Tree roots

[3ott]

just wondering if anyone can clear this up for me, i've not played for about 3 weeks now but a partner of mine has taken to taking a free drop if his ball lands at the base of a tree.  He claims he gets a drop as by playing the shot he will damage the root.

i have seen it where his ball has hit a large conifer and fallen through the branches to the base, the only way he could play the shot is if he was on his knees. I've even seen the ball hit into a gorse bush and he has claimed relief so he does not damage the roots.

is there any rule on this?

i'm not talking about saplings here but mature trees.

[cobra4]

sounds like he might be barking up the wrong tree

[cobra4]

surely he has to play the ball as it lies or claim it unplayable and take a drop under penalty

[srp973]

Unless it is classed as GUR under a local rule.

[MisterS3]

just wondering if anyone can clear this up for me, i've not played for about 3 weeks now but a partner of mine has taken to taking a free drop if his ball lands at the base of a tree.  He claims he gets a drop as by playing the shot he will damage the root.

i have seen it where his ball has hit a large conifer and fallen through the branches to the base, the only way he could play the shot is if he was on his knees. I've even seen the ball hit into a gorse bush and he has claimed relief so he does not damage the roots.

is there any rule on this?

i'm not talking about saplings here but mature trees.

Do you play this guy for money

As always - give him a rule book and ask him to show you the rule

[cobra4]

Do you play this guy for money

As always - give him a rule book and ask him to show you the rule

think its his neighbour, sounds like a right plank

[sevenfourate]

think its his neighbour, sounds like a right plank

Very drole.....

[cobra4]

Very drole.....

ha ha wasnt intended honest

[Tonypate]

I thought it was only staked trees that you could get free relief from?

Still remember langer hitting from up a tree in the B&H masters at fulford, no excuse about damaging that tree!

Did he use a tree wood 

[sevenfourate]

What about damaging grass,weeds,earthworms,moss,flowers or infact anything living. Surely he'd get a free drop from any of them too if he didnt fancy the lie  

[freded]

Lucky you, getting to play with Elliot Saltman

[cobra4]

Lucky you, getting to play with Elliot Saltman

cant be, he's serving a tree months ban

ill get me coat

[MisterS3]

I thought it was only staked trees that you could get free relief from?

[Scott W]

I thought it was only staked trees that you could get free relief from?

Always useful to carry a stake in ones bag for just such eventualities 

[3ott]

surely he has to play the ball as it lies or claim it unplayable and take a drop under penalty

I thought the same and this is what i would expect, to be fair this only started after he was paired with a guy at the club who has been a member for over 15 years and has served on the club council. he told him that he was entitled to a free drop. i assumed that it may be a local rule as we have had new trees planted on the course.

i was just wondering if there is any formal ruling on this as i couldn't find anything. to be fir to the guy he is just going off advice given to him by someone who he believes has a better understanding of the rules and he does only call this is the roots are prominent. it's more a case of understanding the rule for the future to avoid getting into any argument in a comp.

i would ask the pro but i can't get up to the club due to some health issues at the minute,

thanks for the funnies as well