Forum > Rules and Etiquette

Dave Knatt

What's the ruling on a plugged lie?

Is it pick up and replace with no penalty? Or do you have to play it as it lies?

David Marshall

This time of the year a local rule will be in force.

This will be pick up, clean and replace within 6 inches. No penalty 

Wayne Santorini

**This time of the the a local rule will be in force **

What the hell is the above supposed to mean

**This will be pick up, clean and replace within 6 inches. No penalty**

I presume at some point you will tell him he has to mark it or he won't remember where he picked it up from

Previous post on rules are showing someone up here  

David Marshall

Chris Salter

David Marshall

That's cause you and I are thinking in logical terms, Chris.

But Mr Blobby doesn't do logical...It's all about spelling and thoughts of the day with him

Wayne Santorini

David you very well know, that you should not assume anything when explaining the rules.

Chris I gather you just leave the hole there then???

I tend to mark it, repair the hole, clean the ball and replace

Wayne Santorini

David Marshall

No you're not. 

You can't tell me that nobody knows that you must mark the ball position before you lift it? That rule is one of the most important ones 

Wayne Santorini

Patrick Bourke

David Marshall

OK Wayne..If you are going to pull me up about not marking the ball first, then I would have thought you would have pulled me up about other important parts of this rule also.

Patrick has raised a valid point.

The MARK, lift, clean and replace part is for when the ball is on the fairway and through the green. The rough is a different matter.

If the ball is plugged in the rough, it is considered your fault for hitting it there in the first place just as it would be if you hit your ball into a hazard. Therefore different rules apply. But again a local rule may be in force which allows for a free drop.

Otherwise there are options depending on the situation and if winter rules apply. There is play the ball as it lies option. Unplayable option.  Relief for casual water, GUR, etc

E & O E