OGA Rules Riddler #10

Peter and David are fellow-competitors and are playing the last group of a tournament.

After the 17th hole, Peter is 3 strokes ahead of David and both are well ahead of the rest of the field.  While waiting on the 18th tee for the marshal to give them the all clear, Peter decides to drive up and “scout” the landing area for his upcoming blind tee shot and ensure he has a good angle for his approach to the green.

He drives up to the top of a nearby hill and as the last player in the group ahead gets ready to play he drives back to the tee with a much better idea of where he should play his tee shot.

David has the honor and plays down the left side of the fairway.  He sees a nearby volunteer and signals for him to come over.  While the volunteers is approaching, Peter, knowing the hole is on the left says, “good shot David but I think I'll play down the right side to open up today's left hole location.”  Peter David (thanks to reader  Kathie for catching this mistake!) responds, “you only know that because you scouted the hole, which is against the Rules.  Besides, I still think your best play is down the left because you can use the backstop on your approach.”

David explains to the volunteer, in private, that Peter drove up and scouted the hole before playing and would like confirmation that it is a two-stroke penalty.  The volunteer responds, “I think you’re right but I’m not an official and I don’t have a radio.  I’m sorry but you’ll have to check when you get in.”

As the volunteer leaves, Peter asks David what he just asked the volunteer.  David responds, “I was confirming with him you were not allowed to scout the hole.  He also thought scouting was not allowed but did not have a radio.  He told us to check when we get in.”

Peter responds, “I always do that if I know I won’t be delaying play.”  A bit shook-up, Peter takes a minute to collect his thoughts, decides David was right and plays up the left side of the hole.

Both players arrive at their drives, play approaches to the green and are left with putts for birdie.  Peter is on the fringe about 10 feet from the hole and David is on the green about 12 feet from the hole.

David plays first and holes his putt.  Peter replaces the flagstick into the hole and walks to the apex of his line, grounds his putter on the green and takes a few practice swings to get a feel for the break.  He then walks back to his ball, putts a bit firm and the ball hits the flagstick before dropping into the hole.

The fellow-competitors arrive at the scoring tent where they recount the above story.

Which result below is correct?

Please contact Craig Winter with the subject line: Rules Riddler #10 with questions or comments.

To schedule a free Rules of Golf Presentation at your course of club please contact Craig Winter at the OGA for more information.  Craig Winter serves as the Manager of Rules Education for the OGA and was one of ten officials to achieve a perfect score on the 2010 PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Examination given to over 1200 Officials each year.