Hi Linda,
In an alternate shot format in a recent tournament event, a
team member attempted a bunker shot and did not make it out of the bunker. His
partner then raked his footprints in the bunker in order to take a stance. Although
such raking did not improve the lie of the ball, presumably it improved the
partner's stance prior to hitting the next shot. Would this be a violation of
rule 13-4 and 13-2 and a 2-stroke penalty because it should be deemed to have
improved his stance and is not simply "caring for the course?”
Thanks,
Lou from Minnesota
Dear Lou,
Yes.
A player is permitted to rake sand in the bunker while his
ball lies in that bunker provided (1) the sole purpose is to care for the
course, and (2) he does not breach Rule 13-2 [Exception 2 to Rule 13-4].
The player in your narrative incurred a two-stroke penalty
for a breach of Rule 13-2 because he improved the area of his intended stance.
Linda
Copyright © 2014 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
