On
the 5th hole of the final round of the PGA Championship, Bubba
Watson called over the Rules Official requesting relief from an ant-hill or
cast. Bubba was denied relief and
there was a very good discussion.
Under
Rule 25-1, the player is entitled to relief for interference by an abnormal
ground condition. Abnormal ground
conditions include burrowing animal holes. Bubba argued that the ants clearly did burrow for habitation
and that they are clearly animals.
However, the definition of burrowing animal specifically excludes worms,
insects or the like. Therefore,
even though ants do create holes for habitation, they are not burrowing animals
as defined by the Rules of Golf.
I
thought the best part of the whole scene was that the official did not hesitate
one bit to get on the radio for a second opinion. He knew the Rule and that Bubba was not entitled to relief,
in fact the situation was most likely discussed in the pre-championship Rules
meetings, but the player was in doubt and the official offered him a second
opinion.
The
only part of the situation that could need clarification is the cast being a
loose impediment. Ant casts are
generally consisting of loose soil, which is not a loose impediment except on
the putting green. However, the
definition of loose impediments states that “worms, insects and the like, and
the casts and heaps made by them” are in fact loose impediments and may be
moved by a player provided he does not move his ball. See also Decision 23/5
which specifically states that an ant hill is a loose impediment.
