In some cases, the Master Game rules are not explicit about how to handle certain scenarios. Since their publication, the game’s designer and others have attempted to clarify how some of these situations should be dealt with. This post is my take on how to handle hitting through trees.
The Master Game rules are clear about how to hit from the trees and how to hit around them. They also cover when you have to play safe. Sometimes, you are presented with a situation where none of these conditions exists or makes sense. Let’s look at two examples from the the 10th hole at Peachtree. Assume the pin location is #4.
Here we have two balls that are blocked by trees around the green. Since both balls are less than 75 yards out, we can’t work the ball, which makes doubling our aim to hit around the trees impractical. Our only option is to play safe, and that isn’t ideal, since neither shot would end up on the green.
If we were in the trees we wouldn’t have this problem, assuming we are permitted to play aggressively based on our Lie dice roll. But logically, we should be able to hit through the trees, right? After all, you shouldn’t be automatically better off if you are in the trees than behind them.
When playing the gray ball, I believe I should have the option of treating it as if it were stymied, since it is blocked by more than two squares. I would take the first Lie roll and see if I’m allowed to play aggressively using the first roll column of the Stymied chart. (I’d ignore Lost Ball or Unplayable Lie if they occur but accept any other result.)
If permitted to play aggressively, I’d take the Approach shot but stipulate that I can only target the centerline (CL), since aiming is not allowed when in the trees. Anywhere along the CL is fair game. I would then complete the shot by taking the second Lie roll using the Aggressive column of the Stymied chart and apply the effects, if any.
When playing the red ball, I’d treat it as Under a Tree, since it’s path to where I want to target is made up of less than two full “tree” squares. Again, I’d take the first Lie dice roll for that chart and ignore Unplayable Lie, it it comes up. If I’m given the option of playing aggressively, I can then target anywhere along the CL. I’d take the Approach shot, then roll again and apply any effects from the Aggressive column of the Under a Tree chart.
Both of these examples involve a “good angle,” but if I were “short-sided,” nothing would change as long as I’m more than 20 yards from the hole. If not, I must play safe.
Given that a lot can go wrong when playing aggressively from (or through) the trees, this strategy isn’t necessarily the best one to choose. But having the option available makes more sense to me than being forced to play safe.
I’m sure there are other ways of handling this kind of situation, and I’m certainly not claiming my way is the right way. If you want to offer yours, please do.
I agree. Seems well thought out. Sometimes you have to look at what makes sense.
For determining whether or not you need clearance, the rules say to measure a straight line from your lie to the front of the green where the CL first touches it. If you use that type of angle to the green, your red ball probably just barely misses the tree and you “technically” have a clear shot. If you do the same thing with the gray ball, it still clips part of the tree, and “technically” you would have to play it safe. Of course, aiming at the front of the green doesn’t really make sense in this situation.
I do like your potential solution. Seems reasonable enough, especially with the good/bad angle factored in.