Preferred Lies in Bunkers !

[oltimer]

Played last week in an Open where local rule states ball in bunker should be lifted sand raked and ball placed !

a playing partner said his Club frequently has this rule.

May just as well have a free drop out of Bunkers - none of those I ended up in had any condition that prevented it being played as it lies - not sure what the point of this is apart from not being golf as I understand it.

Is this a common practise at othet Clubs ?

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Played last week in an Open where local rule states ball in bunker should be lifted sand raked and ball placed !

a playing partner said his Club frequently has this rule.

May just as well have a free drop out of Bunkers - none of those I ended up in had any condition that prevented it being played as it lies - not sure what the point of this is apart from not being golf as I understand it.

Is this a common practise at othet Clubs ?

Maybe the sand in some bunkers was very sparse and so they decided on this approach, and for me even with a perfect lie in a bunker there is still a challenge getting out of it that is not presented by a pitch over a bunker.

 

[rulefan]

Of course, any competition played under this LR would not count as a CONGU qualifier.

 

[jim8flog]

I would have thought to have this rule the club would have to get R&A permission.

There again I have played at lots of clubs that seem to think they can have any local rule that they wish to have.

 

[rulefan]

I would have thought to have this rule the club would have to get R&A permission.

They wouldn't get it.

 

[clubchamp98]

This is done mainly when lots of rain has compacted the sand.
Some clubs do it some don't as long as it's the same for everyone .
But as said should not be done in a comp

 

[rulefan]

But as said should not be done in a comp

To be a qualifier, it must not be done.

 

[mikejohnchapman]

The OP said it was an Open Competition - amazed they did this as I have never heard of it before.

Having said that we have a local rule for being able to get relief in our bunkers from storm damage. At least it's a drop in the bunker but I still don't think the LR is valid.

 

[rulie]

The OP said it was an Open Competition - amazed they did this as I have never heard of it before.

Having said that we have a local rule for being able to get relief in our bunkers from storm damage. At least it's a drop in the bunker but I still don't think the LR is valid.

Last time I checked the Rules, they said that bunkers were hazards. Players should beware of hazards and expect to pay the price.
Sorry if this is patently obvious.

 

[rulefan]

Having said that we have a local rule for being able to get relief in our bunkers from storm damage. At least it's a drop in the bunker but I still don't think the LR is valid.

Severe storm damage can be treated as GUR. Depending on the extent, it may be limited to a specific area within the bunker or the whole bunker. In the latter case the bunker should be treated as Through the Green.