Before playing a ball in a bunker, a player may remove loose impediments under Rule 15.1 and movable obstructions under Rule 15.2. This includes any reasonable touching or movement of the sand in the bunker that happens while doing so.
Can you remove loose impediments in a hazard?
First and foremost, in contrast to what is allowed today, Rule 12.2 allows players to remove loose impediments and movable obstructions from a bunker or a water hazard, even if the ball lies in the same bunker or water hazard.
Can you remove loose impediments from a bunker?
Loose impediments and movable obstructions can be moved anywhere on the golf course , including in bunkers and penalty areas, even when your ball also lies in the bunker or penalty area.
Can you remove a stone from a bunker?
Yes. Stones are loose impediments and you may remove any loose impediments that are in a bunker , even when your ball came to rest there (see Rule 12.2a). But, you’ll want to be careful that your ball does not move if you move a loose impediment or you will get one penalty stroke, and must replace your ball.
Can you take relief from a bunker?
Players can take relief outside of the sand on a line from the hole to where the ball came to rest in the bunker, but at a cost of two penalty strokes (Rule 19.3b).
What can’t you remove before hitting from a bunker?
Players can remove loose impediments like leaves from around their ball, although touching the sand with the club during a practice swing or back swing of an actual stroke in the bunker will still be prohibited.
Can you move sand on the putting green?
A. Yes . Sand and loose soil may be removed on the putting green (see Rule 13.1c(1)).
Can you touch the sand in bunker?
After a ball in a bunker is played and it is outside the bunker, the player may: Touch sand in the bunker without penalty under Rule 12.2b(1) , and. Smooth sand in the bunker to care for the course without penalty under Rule 8.1a.
Are you allowed to touch the sand in a bunker?
The main rule to follow in bunkers is you are not allowed to touch the sand with your club whether that be grounding it behind the ball, shifting sand on your backswing or having a practice shot in the sand. ... Therefore if you do hit into one, you have to show greater skill in getting your ball out.
Can you refuse a conceded putt?
Key Takeaways. A ‘conceded putt’ happens, in match play only (they are not allowed in stroke play), when one golfer tells her opponent to count their next stroke as holed. ... Once a stroke is conceded, the concession can’t be refused or withdrawn.
Can you declare your ball unplayable in a bunker?
A. If you don’t want to or decide you can’t play your ball as it lies when your ball is in a bunker, you may decide it is unplayable . If you do this, you have four total options, and two will always require that you take relief inside the bunker. ... (2) You may take back-on-the-line relief in the bunker (see Rule 19.2b).
Do you get relief from tree roots in golf?
If this is the case, and the tree interferes with your stance or the area of your intended swing, relief can be taken without penalty , akin to an immovable obstruction. Just drop the ball within one club-length of—and not nearer the hole than— the nearest point of relief.
What happens if a bunker is full of water?
When the bunker is filled with temporary water, you may play your ball as it lies or take free relief in the bunker . ... When taking free relief, you must find the nearest point of complete relief in the bunker and drop within the one club-length relief area (see Rule 16.1c(1)).
Can you touch the sand on your backswing?
A. Touching the sand with your club immediately in front of or behind your ball, during a practice swing or during your backswing is a penalty (see Rule 12.2b(1)). ... Other touching of the sand in a bunker is generally ok, as long as you are not deliberately testing the condition of the sand.
Why can’t you touch the sand in golf?
Unlike other golf course surfaces, sand will move easily. Therefore, as Leaderboard.com explains, “ It is impossible to allow the club to touch the sand without depressing the sand , no matter how slightly.” The penalty for violating Rule 13-4 is two strokes in stroke play, or the loss of the hole in match play.
Is it legal to take a practice swing in a bunker?
Touching the sand with a club in taking a practice swing continues to be prohibited both for pace of play and to avoid having large amounts of sand deposited outside bunkers (especially greenside bunkers) as a result of repeated practice swings.
