3offTheTee
Tour Rookie
If on my backswing I touch a leaf whilst in a bunker is it a penalty?
Leaves in Bunkers
- Thread starter 3offTheTee
- Start date
John_Findlay
Tour Winner
Yes. 2 stroke penalty. Rule 13
The_LHC
Head Pro
Yes it is, you're testing the conditions of the hazard, your stroke does not begin until you have finished the backswing.
Rule 13-4 Decision 33.
Rule 13-4 Decision 33.
John_Findlay
Tour Winner
Scobie
Club Champion
Thats the most ridiculous rule i've seen in golf. It's bad enough you can't ground your club in a bunker because you would be testing the sand, surely when you walk into the bunker your feet 'test' the sand anyway. But to be penalised two shots for hitting a leaf in your backswing in a bunker! Bit harsh if you ask me.
Toby_LeRhone
Head Pro
Don't hit it in there then.
Could be worse. It could be a flooded bunker with leaves in
MashieNiblick
Tour Winner
Don't think it's about testing the hazard as such but the fact that you can't touch or move a loose impediment in a hazard (rule 13.4c rather than 13.4a) which is what decision 13.4/33 refers to. The idea is that in a hazard you have to take your medicine. You can't pick up leaf or a pine cone or a twig that is behind your ball so it would be inconsistent if you could flick it away when making your backswing. Yes it's a tad harsh but that's what being in a hazard is all about. 
