Lost or Out of Bounds Ball

[Dennis Harwood]

(08-13-2013 02:53 PM)John Morrissett Wrote:  Jim -

We agree there is plenty of room for improvement in this area. In Code Two (in which golf is played with a points-based scoring system), David and I go so far as to provide for a penalty zero points earned for a lost ball or ball that is out of bounds. With that penalty, there is no longer a need to play a provisional ball.

Short of that change, we cannot, unfortunately, envision a better penalty for a lost ball than stroke and distance. If a player were to drop a ball in the area where the original is lost, imagine the arguments that would ensue!

As out of bounds is a clearly defined area (similar to a water hazard), a fair case could be made for allowing relief based on where the ball last crossed the boundary.

Best regards,
John

John - is not the suggestion that a different Rule be used for Ball Lost vs Out of Bounds cause one to look at the historical results of such experiments in the past?

Chapman's book has an excellent chapter on this subject. It seems where the two are uncoupled the result is where OB and areas where the ball can be lost are in close proximity the player will always claim the result which is most favorable leading to intense disputes. In the past experiments with uncoupling have resulted in emergency mid year Rules changes tying the two back together.