Dropping out of Bunkers

[rapper]

Is it allowed to drop out of a bunker if you want to say your ball is unplayable? Nearest point of relief or back as far as you want keeping flag in line or go back to where you last played the ball? even if say I am a poor bunker player,i can decide if my ball is unplayable even though it could be played? sounds daft but it can help poor bunker players?thanks

 

[Region3]

The only way you can drop out of a bunker under penalty (in normal circumstances) is to replay from the last spot.

Using the normal unplayable rule, the 2 club lengths and back on a line to the flag have to be dropped in the bunker.

 

[Pin-seeker]

I'd find it poor form if someone was wanting to take a drop every time they went in a bunker. Surely the answer is to practice bunker shots.

 

[Imurg]

I'd find it poor form if someone was wanting to take a drop every time they went in a bunker. Surely the answer is to practice bunker shots.

Poor form or not, if they're taking stroke and distance then it has to be to your advantage doesn't it?
And if it's within the Rules, how can it be "poor form"

 

[dotty001]

Just watch the big Phil YouTube clip on bunkers ! I actually find playing out of bunkers fun!


Now fairway bunkers ! That's another matter !

 

[Pin-seeker]

Poor form or not, if they're taking stroke and distance then it has to be to your advantage doesn't it?
And if it's within the Rules, how can it be "poor form"

Just my opinion. If your in the bunker,play out of the bunker.

 

[Imurg]

Just my opinion. If your in the bunker,play out of the bunker.

But if you're in a bush do you play out of the bush or use the rules to your advantage by dropping away from it or replaying your shot...?

 

[Pin-seeker]

But if you're in a bush do you play out of the bush or use the rules to your advantage by dropping away from it or replaying your shot...?

Totally different scenario IMO.

 

[hovis]

Some of the bunkers at the belfry are 13ft deep with vertical faces. When the bunkers are wet and compact it makes for a very difficult shot. I would choose to play the shot again

 

[Pin-seeker]

Some of the bunkers at the belfry are 13ft deep with vertical faces. When the bunkers are wet and compact it makes for a very difficult shot. I would choose to play the shot again

This a can understand as it's going to extremes.

 

[williamalex1]

I've never taken a drop from a bunker , but there's been a good few times I wish I had and saved a few shots.ne:

 

[Imurg]

Just my opinion. If your in the bunker,play out of the bunker.

But if you're in a bush do you play out of the bush or use the rules to your advantage by dropping away from it or replaying your shot...?

Totally different scenario IMO.

It's not really. You're in a position that you consider the ball unplayable. Change the bush to a Water hazard. You find the ball in it, it's possible to get it out but your skill level makes it unlikley.
Do you go ahead and play from the hazard, drop out into 3 ft high rough or play it again...
Principle is the same - using the rules to help you get the ball in the hole in the fewest shots - or would you rather run up a telephone number digging your way to Australia...?

Don't be too quick to discount all options.
And, as long as it's within the rules, nobody can say that you can or can't do it.

 

[Pin-seeker]

It's not really. You're in a position that you consider the ball unplayable. Change the bush to a Water hazard. You find the ball in it, it's possible to get it out but your skill level makes it unlikley.
Do you go ahead and play from the hazard, drop out into 3 ft high rough or play it again...
Principle is the same - using the rules to help you get the ball in the hole in the fewest shots - or would you rather run up a telephone number digging your way to Australia...?

Don't be too quick to discount all options.
And, as long as it's within the rules, nobody can say that you can or can't do it.

All I'm saying is surely it's better to raise your skill level at hitting out of bunkers rather than taking a drop.
Some players are renowned for been excellent bunker players. Not sure who the best at hitting out of a bush is

 

[Imurg]

All I'm saying is surely it's better to raise your skill level at hitting out of bunkers rather than taking a drop.
Some players are renowned for been excellent bunker players. Not sure who the best at hitting out of a bush is

Couldn 't agree more but you're missing the point.
Take a 28'er today.
His bunker play means he's likely to need 4 or 5 goes to get out.
So he takes 2 putts and records 8 on a par 3.

Or

He takes Stoke and Distance, plays 3 off the tee, makes the green and 2 putts for a 5.

Not poor form, more like sensible play to me...

 

[LewisR]

Just use it as a chance to get more practice in the bunker then you wont have to keep taking penalty shots!

 

[Pin-seeker]

Ok suppose it's sensible play as a short term option when you're new to the game.

 

[Imurg]

Some of the bunkers at the belfry are 13ft deep with vertical faces. When the bunkers are wet and compact it makes for a very difficult shot. I would choose to play the shot again

This a can understand as it's going to extremes.

Ok suppose it's sensible play as a short term option when you're new to the game.

As you've already agreed to, it depends on the situation....

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I have improved my bunker play this summer in nice powdery sand. Now its compact and wet I'm struggling again and need to get out and work on a different approach and entry point. Trouble is, a whiff of rain and the practice bunker is submerged

 

[dotty001]

i had to drop in a fairway bunker yesterday, 1 of the most demoralising expriences watching it plug :rofl:

 

[RobRob]

I have improved my bunker play this summer in nice powdery sand. Now its compact and wet I'm struggling again and need to get out and work on a different approach and entry point. Trouble is, a whiff of rain and the practice bunker is submerged

Swing a little flatter and make sure you dont decelerate, helped my loads out wet or shallow sand!