Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash
So the question is: if a person performs a walk through putt and makes contact with a branch or tall grass in front of their lie prior to releasing the disc but not the solid ground, is the putt legal or illegal?
803.04 Stance, Subsequent to Teeing Off:
A. When the disc is released, a player must:
(1) Have at least one supporting point that is
in contact with the playing surface on the line of play and within 30 centimeters directly behind the marker disc (except as specified in 803.04 E)
(2) have no supporting point contact with the marker disc or any object closer to the hole than the rear edge of the marker disc.
Supporting Point: Any part of a player’s body that is in contact with the playing surface or some other object capable of providing support, at the time of release.
Playing Surface: A surface, generally the ground, which is capable of supporting the player and from which a stance may reasonably be taken. In cases where it is unclear whether a surface is the playing surface, the decision shall be made by the tournament director or a course official.
Due to the wording of the above rule and definitions it would be difficult to call someone on a walking putt unless it was blatantly obvious that they made contact with the playing surface with a supporting point. Grass, twigs, piles of leaves or broken branches would fall outside the category of playing surface unless the TD specifically said they were.
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Hey Flash--this sparked a question or two that I thought I had answers for, but now I'm not so sure.
1. When someone is throwing out of a rough area, perhaps from within a bush or densely limbed tree, can the player "follow through" with the disc in hand (before release) if the disc pushes a leaf or limb out of the way during the throwing motion? I've seen people push weeds, berry vines or even branches that are in front of their marker out of the way as they throw and release--is that illegal?
2. Would the above act be more or less legal if it was the players arm, hand or head (!) that makings contact with the attached greenary? Again, assume the tree limb (or whatever) is connected to the ground and or in front of the marker....
Thanks!
J