The following is the first in a planned series of member info topics to assist in understanding aspects of play on the course which we trust will improve member enjoyment of their game and assist in maintenance of the course.
Rules relating to bunker play can be found in your rule book under RULE 12.
Bunker R&A definition “specifically prepared area of sand, which is often hollow from which turf or soil was removed”
Importantly, a lip or wall consisting of soil stacked turf or grass is not in the bunker. A naturally growing or attached object e.g. tree, bush prepared grass island within the bunker, is not part of the bunker.
Essentially if any part of your ball touches sand inside the edge of the bunker (or where sand would normally be), you are in the bunker Rule 12.1
*I encourage you to become familiar with variations around Rule 12 which apply to guide you on how to decide if “you are in a bunker” or not, and thus how to play your ball out of a bunker.
Often during the year and particularly after poor weather and heavy rain, the bunker conditions may be modified and temporarily in abnormal condition. While players can’t stop heavy rainfall and wash outs, some general care principles can keep the bunkers in best possible condition for those playing behind you.
The following common situations may confront you in a bunker:
1) Ball lands in a footprint from lack of care by players who hit out of the bunker before you
2) Ball settles in a hole caused by throwing the rake carelessly into the bunker
3) Ball settles high on the wall in a foot defect, because of poor repair effort
4) Find yourself with a downhill lie of your ball in a bunker
5) Abnormal course conditions e.g. water in a bunker
6) Ball up against or on a loose impediment, rake or other movable obstructions in the bunker.
Points 1-3 situations above are under the direct influence of players during their round. A little effort by each of us will improve the lie in bunkers and will help maintain bunker quality:
1) Enter the bunker via the lowest point to prevent and limit damage to the walls
2) Rake the sand after you play your shot and exit the bunker the way you entered it
3) Place the rake with care in the line of the direction of play.
It is important not to deliberately move the sand around the ball when playing your practice swing or stroke. (e.g. Patrick Reed effect) This includes your backswing! See Rule 12.2b
Point 4: After playing your shot from the bunker base, rake and move the sand as you exit. If you always rake toward you as you exit, eventually the sand will move from the center of the bunker to the edges, creating a scooped out area at the base of the bunker and thus a downhill lie will eventually be created.
Consider pushing the sand forward to repair the bunker if possible, helping to maintain the base level. We see this often at right side of holes 2,6,14, at MVGC. Your efforts can minimize the problem of downhill lies in bunkers.
Point 5: Abnormal course conditions affecting the bunker (e.g. temporary water) See Rule16.1c
Relief from abnormal course condition in a bunker is available, nearest point of complete relief, no nearer the hole in the bunker. If the drop is taken and the ball returns to the water on 2 occasions, you may place the ball. Relief outside the bunker incurs a penalty of one stroke. See rule 16.1c.1 and 2. At Mona Vale if a white stake indicates the bunker is out of play, relief outside the bunker incurs no penalty.
Interference by conditions caused by animals in the bunker are covered rule 16.2. You can take relief if in an animal hole (defined as abnormal course condition) but not from a mound of sand dug by the animal!
Point 6: Removal of loose impediment (See rule 15) is now allowed in a bunker, however if in action of moving the loose impediment the players action results in the ball moving, then a one stroke penalty applies. So be careful!
Also, relief is allowed from movable obstructions (e.g. rake) in a bunker. (See 15.2a). To take this relief from a rake it is suggested that the position of the ball be marked with a tee, then lift the ball and remove the rake, replace the ball and remove the tee.
It is anticipated that the above guide for bunker rules and play may assist in your enjoyment of the game of golf and improve playability of bunkers on the course.
Happy Golfing
Graeme MacDougal
Captain
