Friday, November 23, 2007 'Improving the Lie' By Imee Garcia Golf
TWO friends were playing golf one day. They decided that they would adhere strictly to the rules with no improving of their lie. After a few holes, one guy's ball landed on a cart path. As he reached down to pick up his ball to get relief his friend said: "We agreed that we would not improve our lie."
No matter how much the first fellow tried to explain that he was entitled to this relief, the second fellow would not allow it. So the man went to the cart to get a club.
As he stood over the ball he took a few practice swings, each time scraping the club on the pavement, taking out big chunks of blacktop and sending out lots of sparks!
Finally, after several practice swings he took his shot. The ball took off and landed on the green about 6 feet from the pin.
"Great shot!" his friend exclaimed. "What club did you use?"
"YOUR 7-iron!" he replied. (For those who did not get it, the guy used his friend's 7 iron instead of his). I know, I know, of course you knew, but there are non-golfers out there who may not have gotten my joke!
A player must not improve--the position or lie of his ball, the area of his intended stance or swing, his line of play or a reasonable extension of that line beyond the hole, or the area in which he is to drop or place a ball, by any of the following actions-- moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed (including immovable obstructions and objects defining out of bounds), creating or eliminating irregularities of surface, removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots or other cut turf placed in position, or removing dew, frost or water. The club may be grounded only lightly and must not be pressed on the ground.
There are exceptions to this rule, and there may be local rules for that particular golf course. But just to be sure, if you think you need relief, or if you think you are entitled to drop your ball to a better spot, the best thing to do, that is, if you don't want to get penalized or disqualified, is to play two balls--the original ball, play as it lies; and the other ball, play with relief. And when you get to the clubhouse, discuss it with the Rules Committee.
If you are uncertain with the Rules of Golf, please, study and do not forget, so that in the future, you may be able to apply the rules to your favor.
Congratulations to the winners of the SFOSA Open Golf Tournament held last November 17 at the Apo Golf and Country Club.
Overall gross champion -- Peter Bollant
Overall net champion -- Patrick Tan
Class A gross champion -- Jing Tan
Class A net champion -- Jun Jun Grandeza
Class B gross champion -- Randy Cadiogan
Class B net champion -- Choi Jong Min
Class C gross champion -- Ralph Aleen Scott
Class C net champion -- King Rivas
Class D gross champion -- Roque Agton
Class D net champion -- Mayong Pillerin
Upcoming Tournaments:
Palos Verdes Monthly Medal, Nov 24-25 (P500/member P850/guest)
Durian Tee, Apo Golf Club, Nov 29-Dec 2
