 Question 55 Scott, If I see someone move a ball or see the ball move after it has been addressed, and the person does not take a penalty stroke what should I do? Also I find that kind of cheating affects my game making a bad situation worse. Any thoughts or comments on this?
Thank you, Dear Bill, Let me start with a general recommendation, and then I'll comment on your specific question. Prepare yourself by writing down every situation that could possible come up during a golf match - someone walking on your line, talking or moving when you're ready to play, leaving the green while you're putting out, or cheating, etc. Then describe how you are going to handle the situation. By being prepared you'll avoid an emotional response when one of these things happens, and that'll keep your blood pressure level. Remember that once agitated your chemistry changes, and not for the better, and can last for the rest of the round. You're the only one who can control you. In tournament play if I saw my competitor cheat I'd refuse to sign the scorecard. That brings in an official to make a ruling, and the official will look for a witness. If there is one, his decision is easy. If there isn't it'll probably go against me, but it puts the player on notice and he'll be watched more closely in the future. So his future play will probably be affected. In any event, because I was prepared, I could keep my emotions under control and not allow the situation to upset my round.
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