[Golf Rules... Knowledge Is Power] Ball Lands in Gallery's Water Cup 'Sok'

American Express 1R Hole 16
Shank Shot, Scene of Ball Entering Gallery Cup
Golf Rule 11-1 Applied... Drop Play Without Penalty

Golf has no referees. It is a "gentleman's sport" where golfers play by following the rules themselves. The golf rules are "assistants" created to help with play. If well understood and properly used, they can greatly aid in score management. These are golf rules that weekend golfers must know.

On the 18th, during the first round of the American Express at the Pete Dye Stadium Course (par 72) in La Quinta, California, USA, a rare scene unfolded. Adam Schenk (USA) hit a ball that astonishingly landed in a water cup held by a gallery member.

It was the fairway situation on the 16th hole (par 5). Schenk took his second shot toward the green. The ball veered far to the right of the target and disappeared from sight as if by magic. The TV camera broadcasting Schenk's game also lost track of the ball's trajectory. Shortly after, a twist occurred. The ball flew precisely into a water cup held by a spectator watching the game just short of the green. The gallery member holding the cup gave a bewildered smile.

During professional golf tournaments, it is not uncommon for a player's ball to land inside a spectator's shirt or bag, but landing in a cup they are holding is rare. In this case, there is no need to panic. Golf Rule 11-1 applies: "When a moving ball hits a person or an object not related to the player, there is no penalty, and the ball is played from where it comes to rest." The ball should be picked up, dropped directly below, and played from there. Schenk dropped the ball without penalty and hit his third shot close to the hole, securing a birdie.

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