Scenario: GolferX is on the tee of a sharp dogleg hole and makes an attempt to drive his golf ball over the trees toward the green. He hits the ball well, and there is question as to whether it cleared the trees.
A fellow-competitor announces that he saw the ball hit a tree and go out of bounds resulting in GolferX declaring his ball out of bounds and hitting another tee shot.
Upon completing the play of the hole, they find that GolferX's original ball off the tee was in the hole. What is the ruling?
A. GolferX's score with second ball counts
B. GolferX's score with first ball counts
C. GolferX's score with second ball counts, fellow competitor penalized one stroke
D. GolferX's score with first ball counts, fellow competitor penalized two strokes
E. GolferX's score with second ball counts both players penalized two strokes
And the answer is:
B. GolferX's score with the first ball counts
(according to the Decisions on the Rules of Golf -rule 1-1/2, the play of a hole is over when a player holes out. It matters not whether the player is aware of it or not. In this case, anything that takes place after the ball is holed-- including advice or conversation with a fellow-competitor is moot. A score of 1 and a hole in one should be recorded)
All drinks for the day go on GolferX's chit. Go see Leo!
Thomas Clooney, PGA Head Professional
