What is a Stymie?

The Stymie was a strategy once used in golf matches. When on the green, the stymie was deployed by blocking your opponents path to the hole, as long as your ball was more than 6 inches from your opponents ball, as well as the cup. This would force the opponent into one of three options:

1. Chip their ball over yours

2. Go around

3. Strike your ball

If your ball is struck into the hole by your opponent, it was considered a continuation of your last stroke. If your ball was only moved, you have the option of placing back where it was, or play it from where it rolled. No matter which choice your opponent selected, there was a high probability that it would cost them a stroke and likely the hole. The Stymie was dastardly and could create a clear advantage to anyone who wielded it successfully. It was officially outlawed by the USGA in 1950, followed by the R&A in 1952. Today the word stymie is used to describe a stalemate, but it's origins lie in the annals of golf history.