Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world and the basic concept of the game is easier to understand. But the rules of this game can get slightly confusing at times. Hence, we see rules officials present at the golfing events to guide players. However, there are a few rules which don’t seem to be fair towards players.
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The USGA and R&A are the governing bodies of golf that have the authority to change or set rules. Currently, there are around 34 rules with 2 to 7 sub-rules in golf. However, the first-ever written set of golf rules had only 13 rules in them.
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Should there be a free drop for a ball lying in a fairway divot?
There has been a constant debate going around regarding an unfair rule. Gold pundits and few others believe that a player must get a free drop if the ball is in the fairway divot. While others say that the current rule is perfect and there shouldn’t be any change in this rule.
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Meanwhile, playing a ball off the divot can be challenging, as there is no grass below the ball. So the club doesn’t get underneath the ball at the time of contact. This makes the chances of thinning or topping the shot increase just because of someone else who did not repair his divot mark, which is totally unethical.
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Players who are competing after them face difficulties if their ball lands up in the fairway divot. But as of now, there is no relief for a player if his ball ends up in a fairway divot. Hence, a few people are demanding a change in the rule, including the golf media star Paige Spiranac.
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Reactions of fans from golf twitter
Well, the golfing community seems to be divided on this topic. There are a few people who think free relief is a must, while others believe it is of no use. So let us have a look at the reactions of fans and have a look at their opinion.
Define a divot? Oh, and how many have you landed in, in the last 12 months? Play it as it lies and accept you fate.
— Paul of Paraparaumu Beach (Dowfart) (@paraparaumupaul) December 27, 2021
No! Play the ball as it lies. You’re not promised a great lie in the fairway & you don’t always get bad lies in the rough. There’s a randomness to the game, accept that & move on.
— Jamie🦅Slonis (@JamieSlonis) December 28, 2021
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No… because trying to define or draw the line between "what is or isn't a divot" is a can-o-worms. It would probably have to morph more towards "free drops in FW at all times" to be universally and consistently enforced. And that's a HARD NO.
— Robopz (@Robopz) December 28, 2021
Fairways and greens are the only place on the course (other than the tee box) where the lie should never be in question. Yes I think it should be changed.
— Ryan Civalier (@RyanCivalier) December 28, 2021
So if we hit a shot into the woods and the ball bounces into the fairway, should we put the ball in the woods and play our next shot from where we think it “should” be. It sucks to hit out of a divot. But getting relief from it is not what the game is about.
— Sean Melia (@bostonhomer) December 29, 2021
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This is a total no brainer. If you hit it give it in your own fairway there’s absolutely no reason why you should ever be punished. It was for PGA play and for recreational play. It’s time to evolve
— Scott Kaufman 🛡⚔️ (@eskay77) December 27, 2021
The rule should change. Major championship, 2 players on the 18th tied and going head to head. 2 perfect drives, one finds a monster divot on the fairway. Is that fair? We manage to cope with the ‘is it an animal scrape’ rule so we should be able to cope with identifying divots.
— Jon Yates (@JonYates) December 28, 2021
The rule should change. Major championship, 2 players on the 18th tied and going head to head. 2 perfect drives, one finds a monster divot on the fairway. Is that fair? We manage to cope with the ‘is it an animal scrape’ rule so we should be able to cope with identifying divots.
— Jon Yates (@JonYates) December 28, 2021
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No. In the long run this bad break affects players equally and it gives the better player another chance to separate themself.
It’s also not a death sentence. Play it back and hit the middle of the green. Stroke and distance is far more ridiculous. https://t.co/FwgO4zG6E5
— Jack Garswood (@jackgarswood) December 28, 2021
"Pull yourself up by your bootstraps" and hit the shot. Golf isn't played in an arena and a golfer doesn't "deserve" anything because they hit it in the fairway. https://t.co/DUuqFWJWNq
— Kevin C. Moore (@kevcmoore) December 28, 2021
Well, it WON'T get changed …. ever …. https://t.co/zurkzNZebB
— Peter Stacey (@montypro) December 28, 2021
Absolutely needs changed https://t.co/VZv9ml89Dg
— Patrick Bryan (@PatBryan33) December 27, 2021
So these were a few reactions and opinions of fans. But what do you think? Should there be a change in the rule or not? Do let us know in the comments section below.
Read More – 2021 Year End Rankings: Who Are the World’s Top 10 in Men’s and Women’s Golf?
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