My opponent moved his ball because he said the rules allow for moving the ball off a cart path. However, I maintain he should be penalized. He’s angry with me because I haven’t paid my debt. Do I have to pay?

Les' Answer:

Pay up. However, the most misinterpreted rule in golf is Rule 24, Obstructions.

How many times do you see a ball in the center of the cart path and the golfer takes relief on the fairway side of the cart path? The nearest point of relief may not be on the fairway side of the cart path. The nearest point of relief might be in a shrub. If a cart path is on the right side of the fairway and the ball is directly in the center of the path, the nearest point of relief for a right-handed golfer would be on the fairway side of the path. A left-handed golfer’s nearest point of relief would be away from the fairway. When seeking relief from an obstruction, there is only one nearest point of relief -- that is the point where the ball and stance will no longer be hindered by the obstruction you are taking relief from. You then get one club length from that point not nearer to the hole to drop your ball.

So, your opponent is correct in being allowed to move his ball off the cart path, but watch him closely to ensure he does it right. If he doesn’t, you win the hole.