Message Board - Golf: Internal Out of Bounds
16 Oct 2009 by Pitchcare Peter
Me again, with more questions, this time to greenkeepers.
Our 8th and 12th fairways run parrallel to each other. The 8th plays over water to the green (the pond is in a dip).
Long hitters, mainly juniors, are able to bypass the water by hitting down the 12th fairway, but into the dip, and then playing up to the 8th green.
This causes problems with players playing up the 12th being out of view of players on the 8th tee, with obvious dangers
So the club has now decided to put an internal OOB between the two fairways to stop this practice.
My questions are
- how have other clubs tackled this problem?
- is knowingly hitting down the wrong fairway in a dangerous manner against the etiquette of the game?
- can persistent offenders be asked to leave the course?
Any thoughts and comments most welcome.
Thanks
Peter
16 Oct 2009 by ian macmillan
Hi Peter, many Clubs use this method of risk mitigation.
If the Player wittingly hits a shot down the wrong Fairway that has been risked assed, and brought to the attention of the golfer(sign on Tee,score card etc) would be guilty of negligence under "The Law of Tort" which holds precedence over etiquette.
And finally as the club has a duty of care! any persistent offender "must" be asked to leave" or blame is proportioned
to the Club in its entirety.
16 Oct 2009 by ian macmillan
Risk Assessed even!
16 Oct 2009 by Ken Barber
We have an internal O.B on our course. The 11th is a dog-left par 5 and the 13th and 14th are par 4's returning back. The internal O.B only applies to golfers playing the 11th since it is shorter playing down the left and dangerous to golfers playing the 13th green.
There is no advantage to golfers hitting onto the 11th whilst playing the 13th or 14th so is not O.B for them.
There is signage on the 11th tee and on the score card under local rules.
KB
The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under who’s shade you do not expect to sit.
16 Oct 2009 by paul kelsey
I certainly dont need a sign Ken to hit the wrong fairway it comes natural
18 Oct 2009 by Ken Barber
Hi Paul,
I just got in from playing 18 holes and I think I hit the right fairway around 10 times..... I was like the 'Red Arrows'.
Still the weather was perfect, if my golf wasn't!
KB
The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under who’s shade you do not expect to sit.
8 Nov 2009 by Kevin Munt
Internal out of bounds should be taken away at all clubs. If you are on the clubs land you are in play. I can understand why it is used, poor design, the length that players are able to hit the ball these days etc.
It is a good job it is not used on the Old course at St Andrews where the best line, on at lease 6 holes, is down the adjacent on coming fairway! Caddies used to even suggest it as the best line.
8 Nov 2009 by Steve63
So the old course is poorly designed then?
S
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
10 Nov 2009 by ian morton
Hi Steve,
here is an article that might answer your question
http://www.independent.ie/sport/golf/altering-st-andrews-17th-is-act-of-vandalism-1918317.html
10 Nov 2009 by Steve63
In fairness I was being a little facetious, I think the point raised in the article about technology undermining the design of many golf courses is quite relevant though.
Regards
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
10 Nov 2009 by Pitchcare Peter
Gentlemen, thank you for your replies.
The internal OOB is now 'fact'. I understand the club's position of 'duty of care' and was simply wondering how others tackled formal complaints about a potential risk of injury.
I tend to agree with Kevin but there's little that can be done now - for the moment at least - AGM next month!
Ian Morton - the St. Andrews article was interesting and thanks for that link. 11 clubs in the bag seems a sensible suggestion too.
Thanks again
Peter
21 Nov 2009 by Nigel.
Just do it. If its dangerrous, put a row of white post along the line, and stop them dead. I have 3 holes here where its a problem, big hitters go for the 'safe' big area, and its dangerours.
Most golfers (and visitors) dont even notice, and play the hole the way its desighed, but its the regular members who did it, and have been stopped.
We are planting trees to stop the problem long term, but may take 10 years for that to work, but its better than ugly fencing.
Back to Top - Go to Next Unread Message
This Message is closed, you may not post a reply at this time
