11.3 ball mark exception confusion

[Augster]

Hey,

 

In a discussion today I can prove that if a putted ball is rolling toward a removed flagstick, another ball on the putting green, and any player equipment lying about (some guys bring a towel to the green and some leave clubs on the green), the exception to 11.3 specifically states these can be removed so the rolling ball does not strike them. 
 

But what about a ball mark? Can another player quickly pick up a ball mark, then set it down, so the rolling ball does not strike the mark? Here is the language. 
 

Exception – Moving Flagstick, Ball at Rest on Putting Green and Other Player Equipment: This Rule does not prohibit a player from lifting or moving:
    •    A removed flagstick,
    •    A ball at rest on the putting green, (see Rules 9.4, 9.5 and 14.1 for whether a penalty applies), or
    •     Equipment belonging to any player (other than a ball at rest anywhere except the putting green or a ball-marker anywhere on the course).

 

I’m having trouble with the 3rd bullet point. The first part says, I think, that if another ball is lying on, say, the fringe, it can’t be picked up to avoid a collision with the rolling ball. 
 

The second part “or a ball-marker anywhere on the course”, does that mean NO ball markers can be picked up to avoid a collision with a rolling ball? Whether the mark is on the green or off it?

 

Thanks for the help. Just trying to be thorough.
 

I had a guy in my group INSIST that I couldn’t move the flagstick that was set down as another ball was rolling toward it. I couldn’t find 11.3 fast while playing, so the discussion went on and on. 
 

Thanks!

[rogolf]

13 minutes ago, Augster said:

Hey,

 

In a discussion today I can prove that if a putted ball is rolling toward a removed flagstick, another ball on the putting green, and any player equipment lying about (some guys bring a towel to the green and some leave clubs on the green), the exception to 11.3 specifically states these can be removed so the rolling ball does not strike them. 
 

But what about a ball mark? Can another player quickly pick up a ball mark, then set it down, so the rolling ball does not strike the mark? Here is the language. 
 

Exception – Moving Flagstick, Ball at Rest on Putting Green and Other Player Equipment: This Rule does not prohibit a player from lifting or moving:
    •    A removed flagstick,
    •    A ball at rest on the putting green, (see Rules 9.4, 9.5 and 14.1 for whether a penalty applies), or
    •     Equipment belonging to any player (other than a ball at rest anywhere except the putting green or a ball-marker anywhere on the course).

 

I’m having trouble with the 3rd bullet point. The first part says, I think, that if another ball is lying on, say, the fringe, it can’t be picked up to avoid a collision with the rolling ball. 
 

The second part “or a ball-marker anywhere on the course”, does that mean NO ball markers can be picked up to avoid a collision with a rolling ball? Whether the mark is on the green or off it?

 

Thanks for the help. Just trying to be thorough.
 

I had a guy in my group INSIST that I couldn’t move the flagstick that was set down as another ball was rolling toward it. I couldn’t find 11.3 fast while playing, so the discussion went on and on. 
 

Thanks!

You are reading it correctly - a ball marker cannot be lifted as it marks the spot where the ball must be replaced.  Imo, it's equivalent to lifting a ball without marking the ball's position.

[tatertot]

49 minutes ago, rogolf said:

You are reading it correctly - a ball marker cannot be lifted as it marks the spot where the ball must be replaced.  Imo, it's equivalent to lifting a ball without marking the ball's position.

But ... You can lift a ball at rest - on the putting green, without marking it ... Possibly with penalty?

Edited July 15, 2023 by tatertot

[Augster]

Thanks for the help. 
 

So a player, on the putting green, can “quick mark” a ball that a rolling ball may hit. But if they pick it up without marking it first, they get a 1SP for lifting a ball without marking.

 

But only if it’s “their” ball? If a player picks a ball without marking, other than their own, no penalty? 
 

Thanks!

 

 

[antip]

20 minutes ago, Augster said:

Thanks for the help. 
 

So a player, on the putting green, can “quick mark” a ball that a rolling ball may hit. But if they pick it up without marking it first, they get a 1SP for lifting a ball without marking.

 

But only if it’s “their” ball? If a player picks a ball without marking, other than their own, no penalty? 
 

Thanks!

 

 

If it is your ball it must be marked first. And you can't lift your opponent's ball without permission. If you lift your partner's ball without marking they get the penalty. A non partner ball in stroke play is no issue.