Doubt as to Procedure

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Rule 3-3 Doubt as to Procedure

How many times have you been on the golf course and your ball lies in a situation and you are not sure if you get relief and there is not a Rules Official around? For this purpose the player has the option to invoke Rule 3-3. The key to the Rule is to follow the correct procedure and this is how it reads and this Rule is in the USGA Rule Book on page 15-16.

 

In stroke play only, when during the play of a hole a competitor is doubtful of his rights or procedure, he may, without penalty, play a second ball. (Keep in mind this is not to be confused with a provisional ball rule 27-2). After the situation which caused the doubt has arisen, the competitor should, before taking further action, invoke this Rule and the ball with which he will score if the Rules permit. Hint: Make sure you identify which ball you want to score with. This is part of the procedure. The competitor shall report the facts to the Committee before returning his score card unless he scores the same with both balls; if he fails to do so, he shall be disqualified.

 

Determination of score for the hole:

If the Rules allow the procedure selected in advance by the competitor, the score with the ball selected shall be his score for the hole.

 

If the competitor fails to announce in advance his decision to invoke this Rule or his selection, the score with the original ball or, if the original ball is not one of the balls being played, the first ball put into play shall count if the Rules allow the procedure adopted for such ball.

 

Make sure you know this rule before entering any event and you may save yourself either a penalty or a few strokes. It is an advantage to know the Rules.