IO in a bunker

[rosecott]

There was no way that there would be no rules issues with 16 forummers (well, mostly forummers) playing 4 rounds. One occurred in our group on Monday. A player, who shall be nameless, found his ball in a bunker lying on a piece of bunker lining which had pushed up through the sand. After a short discussion, the majority decision was “no relief” for 3 reasons:

1. It was a par 3 and he was already lying 3.
2. He wasn’t a forummer.
3. Despite not being a forummer, he had laid down a“no gimmes” rule.

The actual rule (24-2b(ii)) would have given free relief if dropped in the bunker, or a one stroke penalty if dropped outside the bunker
As an aside, the USGA define the lining as an integral part of the bunker for all USGA competitions – no relief.

 

[chrisd]

....... and he still would get 40 points as he always does!

 

[palindromicbob]

There was no way that there would be no rules issues with 16 forummers (well, mostly forummers) playing 4 rounds. One occurred in our group on Monday. A player, who shall be nameless, found his ball in a bunker lying on a piece of bunker lining which had pushed up through the sand. After a short discussion, the majority decision was “no relief” for 3 reasons:

1. It was a par 3 and he was already lying 3.
2. He wasn’t a forummer.
3. Despite not being a forummer, he had laid down a“no gimmes” rule.

The actual rule (24-2b(ii)) would have given free relief if dropped in the bunker, or a one stroke penalty if dropped outside the bunker
As an aside, the USGA define the lining as an integral part of the bunker for all USGA competitions – no relief.[/

Having trouble finding anything from the R&A stating the same thing but based purely on definitions then the lining would constitute an obstruction so relief should be granted unless there is something else that would make the stroke impracticable. Not many instances that the USGA and R&A diverge but I always take care when looking at the USGA site to ensure the equivalent is also stated by the R&A as the USGA has no jurisdiction over here.

If you can find an equivalent statement from the R&A to match the USGA stance and it this was applicable then all well and good but just from the rules as I read them then relief should have been an option.

 

[Colin L]

In terms of the Rules unqualified by a local rule or condition of competition, you are correct that you are allowed relief from an obstruction in a bunker Rule 24-2b(ii). No difference in this between the USGA and the R&A - or in any other rule for that matter.

Any club or competition committee can declare bits and pieces of the course as integral parts of the course. The USGA from what you say has done so regarding bunker linings for its competitions. That would not apply to competitions run by any other organisation including the R&A unless they too wrote it into their local rules or CoCs.

It would seem there are very special conditions applying to games involving forummers, which if this one is anything to go by are made up on the spot and dependent on the known character of the player involved. :lol:

I don't know if the R&A has this condition and I'm away from home and don't travel with my SGU hard card, would you believe. Someone else may know.

 

[rulefan]

As an aside, the USGA define the lining as an integral part of the bunker for all USGA competitions – no relief.

This is not on the USGA Hardcard. Where did you see it?

 

[chrisd]

Y

It would seem there are very special conditions applying to games involving forummers, which if this one is anything to go by are made up on the spot and dependent on the known character of the player involved. :lol:

I just spent most of yesterday at Gainsborough trying to convince one forum member that all meets are conducted under the strict rules of golf rather than how it's may be done during a bounce game with your mates at the local muni.

Then you go and spill the beans Colin!!:smirk:

 

[rosecott]

This is not on the USGA Hardcard. Where did you see it?

I was going back to a Leith Society posting of some years ago - it may have changed.

 

[Foxholer]

...I'm away from home and don't travel with my SGU hard card, would you believe....

A shocking admission! :rofl: