Rules Guy: When taking relief, can the fringe be used as the nearest fairway reference point?
Is the fringe an appropriate place to take relief?
Getty Images
The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers.
Can the fringe be used as the nearest fairway reference point, not nearer the hole, where the ball was lost or crossed an out-of-bounds line? —Bret Skinner, via email
All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy a linked product, GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.
It sounds like you’re referring to the new Model Local Rule E-5, where for two penalty strokes you can take relief near where the ball was.
Rules Guy: Is there a limit to how much loose impediment you can remove in a hazard?
When that Rule applies, the nearest fairway reference point can be any part of the general area that’s cut to fairway height or less. That could indeed be the fringe (assuming it’s cut to fairway height or less), depending on where the ball went out of bounds or was lost as well as the geography of the hole.
But, yes, it’s certainly possible that the fringe can be used in this way, as can a more forward teeing ground or even a dew strip.
Got a question about the Rules? Ask the Rules Guy! Send your queries, confusions and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.
Latest In Instruction
