Prompt Response: Should Golfers Get Free Relief From Fairway Divots?
This question is often asked by many golfers because they feel it is very unfair to hit a drive that looked perfect after the previous player’s shot.
If anyone has a right to feel bad, it’s Marc Leishman. The Australian made a playoff at the 2015 Open at St Andrews but bogeyed his first playoff hole.
When pressed by the media, he admitted his disappointment. However, he dismissed it as an essential part of the game.
“Yes, I went straight. It was really disappointing, especially with that needle. I couldn’t see the bottom of the ball. “I didn’t have a chance there and three-putted from about 60 feet, which was disappointing. There is nothing you can do about it. You just have to deal with it, level up and move on. It’s disappointing, but that’s golf.”
Here are a few reasons why golfers are uncomfortable with splits: As you explained, it’s rules-wise complicated!
very different opinions
People have mixed opinions about fairway divots. Some people are outraged that this is unfair. Others are more philosophical and see it as an occupational hazard for games played in vast natural arenas. When we asked a question on our monthly golf website forum, about 75% of the responses were along the lines of “Don’t take it easy, just get started.”
I took up this topic in a recent journal debate where I took the opposite position and my colleague Fergus Bissett argued for exemption from withdrawal…
The three lies in this video perfectly illustrate the challenge here. It appears that there are differing views on whether to grant a discount.
very different opinions
People have mixed opinions about fairway divots. Some people are outraged that this is unfair. Others are more philosophical and see it as an occupational hazard for games played in vast natural arenas. When we asked a question on our monthly golf website forum, about 75% of the responses were along the lines of “Don’t take it easy, just get started.”
I took up this topic in a recent journal debate where I took the opposite position and my colleague Fergus Bissett argued for exemption from withdrawal…
Related: Golf Rule Explained: Temporary Ball
Need a free discount on fairway divots? No, says Jeremy Ellwood.
Like any golfer, I cringe when I hit a rare fairway split and find a piece of the ball buried in the dirt. I want to cry!
So how can you resist these unfair divorce dismissal remedies? There are many other situations where a game can seem unfair. For example, there is a perfect shot where a tiger spins, stays dead, hits the pole and jumps back into the water, as happened at the 2013 Masters. Perhaps more importantly, how do you define divisions in the rules so that everyone is held to the same standards? A deep hole outside the channel stands out. But how about a light scraper that won’t damage the surface too much?
Most clubs will provide free turf lighting for around 6 months through their winter regulations. Finally, how often does this happen? Personally, I don’t remember such a situation last year. I’m actually trying to remember the last really bad swing I had on that front.
The three lies in this video perfectly illustrate the challenge here. It appears that there are differing views on whether to grant a discount.
very different opinions
People have mixed opinions about fairway divots. Some people are outraged that this is unfair. Others are more philosophical and see it as an occupational hazard for games played in vast natural arenas. When we asked a question on our monthly golf website forum, about 75% of the responses were along the lines of “Don’t take it easy, just get started.”
I took up this topic in a recent journal debate where I took the opposite position and my colleague Fergus Bissett argued for exemption from secession…
Related: Golf Rule Explained: Temporary Ball
Need a free discount on fairway divots? No, says Jeremy Ellwood.
Like any golfer, I get very upset when I get to a rare fairway split and find pieces of the ball buried in the dirt. I want to cry!
So how can you resist these unfair divorce dismissal remedies? There are many other situations where a game can seem unfair. For example, a perfect putt where a tiger spins, stays dead, hits the flag and bounces back into the water like it did at the 2013 Masters. Perhaps more importantly, how do you define divisions in the rules so that everyone is held to the same standards? Paraver’s deep grooves are evident. But how about a light scraper that won’t damage the surface too much?
Most clubs will provide free turf lighting for approximately 6 months, subject to winter regulations. Finally, how often does this happen? Personally, I don’t remember such a situation last year. I’m actually trying to remember the last really bad swing I had on that front.
Is it fair or worse to play this after a perfect drive? (Photo: Kenny Smith)
Yes, says Fergus Bisset.
Golf is a game that combines the rough and the smooth for success. Almost every time I play I get a bad interrupt. A hard swing, hitting the line of the hole and unexpected wind. And yes, on the other hand, sometimes you are a little lucky. However, if you have to play on fairway grass, the golf odds are too high and spin too fast. Finding the perfect shot and unplayable lie isn’t just luck, it’s downright unfair. Land in the middle of the narrow street and you will be rewarded. You don’t have to go to find yourself in the center, a hole just two inches below the surface. If so, you may be entitled to compensation.
Well, in most cases you can pull grass, but it’s much more difficult than well-cut grass. The vertical angle of attack required to find the back of the ball emphasizes the most dreaded possibility: the shaft!
The rules of golf are generally fair and reasonable, but in my opinion the exception for fairway divots should not change. A shot played from the right spot should never be penalized to this degree. Of course you have your say, but numerous interviews with The R&A have shown us that there is little appetite to change the status quo on this issue.
This is an extract from an article written several years ago by David Rickman, then Director of Equipment Regulations and Standards, and Peter Dawson, then CEO.
Why is there no free waiver for fairway divots? David Rickman: The basics of playing when the ball is out. There are, of course, exceptions to this, but they are limited in number and limited to situations where lighting is considered appropriate and necessary: fixed obstacles, accidental water (now temporary water), construction sites, etc. Course conditioning has improved a lot over the years and I think things have gotten worse for some people who think they deserve a perfect lie. But I think the basic principle is that good lies and bad lies should be accepted as part of the game. Peter Dawson: What is a divot? It will be a great discussion – we will continue. Absolute! In general, we can say that we know what a divot is, but that is not enough in the rules of golf. We need a definition that cannot be read in any other way and that does not allow for misunderstandings. Is this definition possible? I’m not sure yet…
