Hi Linda,
Thanks for all of your help in the past. A friend was in a
bunker with a cactus growing in the middle. She thought this made it a waste
bunker.
Is there an easy way to tell the difference between a waste
bunker and a hazard? I've always looked for a rake. If there is no rake, I
played it as a waste bunker. I guess that doesn't always work when I think of a
penalty assessed to Dustin Johnson during one of the majors.
Thanks,
Lou
Dear Lou,
First check your scorecard, Lou. It may say something like:
“The sandy area on Hole #4 is a waste bunker.” Or it may state: “Sandy areas
with rakes are bunkers; sandy areas without rakes are waste bunkers.” Sometimes
the starter will explain the bunker rules in his instructions.
When you play a course for the first time, ask the starter
if there are any waste areas on the course.
Don’t assume that a bunker is a waste bunker merely because
no rakes are available. You don’t want to run the risk of a penalty because you
guessed wrong. When in doubt, treat all areas that resemble bunkers as bunkers.
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
