Episode 48 - If I had a Nicol for every time I heard that one…  

Welcome Fraser Nicol to the GRQ Podcast, Episode 48. Hope you are well.  

Firstly, we need to get the answer to Episode 47 GRQOTW out of the way: 

Stuart and Ray are playing Big P and Gerry in a handicapped four-ball match at Wombat Hills GC. On the second hole of the day, Ray steps on his ball in the middle of the fairway when he was talking excitedly to Stuart about how he was getting 15 shots for the match. Ray replaced his ball where he thought he had moved it from, whilst Stuart and Big P were watching. Although Ray thought he was exempt from penalty under Rule 7.4, Stuart knew this was a breach of Rule 9.4, but said nothing. Big P assumed their was no penalty either. Ray then played an amazing shot which resulted in a conceded putt and what Big P and Gerry thought was a birdie, which they could not beat. On the next teeing area, Stuart played from outside the teeing area, which Gerry pointed out and asked Stuart to cancel the stroke and replay. Big P then joked to Gerry about the side making a blunder on the last hole when Ray stood on his ball in the middle of the fairway. 

Was there any course of action that Gerry could take for Ray’s blunder on the second hole? 

Unfortunately, Gerry and Big P are unable to make a claim for the 2nd hole, because Big P knew of the incident when it happened. The side’s ability to make a claim needed to be before anyone of the group teed off on the 3rd hole. Although Stuart’s shot has been recalled by the opponents and so Stuart’s first shot does not count, it still counts as starting play of the 3rd hole - Rule 6.1a.  

Let’s start at the start: 

Explain to the listeners who you are,  

where in the world you are,  

what you do, and 

Most importantly how did you and I become friends, because I believe that says a lot about the community you have built and are building.  

Okay, now the tough questions: Why are the Rules of Golf important?  

What development in the Rules do you see, and is this good for the game?  

What is your least favourite Rule?  

And if it is different, which is the first Rule you would like to see changed come 2023? 

Finally, what does it feel like to be a social media influencer in the Rules of Golf?  

I thank you very much for your time, and would you like to read out Episode 48 GRQOTW: Fraz & Blakey are playing against each other in match play. Fraz steps up on the 18th tee all pumped, as he's won the last four holes to get back to all square, and in his excitement plays from the wrong teeing area. His ball goes dangerously close to out of bounds, so Blakey does not recall the stroke. Fraz now realises he has played from the wrong teeing area and declares he will play a provisional ball.  

How should Fraz proceed?