27 MaySand Trap Clarification (2024)

Sand Trap Rules clarification as submitted and reviewed by the Rules Committee.

There are three options for a player when hitting into either a fairway or greenside bunker. The same rules apply to both types of bunkers.

The three options are as follows:

1.)   Play the ball as it lies using standard bunker rules (no grounding the club).

2.)   Play the ball in the bunker (as stated in Option 1) but placing within one club length in order to remove it from the black tarp, weeds, rocks, footprints, or other obstructions.

3.)   Receive a free drop out of the bunker, placing the ball within two club’s lengths of the bunker/proximity to where the ball is found, no closer to the hole. This drop may be laterally.

Purpose and Explanation:

In fairness to all, it is important that we all play by the same rules.The primary purpose is to keep the pace of play moving. Thus, a player is not penalized with the loss of distance (particularly when in a fairway bunker, he does not have to go back to a point behind the bunker in a line between where their ball was found and the pin, as the former rule stated. Consequently, the lateral drop keeps the pace of play moving along. Furthermore, at times a person cannot go back in a line between the pin and their ball behind the bunker as the player would potentially be placing the ball in water, tall rough or in an unplayable situation. The key, and simplest way to remember the free drop is simply, two club’s length from the bunker, no closer to the hole than where their ball was found.

The rule will continue for the entire 2024 season and may be reviewed next year.