the playing partners at that time. If a resolution cannot be reached then the infringement or question should subsequently be raised to the rest of the Loose Cannons group for a ruling.
For more information on practical aspects of on-course behaviour, visit the R&A Etiquette section by clicking here.


Most Improved Golfer at Loose Cannons

On By Stuart TaylorIn golfer, handicap, improved, online, USGALeave a comment

The new USGA online software system we are currently testing to calculate our group’s handicaps on a regular basis is going very well and I believe that this is now reflecting the true handicap of each player and results in a fairer and more accurate system for our weekly games. Over and above the handicap calculation the system provides a large number of reports which are useful for tabulating results or statistics.

Below, for example, is an interesting table showing the Most Improved Golfer … in this case calculated over the last 6 months. Congratulations to Allan McNicoll for achieving this honour reflected again yesterday with his win at Bukit Kemuning.

I will be posting a summary of the new online handicap system in the next few days so we can make a collective decision to go ahead and purchase the system to use on a regular basis.

Next Game – Nilai Springs – 10th September 2013

On By Stuart TaylorIn http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Loose Cannons, Nilai SpringsLeave a comment
Next week 10th September we shall play at Nilai Springs. 5 flights have been booked. Tee off 0745 hrs. Costs 130 RM , including compulsory caddy per flight.

The following week on 17th September we have the LEGS return match at Impian. So far 16 confirmed. Any more players, and I will see if the ladies can increase their numbers.