GOLF IS AN OUTDOOR SPORT. In Southern California, we are very lucky to enjoy good golfing weather most of the year. That said, there are times when players need to play through some “uncomfortable” conditions such as rain, wind and even possibly fog. There comes a point, though, when playing through such conditions is no longer feasible. Rule 5.7 in the Rules of Golf covers the times when play must be stopped and then ultimately resumed. Let’s explore it.

WHEN SHOULD PLAY BE SUSPENDED?

Play should be suspended in the following scenarios:

▪ Lightning
▪ Visibility due to fog or darkness makes landing areas no longer visible
▪ Temporary water on putting greens near the hole
▪ Severe wind

In these cases, the Committee has some options on whether to order an immediate suspension of play, or a suspension that is in effect once players complete the hole if started already under Rule 5.7a. If there is lightning in the area, or course conditions get to the point where playing is not feasible, a Committee should suspend play immediately and require all players to stop and evacuate the course. In instances including fog or darkness, a Committee would be justified in stopping play (a non-dangerous situation) and allow players to complete play of the hole if they have started it already (player choice). If they are between two holes, they have to stop play.

When play is suspended and players are in the middle of the hole, if they choose to discontinue play in a non-dangerous (three short air horn blasts) situation or are forced to in a dangerous (one long air horn blast) situation, they need to either leave their ball where it is or mark the position of the ball (Rule 5.7d), so they know where to replace it (or another ball) when play is resumed.

At the time the Committee decides to restart or resume play, under Rule 5.7c, players need to resume at the spot where the ball was lifted if during the play of the hole, or go to the next hole if they were between two holes when play was suspended.

If a player is resuming play at a spot where the ball was lifted, they can either replace the original ball on the spot or another ball if they choose to.

If the ball was left on the course during the suspension, the player can mark and lift the ball and clean and replace it, or they can substitute a new ball if they choose to do so.

Bad weather or dangerous situations are scenarios that are not ideal for a Committee in charge of the competition, the staff at the facility or the maintenance team.

It can go much easier if you know Rule 5.7, have a plan in place and make sure to handle the situation smoothly.