Natural Forces Moved Ball After Relief Taken - Golf Rules Explained

[@blujay9191]

Nicely explained. If the ball would have rolled into an unplayable lie but still in the general area of the course instead, you'd be hosed if I understand correctly.

[@stevewhiting5672]

The best way Rickie Fowler could have avoided the issue was not to have dropped on such a severe slope & to have chosen one of the other options available at the time. I believe that this new rule could cause confusion for everyday golfers.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

Rickie could have delayed Dropping after determining his Relief Area, gone to assess the upcoming Shot, then come back and have gone through his Drop Procedure. The point then and here is whether or not the Ball "is in Play". Rickie's original Ball had Sunk in the Water, so "play it as it lies" was impossible; Stroke and Distance was a full swing back; and Back On The Line Relief would have not been desirable due to the size and shape of the Red Penalty Area. The Lateral Relief Rickie took was his best option.