Golf:

It is once again time for a golf rules quiz.

The following questions are from the United States Golf Assn. rules section and my hope is that this will help all of us become more knowledgeable about the game of golf.

I have listed 10 questions. The answers with the applicable rule or decision follows the last question.

1. True or false? When a cart is being moved by one of the players sharing it, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be that player’s equipment.

2. True or false? Stakes and lines defining the margins of water hazards are in the hazards.

3. In match play, a player holes a putt and, incorrectly thinking he has won the match, picks up the ball of his opponent. What is the ruling?

 A. He incurred no penalty and must replace the opponent’s ball.

 B. He incurred a penalty stroke for picking up the opponent’s ball.

 C. He has conceded the hole by picking up the opponent’s ball.

4. As the player attempts a stroke at his ball, he discontinues the swing during the downswing but before reaching the ball. What is the ruling?

 A. If he discontinued his swing voluntarily before reaching the ball, he is deemed to have made a stroke.

 B. If he discontinued his swing voluntarily during his downswing, he is deemed not to have made a stroke.

 C. If he discontinued his swing involuntarily because the club was stopped by an outside agency, he is deemed not to have made a stroke.

5. Which of the following is “ground under repair” even if not marked as such?

 A. A divot hole.

 B. Material abandoned on the course.

 C. A hole made by a greenskeeper.

 D. A dirt cart path which is not artificially surfaced.

6. Which is correct regarding loose impediments?

 A. A large tree not attached to its stump is not a loose impediment.

 B. A player may break off a piece of a large loose impediment.

 C. A live insect may not be removed from a ball lying through the green.

7. Which is permitted by the Rules?

 A. Putting with a golf ball held in the hand against the grip to assist in putting.

 B. Putting with one hand and using another club to steady oneself.

 C. Using adhesive tape on a golf glove to prevent wear or to prevent slipping.

8. In match play, the players agree to consider a hole halved because they are unable to resolve a dispute. What is the ruling?

 A. There is no penalty.

 B. They are both disqualified.

 C. The Committee should require the players to replay the hole.

9. Which is correct regarding casual water?

 A. Overflow from a water hazard is not casual water.

 B. Soft, mushy earth without water visible on the surface is casual water.

 C. A ball lying in a pitch-mark through the green filled with water is in casual water.

10. In match play, the players discontinue play after two holes because of severe weather. Later, they resume the match from the first hole. After the result is posted, the Committee becomes aware of the procedure. What is the ruling?

 A. The result of the match should stand as posted.

 B. The match must be resumed at the third hole and completed.

 C. They are disqualified.

ANSWERS

1. True. Definition in Rules of Golf of “Equipment”

2. True. Definition in Rules of Golf of “Water Hazard”

3. B. He incurred a penalty stroke for picking up the opponent’s ball. Decision 2-4/17

4. B. If he discontinued his swing voluntarily during his downswing, he is deemed not to have made a stroke. Definition of “Stroke”

5. C.. A hole made by a greenskeeper. Definition in Rules of Golf of “Ground Under Repair”

6. B. Playing a stroke with his ball and dislodging an abandoned ball that was hidden and lay underneath it. Decision 15/2

7. B. A player may break off a piece of a large loose impediment. Decision 23-1/4

8. A. There is no penalty. Decision 2-1/1

9. C. A ball lying in a pitch-mark through the green filled with water is in casual water. Decision 25/3.

10. A. The result of the match should stand as posted. Decision 2-1/6

I got seven right this time. These are considered basic by the USGA. They have an advanced category as well. These hopefully help understand the game a little more and I will run other pop quizzes in the future. I know it will help me and I hope it helps other golfers.

JOHN REGER’S golf column appears Thursdays. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].