With Spring fast approaching and the daily rains soon to follow I thought instead of a swing thought I would kick it off with a rules tip. Hope everyone has a great 2013 Golf Season!

April showers will bring May flowers so you better be prepared to be playing a few rounds in the rain. If you happen to encounter this situation on the course what is the correct action to take?

The Situation:

Your ball is under a pine tree (or any tree) and the branches interfere with your swing. The tree is wet so you shake the water off the branches before your shot to have more of a swing. Under the Rules of Golf, what should you have done?

A.Left the branches untouched and had your partner shield you with an umbrella while you took your swing.

B.Declared your ball unplayable and dropped a new ball with no penalty.

C.Pull the hatchet from your bag and begin hacking away at the branch.

D.Added two strokes to your score for improving the area of your swing.

E.Wait until the rain stops and the sun comes out and dries all the water off the branch.

The Answer:

(D) Rule 13-2 prohibits you from improving the area of your intended stance or swing by removing dew, frost, or water. Therefore, shaking the tree would be considered an unfair benefit. Choice A would have violated rule 14-2 which says you can not accept protection from the elements which is a 2 stroke penalty. Another option is to declare your ball unplayable under rule 28 and take a 1 stroke penalty.

**Note that in Match Play breach of rule 13-2 and 14-2 is loss of hole.**

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TIP OF THE MONTH

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Double Nickel Golf Services

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Anthony Romano, PGA