Don’t fix the problem, change the rules
2008 May 14
In a new column on golf.com, Peter Kostis argues that the USGA should change the rules so that a player isn’t penalized if his ball is moved by the wind after he grounds his putter. This happened at both the Masters and the Players due to high winds and/or the fast greens. He comments that this is why St. Andrews never gets the greens too fast.
The real problem is that Maintenance Meld (Copyright Tom Paul) is incorrect for the conditions. The real fix would be keeping the greens a little slower so the balls wouldn’t move when the wind blows. Trying to have greens running at 13 when the wind is expected to blow is a recipe for disaster.
I disagree, the course shouldn’t be responsible for predicting wind speeds and have to change green speeds accordingly. Wind or no wind, I think if the ball moves and you “know” you didn’t cause it to move after grounding the putter, there should be no penalty.
AG,
The people who setup the golf course should be aware of the conditions. All this comes about because we have gotten green speeds get out of control when matched with the slope and the possible conditions. Besides, if the player really doesn’t want to be penalized he shouldn’t ground his putter. Jack Nicklaus never grounded his club so he had never addressed the ball. Perhaps more of us should learn from him.
Within the rules, it is a very obvious dividing line and eliminates any question as to whether the player caused the ball to move or not.