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Rule 24-2, 25-1, 25-3 Nearest Point of Relief
Q: Please explain the “Nearest Point of Relief”
Rule.
A: According to the definitions in The Rules of Golf, it
is the reference point for taking relief without penalty from
interference by an immovable obstruction (Rule 24-2), an abnormal
ground condition (Rule 25-1) or a wrong putting green (Rule
25-3). It is the point on the course nearest to where the
ball lies:
(i) that is not near the hole, and
(ii) where, if the ball were so positioned, no interference
by the condition from which relief is sought would exist for
the stroke the player would have made from the original position
if the condition were not there.
Note: In order to determine the nearest point of relief accurately,
the player should use the club with which he would have made
his next stroke if the condition were not there to simulate
the address position, direction of play and swing for such
a stroke.
I observe many players not determining this point before
picking up their ball. Always find the nearest point of relief
before picking up the ball. The rule requires a player to
simulate a stance, the direction of play and area of the intended
swing when finding that point. Relief in these instances is
without penalty. From that established nearest point of relief,
the player can now take one club-length in which to drop the
ball.
So, what does that mean in 'plain English'? Go through the
process as outlined before you touch the ball in play. Relief
does not mean a better place from which to play the next shot,
only that there is no longer interference by the immovable
obstruction, abnormal ground condition or wrong putting green.
Perhaps your best option will be to not take this relief.
For instance: your ball has come to rest on a cart path and
your nearest point of relief is right behind a tree -- you
might consider playing off the cart path. If the ball has
come to rest right next to a control box, you may still have
to play around or over it after finding your nearest point
of relief. There is no such thing as line of sight relief
in this definition -- you only get relief from the interference
for a stroke, not merely because it is in your line of ball
flight.
By: Mardel Allen
623-876-8638
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