The other day I was playing our local course and had a situation occur that while funny, brought about some discussion about the rules of golf. My T- shot went a little father than planned and went into a crossing creek. The ball came to rest in very shallow water on a small sand bar. The ball was playable with one exception. It had a small copper head snake wrapped around it. I took a nine iron to the snake first then place the ball back on the spot it was in before being moved during my attempt to dispatch the snake. My opponent claimed I had to take one stroke for causing the ball to move. How say you rules experts.

True.

The snake is a movable obstacle but the ball can't move unless the snake does it.

If the snake is poisonous, I'd go back and hit another and say "to hell with the rules".

[This message has been edited by ag58 (edited 4/27/2004 10:45a).]

if the ball had been in the fairway you could have dropped in a safe location without penalty, but since the ball was in a hazard you have to take the penalty stroke.

I'd say you get a new opponent. That's just cruel.

Thanks,

The snake moved the ball after being struck with a 9 iron. The stroke didn't cost me the match, but I thought this was an unusual situation, and would not have requested a stroke if it had been my opponents ball.

Was it your right ball or your left ball? Makes a big difference you know.

[This message has been edited by JoeDHS (edited 4/27/2004 4:45p).]

I would remove it very carefully, and pray it wasn't poisonous.

If your ball is in a hazard, you can't move anything

were you mad enough to kill a dry cleaner?

Serenity Now!