User:Mvpinelli

PINELLI RULE - GOLF, AKA "A PINELLI"

Amateur golfer, Deercreek Country Club, Jacksonville, FL, created a new golf rule (non-USGA) in 1989. The Pinelli Rule has spread throughout the United States. It is different from a Mulligan and is only used on the first tee shot of the day.

The Rule - A player may hit a second tee shot if he/she does not want to use their first. The second tee shot is now in play with the first being abandoned. The player lies one (with a Mulligan, a player can choose either ball). Even if a player hits the second tee shot out of bounds or in a hazard, the second tee shot is the ball in play. All USGA rules then apply. In other words, if the second tee shot goes OB then the player re-tees again and is now hitting three.

The rule originated when Mike Pinelli, who started and ran the Saturday morning Antler Game at Deercreek, didn't have time to warm up on the range prior to playing. He declared that he could hit a second tee shot if he didn't like the first. However, he would be REQUIRED to use the second tee shot. Soon, thereafter, all other players started doing the same. The Rule has been in effect since 1989.

There are many great stories about the Pinelli Rule. One that stands out, is when a very traditional golfer who always refused to use "a Pinelli" was convinced one day to use it after hitting his tee shot only 100 yards on a long par 4. Reluctantly, he teed up his Pinelli and proceeded to hit it out of bounds. He never used a Pinelli again.