Tournament Rules Q

Hi all,

I'm playing in the club championship this weekend. (Thank you, thank you.)

At my club, the fairways all have spots where it's pretty barren (winter burn that never seems to go away), as well as spots where the weeds grow better than the grass (in the middle of the fairway). Because of this, during casual rounds, a lot of guys will play 'winter rules', and give themselves a bit of a lie if they're in a cruddy spot.

Now, normally I don't care how others choose to play the game, but what is the procedure if someone is adjusting lies in the tournament? (For the sake of this argument, we'll assume a local 'winter rule' is NOT in play). I know I cannot offer advice (or, I can for a 2 stroke penalty). But if someone is cheating, do I point it out (ie improving the lie, grounding club in trap), or do I have to wait until the round is over and report it to the committee? Or do I simply refuse to sign his scorecard?

__________________
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PCS Class 'A' Clubfitter

A new highlight: Golfing the home course on Christmas Day.

I say it too often: If it's golf club shaped, you can play with it.

For the record, I'm a club doctor, not a swing doctor.

I would mention it before the round starts to your playing partner(s) or better yet, have the starter/tourney director/pro shop advise players that winter rules are NOT in effect.

In addition to what Gord said, if the situation does arise you have little alternative but to draw to the player's attention that he has just incurred a penalty. Failure to do so could be construed as a breach of Rule 1-3 Agreement to Waive Rules and could result in your own disqualification. If you are his marker say that without including the penalty you will be unable to sign his card.

Good luck in the Championship. Go get 'em!