Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker

Subject: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:40 pm

About 3 months ago I played in The Legends with my group of friends.

While hitting my approach shot it landed in the bunker. As I was about to hit my bunker shot I found quite a few granite aggregates (about 25mm x 20mm) in it. Unfortunately, one of the aggregates was about 2" behind my ball. Not sure of the ruling, I proceeded to hit the shot and found a scratch mark on my sandwedge face.

The thing I seek to know is am I allowed to remove the granite aggregate as it was impeding my shot without penalty or will I be penalised if I remove the aggregate?

Answers from the expert is appreciated.

Cheers!

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Mon Nov 07, 2011 11:25 pm

If you stick to the rules, you cannot remove any loose impediments from the bunker without incurring penalty.

But the common sense thing to do with social golf, especially when you are not betting or in a tournament, is to "negotiate" with your playmates so that you will not potentially damage your clubs. I will allow my friend to remove such stones as you describe. No big deal.

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:16 am

Agree, on all the Tours, you can remove a stone if it is going to cause damage to your club, or damage to you! It is classed as a local rule though.

Most scorecards have it in the local rule section... something like....

Stones in bunkers are moveable obstructions (Rule 24-1 applies).

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:42 am

Thanks guys,

Apparently my friend is not of the same opinion. Therefore in order to avoid an argument I proceeded with the shot. Unfortunately my sandwedge suffered. Sad

But it's still in working condition. Smile

Caddy Posts : 5606 Join date : 2009-12-26

A very competitive friend, you have....

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:58 am

pushslice wrote:: A very competitive friend, you have....

Yep, that's right. Our bet is 5,5,10. That's how big it is. Not even enough to replace my damage sandwedge. Sad

But that's how it is.

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:05 am

TDO wrote:

pushslice wrote:: A very competitive friend, you have....

Yep, that's right. Our bet is 5,5,10. That's how big it is. Not even enough to replace my damage sandwedge. Sad

But that's how it is.

Check the scorecard mate, it should be under local rules. Most have it now a days.

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:14 am

Thanks for the tip shorthitter. Will do that the next game. Smile

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:20 am

pushslice wrote:: A very competitive friend, you have....

I won't call him a friend. He is more a stranger who cares less about his playmate's interest. On the other hand, I would rather take a penalty (if I have to) and save my new club. The damage sometimes can cost more than a lost hole.

BTW, watch this slide show for social golfing (slide #5) :

http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/2011-10/photos-reasonable-rules#slide=1

Very Active Golfer Posts : 533 Join date : 2011-09-16

What a lack of
Sportsmanship though.. Oh well

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:24 am

I did asked him if I am allowed to remove the aggregate. He just kept quiet. I have no choice but to hit the ball as it lie.

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 12:32 pm

In the spirit of the game as long as intention is not to improve the lie, I don't see why not..

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:48 pm

This scenario sounds familiar... I played to the rule and hit the ball with the 2cm stone just behind my ball...

Stone land near the pin but ball still in bunker... %$@^$%#^%$#&

lucky my club no scar... tongue

Subject: Re: Granite Aggregates in Sand Bunker Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:53 pm

alvin7379 wrote:: This scenario sounds familiar... I played to the rule and hit the ball with the 2cm stone just behind my ball...

Stone land near the pin but ball still in bunker... %$@^$%#^%$#&

lucky my club no scar...

I like!

Can you show me this piece of skill, together with the infamous driver throwing skill when we next golf?
lol!

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