During a Symetra Tour competition in June 2021, Sharmila Nicollet was assessed a penalty of 2 strokes because her caddie used a cart to go to the bathroom. What are the Rules involved in that matter?
RULES OF GOLF
Nothing in the Rules of golf prohibits the use of a cart in any competition. But a Committee may put in effect a Local Rule that does not permit the use of a cart. A breach of that local rule is 2 strokes and any breach done by a caddie is under the player’s responsibility.
In many organizations, a cart may be used in case of a course evacuation, others permit the cart if a player must go back to play Stroke and Distance.
GOLF QUEBEC
Golf Quebec has that local rule for all the Amateur and Junior events. Carts are allowed in the senior tournaments.
When carts are allowed, a player must not go ahead of the position of his ball in order to get additional information for the next stroke.
A breach of the cart rule is a penalty of 2 strokes.
EAST COAST PRO TOUR (ECPT) – GREAT LAKES PRO TOUR (GLT)
I am the director of Rules and Competitions for those two Tours. In most of the tournament, carts are allowed and the cart rule that prohibits a player to go beyond the position of the ball is in effect. A first breach is a warning.
In our Match Play Competition, carts are not allowed for the finals. Also, at the Southern Open in Ontario, and at the Canada Cup in Victoriaville, carts are not permitted.
PGA TOUR
The last time I worked at a PGA Tour event, we had risk of thunderstorm. Carts were positioned all over the place in case of an evacuation, caddies had a key with them. It is also possible to have a ride from an official in case of a Stroke and Distance situation.
COMMENTS
Players are responsible for knowing the rules. These are always available on the Tour web site. A player may not agree but he must follow those rules. In some rare cases, the Committee must use common sense in any decisions or penalties.