Golf rule from Fred regarding correct way to drop a ball published January 23rd 2016

23^rd January 2016.  Let’s have a look at the correct way to drop your ball. How often have you seen someone throw their ball out of a hazard or replacement ball casually to the ground, then proceed to play the ball as it lies. If rules allow a dropped ball it shall be from shoulder height, shall strike the ground within the permitted marked position it may bounce and travel up to two clubs lengths not nearer the hole and is a valid drop except if it comes to rest as in the illustrations. Failure to comply is a penalty situation

When taking permitted free relief within the rules your ball shall be dropped to stick the ground with the nearest point of relief plus one club length. Where is the nearest point of relief you may ask.

The nearest point of relief is defined as the nearest position the ball would lay in order for the condition permitting relief would not exist.

Dropping your ball under this rule shall be as above you are not permitted to consider other conditions which could influence you next play.

The nearest point of relief is a reference to the issue enabling relief regardless of other influences.

On occasions you may see the nearest point of relief corrupted by a player because playing from the correct point of relief has a tree is in the way for the next stroke.

 Markers should point out this error which, if ignored the player has played from the wrong place and the appropriate penalty applies to hiss score for the hole.