Linda, a recent rainstorm left a six-inch deep gully crack
in the side of a bunker. No casual water was present, but the sand was damp and
hard. The ball was deep in this crack. Is there any relief for an abnormal
ground condition?
Lulu from Utah
Dear Lulu,
There is no relief from cracks in the earth unless the area
is marked as ground under repair. However, there is certainly justification for
marking such an area as GUR. If no Committee member is available to review the
problem, you may play two balls under Rule 3-3 and find out later (before you
sign your scorecard) if the Committee will rule in your favor. You would play
one of those balls under Rule 25-1b [Relief from Abnormal Ground Conditions]
and play the other either as it lies or under Rule 28 [Ball Unplayable]. Before you play either ball, you would
have to mention to another player which ball you prefer to count should it be
decided that it was played correctly under the Rules.
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
