Water in bunkers

[bobmac]

I attended a committee meeting last night at my local club where the subject of water in the bunkers was raised.
Long story short is they voted for the following...
If the bunker is dry, play as normal.
If it has any water in it anywhere, free drop nearest point of relief outside the bunker, even if your stance and ball are dry. I was out-voted
Now, I know this isn't the correct rule, I just wondered if your club does anything different to the normal rules of golf?

 

[USER1999]

Not in general play, but we do have an Auction knock out comp, which is against so many rules it is untrue. Apparently it is traditional. That old turkey.

 

[birdieman]

We're strictly by the book, no unusual rules except stones in bunkers can be removed.

I'm not sure what the EGU would say if there was an Open Comp at your place on a rainy day and all players were getting free drops from bunkers - surely that would reduce the effective SSS by 2 or 3 shots? Players could go at every flag with no consequences.

The handicaps of the members will be lower than they should be if SSS isn't changed on days when bunkers are flooded.

 

[Fyldewhite]

Sorry, just re-read your post Bob and have removed my rant on just how wrong this is !!!

In answer to your question though we've had various rules in the past that have been totally wrong but usually concering handicapping rather than golf rules.

 

[Leftie]

Bob. That is just so WRONG.

Completely open for abuse. I can see it now. Anyone in a bunker and not fancying the shot will look for any moisture, call it and get a free drop outside. Madness.

I can never understand the arguement that the "proper" rule for water in bunkers is unfair. It's a HAZARD for goodness sake. You put the ball in there, you get it out. Your problem. At least with a sand hazard you get the opportunity to have a FREE drop in the hazard out of lying water. You don't get that with a water hazard.

GRRRRRrrrrrrr.... Ah! That's better.

Rant over

 

[USER1999]

So was that a flooded bunker in front of the 12th yesterday?

 

[Leftie]

You can be such a bitch at times.

Oh. By the way, how many points did you score yesterday?? You were VERY quiet about it after the game. All we heard about was the double sandy par you got, later trumped by my sandy birdie in the 13th.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I can't believe they would pass that especially after opposition from a pro. Is it not about testing yourself against the course or not trying to look a mug in front of your mates. Very poor decision. I understand the rules for taking stones out (think we've all come out of a bunker with slightly less club than we entered with) but this just smacks of if you hit it in the bunker don't worry about, have a go from a nice bit of grass instead. Is that rule for general play or competitions as well

 

[Imurg]

Last club I was at allowed you to roll the ball out of its plugged lie in the rough - no cleaning just rolling it out so its above ground. Only applicable when winter rules in operation.

 

[Golfin7]

mainly only if the ball is in the water but if its in the sand (next to the water) why should you get a free drop??? personaly tho being a greenkeeper i would get the drainage problem sorted out !!! (thats what were paid to do)