I wrote a blurb about one of our CMSGA Local Rules regarding relief from tree roots.
It would be great to get club feedback on this topic.
Read my lengthy commentary about the Rule Here:
Please comment to this post, or email cmseniorsgolf@gmail.com with your thoughts.
Jeff
Would that be the arc type club length as they use on the tour? But no closer to the hole? Or a straight 180 degree line? I like the rule and know how it is to be used but, I have seen it abused over and over.
ReplyDeleteGood questions. I updated the page with a image of what I was thinking. Basically the typical area for a common drop, a 180 degree arc, no closer to the hole.
ReplyDeleteHey guys….so for sure I think it’s not worth breaking your wrist or clubs from a root. With that said the drop is key…. You need to go 1 club and keep the same line. So if you are on a root but behind a tree you should still be in the same tree line 1 club back.
ReplyDeleteRoot rule should only be for the lie and not your stance. If you are standing on roots and ball lie is ok then that’s where you need to stay.
Also the root needs to be against the ball or you make contact with root on practice swing.
Consider this: Your ball is on the 'green side' of the tree. Not hypothetical - recently happened to me on hole #15 with a drive pulled into trees on left. My ball was 'beyond' the tree (tree was no issue) and in the roots. One club back, in line with pin, was in the tree. I had to go 3-4 clubs back in line to get out of root issues. Tree was now an issue, and I had to just punch out. Not complaining - just mentioning because 1 club back is not always possible.
DeleteAlso, take a look at the photo I posted here: https://cmsganewsletter.blogspot.com/2022/10/tree-root-relief-part-deux.html
DeleteYou can see that 1 or 2 clubs back you are still in the roots. 3 clubs back and you are on the cart path (and I am not sure exactly what do at that point).