Linda,
We have a few holes that have grassy areas within the
bunker. Our rules person has told us that these grassy areas are not considered
part of the bunker. If that is correct then when declaring the ball unplayable
can you use all of the 3 options, which would then allow you to play the ball
outside the bunker (replay from previous location, drop as far back in line
with the flag, or drop 2 club-lengths that might take you outside the bunker)? We
know that if you declare a ball unplayable in the bunker, you must drop inside
the bunker but can you drop on these grassy areas? Please clarify.
Thanks.
Lulu from New Jersey
Dear Lulu,
Your “rules person” is correct – grass-covered ground within
a bunker is not part of the bunker [Definition of “Bunker”]. If your ball is
lying in grass-covered ground within a bunker, and you wish to declare it
unplayable, you are entitled to all of the options for an unplayable ball in
Rule 28.
If you choose the two-club-length relief option, you must drop wherever the two club-lengths takes you (not nearer the hole, of course). So if your ball is lying on the grassy area, and the two club-lengths takes you into the bunker, you will drop in the bunker. If it takes you out of the bunker, or allows you to remain on the grassy area within the bunker, you will drop there.
Linda
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