Jennifer, Alison and Lindsay are playing a casual round of golf and all seems to be going well until the three friends arrive at the green on the 12th hole.
Jennifer strokes her putt for a birdie (which would be her first ever) and the group watches as the ball rests on the edge of the club, seemingly just a fraction of a roll away from falling in. Jennifer jumps up and down by the hole, trying to influence the ball’s movement in an effort to make the momentous occasion happen.
While Lindsay and Alison are excited at their friend’s close call, Alison has some concerns that Jennifer may have actually violated the Rules of Golf by jumping close to the hole to cause the ball to drop. Did Jennifer violate The Rules of Golf?
According to Rules Decision (1-2/3.8) there is actually no rules infraction. Rule 1-2 does not apply to a situation where the player takes an action that does not result in the change of the position of a ball at rest. If the ball had moved, Decision 1-2/4 would have applied.
Jump all you like in jest but if the ball moves, be prepared to take a penalty!!