Situation on the front green during match play

The following situation arose today:

Me and my match play partner had both chipped a little too long, so that both balls were outside the green but were easy to putt. Unfortunately, my partner's ball was right in my putting line and as I had no right to have him mark and pick up the ball on the front green, I had to chip.

Or could I have insisted on a marker?

Answer:

Well, Rule 15.3 and 15.3b apply here

(1) Meaning of "interference by another player's ball". Interference according to this rule is given when the ball is at rest of another player:

+ could interfere with the space of the player's intended stance or the space of the player's intended swing,
+ is on or near the player's line of play and it is likely that the ball could hit this ball while the player is moving, or
+ is close enough to distract the player during the stroke.

(2) When relief from an interfering ball is permitted. If a player has reason to believe that another player's ball anywhere on the court may interfere with his own play:

+ The player may ask the other player to mark the spot and pick up the ball (see Rule 14.1). The ball may not be cleaned up(unless it is picked up on the green in accordance with Rule 13.1b) The ball must be returned to its original position (see Rule 14.2)

+ If the other player does not mark the spot before picking up the ball or cleans the ball he has picked up, if this is not permitted, he incurs a penalty stroke.

In counting play only, a player who is asked to pick up the ball under this rule may play it first instead.

A player may not pick up his ball under this rule if he alone is of the opinion that his ball might interfere with the play of another player.

If the player picks up the ball without being asked to do so by the other player (unless he picks up the ball on the green in accordance with Rule 13.1b), the player incurs a penalty stroke.

Rule 15.3c Ball marker supports or hinders play: Basically the same as described above.

Penalty for breach of Rule 15.3: Basic penalty.


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