Your queries resolved
QWhen Model Local Rule E-3 (preferred lies) is in place and reads “lift, clean and place within 30cm”, am I correct in thinking there is no actual requirement to mark the ball before lifting? Obviously it is best practice to do so, but no penalty if you don’t? You are not replacing the ball on a specific spot, so you use the procedures for placing a ball under Rules 14.2b(2) and 14.2e. If the Rule were lift, clean and replace that would require the ball to be marked? Islag, GM website forum
You are absolutely correct A on this point, and although
it may be good practice to do so, when preferring the lie of the ball under this Local Rule (MLR E-3) there is no longer a requirement to mark the position of the ball. The position of the original ball is simply taken as the reference point and the player can place the original ball or another ball within the relief area specified by the Committee. Chris Wallace,
R&A Rules manager
QIn a recent match play game my opponent took a phone call, speaking for several minutes. As her ball was further from the hole, I asked if I could putt out as the call was taking a long time. She said no and went on to win the hole. What should I do if this situation happens again? Tryhardgolfer, GM website forum
In this situation, as well as A perhaps falling short on
the etiquette side of things, unless it was an urgent emergency call that the Committee might deem to be acceptable, the player would be considered to have unreasonably delayed play. Essentially, a player must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes. Players are allowed a short delay for certain reasons, such as when seeking help from a referee or the Committee, if they become injured or ill, or when there is another good reason that the Committee deems acceptable, but a casual phone call would not fall into that last category. The penalty for the first breach of Rule 5.6a is one stroke and if the player were to do it a second time, it would be loss of hole. Should they unreasonably delay play a third time, they would be disqualified.
Chris Wallace,
R&A Rules manager