Ko Ji-won Sinks Lucky Birdie After Ball Deflects Off Competitor's Marker

The putting green frequently produces unexpected situations when multiple players compete in a confined space. Among the most common: a putted ball changing direction after striking the flagstick, a fellow competitor's club or putter cover, or a ball marker. At the first round of last September's Hite Jinro Championship, a KLPGA Tour major, Ko Ji-won was struggling with two bogeys through 13 holes. On the par-4 14th, her approach shot landed on the green but left her 10 meters from the hole—hardly prime birdie territory. Her putt appeared headed right of the cup and destined to miss. Then fortune intervened. Ko's ball struck Kim Min-sol's ball marker near the hole, deflected left, and dropped straight in. The broadcast team erupted in cheers. Ko retrieved her ball with a sheepish grin. It would be her only birdie of the day. Under Rule 11.1a, when a ball in motion "accidentally" strikes a person or outside influence, no penalty applies to anyone. However, in stroke play, if a player's ball strikes another ball and both were on the putting green before the stroke, the player incurs a general penalty of two strokes. Where play continues depends on the location and what was struck. For shots played from outside the putting green, the ball is played as it lies. During professional tournaments, balls occasionally come to rest on spectators, chairs, or carts. In such cases, players establish a reference point directly below where the ball stopped, then drop within one club-length in the same area. Animals sometimes redirect or carry off balls in play. If a ball played from outside the putting green is deflected by an animal, there is no penalty and the ball is played as it lies. When a dog or large bird carries the ball away, players take free relief using the spot where the animal picked up the ball as the reference point. Different rules apply on the putting green. If the ball strikes a person (excluding the player and anyone attending the flagstick), a movable obstruction (excluding the club used for the stroke, ball markers, stationary balls, or the flagstick), or an animal (excluding those defined as loose impediments), the stroke must be replayed from the original spot under Rule 11.1b. For example, if a putted ball strikes a fellow competitor's putter or putter cover, the stroke is cancelled and must be replayed. Failure to replay results in a general penalty. The original stroke counts, though it does not constitute playing from a wrong place. Ko's ball struck a ball marker—an exception under the rule—so she was required to play the ball as it lay. Her hole-in-one therefore stood. Finally, if someone "deliberately" rather than "accidentally" stops or deflects a ball, a general penalty naturally applies. *Golf's complex and confusing rules often spark debates among playing partners. This column explains situational rules clearly to help you enjoy the game more. Email inquiries are always welcome.*

Ko Ji-won Sinks Lucky Birdie After Ball Deflects Off Competitor's Marker

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