EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2017, a New Local Rule went into effect regarding the accidental movement of a ball on the putting green. The Women’s Committee has adopted this New Rule for all official Tournaments run by Zone 5.
The New Rule reads as follows:
‘When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.
The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.
The Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental. ‘
NOTE: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced.
A video can be viewed at www.britishcolumbiagolf.org/uncategorized/2221-golf’s-governing-bodies-announce-new-local-rule