Bunkers

[Biggleswade Blue]

In the Open, Lowry on the tenth was up against the face of the bunker.

He chose to knock it back to the middle of the bunker then play out.

What’s the rule about taking a drop in the bunker, or out of the bunker?

(As we are about to have the preferred lies rule cease, I fear a decline in my bunker ability!)

 

[DickInShorts]

You can take an unplayable (penalty) drop in a bunker but you can’t drop nearer the hole - which is where Lowry played to

 

[Colin L]

Rule 19 Unplayable Ball and in particular 19.3 for unplayable ball in a bunker.



Lateral or back on the line relief in the bunker for one stroke.
Back on the line relief outside the bunker for 2 strokes.
Stroke and distance.

 

[Biggleswade Blue]

Rule 19 Unplayable Ball and in particular 19.3 for unplayable ball in a bunker.



Lateral or back on the line relief in the bunker for one stroke.
Back on the line relief outside the bunker for 2 strokes.
Stroke and distance.

Thanks. So why would Lowry play the ball back in the bunker rather than take a drop in the bunker?

 

[Biggleswade Blue]

You can take an unplayable (penalty) drop in a bunker but you can’t drop nearer the hole - which is where Lowry played to

Ah ok. I thought he played it backwards. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[fundy]

Thanks. So why would Lowry play the ball back in the bunker rather than take a drop in the bunker?

you theoretically get a better lie by hitting it a yard or two across rather than dropping it straight down. not sure if this has been minimised now you only drop from knee height but dropping from shoulder height used to guarantee you a semi plugged lie at best

 

[Banchory Buddha]

Thanks. So why would Lowry play the ball back in the bunker rather than take a drop in the bunker?

Ball is going to plug if you drop, playing back like he did at worst a small depression

 

[KenL]

Ball is going to plug if you drop, playing back like he did at worst a small depression

He could also hit it to a better spot than the allowed area for dropping I suppose.

 

[DickInShorts]

Ball is going to plug if you drop, playing back like he did at worst a small depression

I guess he decided chances of getting his ball anywhere decent was not on