I just got done playing in a tournament a week ago and during the round something happened that i wasn't too sure about. One of the guys on my card threw an upshot that landed basically just short of the 10 meter circle. He decided to mark his upshot and in doing so, his mini was half in and half out of the cirle. He then jump putted, and missed. I thought if any part of your disc, or your mini, was inside the 10 meter circle then jump putting was out of the question. Anyone know what the rule is?

The 10 meters are measured from the back of the marker disc.

803.04(B) and (C):

B. Stepping past the marker disc is permitted after the disc is released, except when putting within 10 meters.

C. Any throw from within 10 meters or less, as measured from the rear of the marker disc to the base of the hole, is considered a putt. A follow-through after a putt that causes the thrower to make any supporting point contact closer to the hole than the rear edge of the marker disc constitutes a falling putt and is considered a stance violation . The player must demonstrate full control of balance before advancing toward the hole.

This is why whenever placing a mini I used to be very careful not to pick up my disc very quickly. I don't jump putt nearly as much as I used to, so it isn't a big deal to me anymore. But if jump putting is integral to your game, always take care when placing a mini.

Reminds me of an amusing story: I once watched someone, not paying attention, on a course with painted circles attempt to get a few extra inches. He placed his mini about 2 inches in front of his disc. Normally I would have said something, but I simply waited for him to realize his mini was now JUST INSIDE of the circle. He got this quick look on his face that made me laugh to myself. It was a friend, so I brought it up later and still make fun of him for it on occasion.

You should take your time placing your mini instead of picking up your disc. Once you place the mini it becomes the marker, the thrown disc is no longer an option. Of course, I doubt anyone would ever call you on it or even notice it.

Gary,

Correct me if I am wrong, but if you place your mini, but don't pick up your disc, I believe you can still play behind your disc. As long as you don't move your disc, you can play behind it, whether or not it has been marked with a mini.

803.03A says you can only move the thrown disc after it has been marked with a mini. I don't read into it that if the lie is marked with a mini, the mini must then be used.

It is kind nitpicking, but the rule states:


The thrown disc must be left where it came to rest until the lie is established by placing a marker. This can be done by placing a mini marker disc on the playing surface between the hole and the disc, directly in line with the hole, on line of play, touching the thrown disc.



That is one option the player can use to establish a lie. Note that the next option listed starts with the "exclusive or" indication of "instead".


A player may instead choose, without touching or repositioning the thrown disc....



Because the word "instead" was used rather than "additionally" the options are exclusive.

After reading the rule three or four times I see that it could be read in such a way that the "instead" could still be applicable until a final choice was made by moving the thrown disc. I believe your interpretation is valid and my initial reading too strict.

I thank you for causing me to rethink my position.