Linda–
Thanks for your explanation from a previous question [Ask
Linda #593a], but at our course we have some areas outside the bunkers where a
lot of sand has “escaped.” What would be rule for a plugged ball there, since
it is through the green, not in a bunker, but is embedded in a sandy area?
Thanks,
Lou from Texas
Dear Lou,
It is not uncommon for sand to spill over the edge of a
bunker. If a ball embeds in the sand outside a bunker, it is lying in a sandy
area. The player is only entitled to relief if the ball is embedded in its own
pitch mark in this sandy area and
the grass under the sand is closely mown. If the grass under the sand is not
closely mown, there is no free relief.
Here is the exact wording of Exception 1 to Local Rule 4
(the Rule that provides free relief for a ball embedded through the green):
A player may not take
relief under this Local Rule if the ball is embedded in sand in an area that is
not closely mown.
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
