The Rules |
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COURTESY OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA |
Both shots received extensive CBS replay coverage , so it was obvious in each case that the ball was airborne ( for a few seconds , at least ) and embedded in its own pitch-mark . We can move on to the relief portion of the ruling , which is typically uncomplicated .
The reference point for relief is the spot in the general area right behind where the ball is embedded . The problem in both cases was there was no general area reference point right behind the ball — the spot right behind the ball was in the bunker . Rules officials needed to find a spot in the general area that was not nearer the
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The grass lip near a bunker is , by definition , not part of a bunker . There is free relief available for an embedded ball there , though it may not always leave you with the best shot .
hole to the spot immediately behind where the ball embedded . This is covered in a clarification to Rule 16.3b / 1 , which was introduced in the 2023 update to the Rules of Golf . In both cases , it took some doing , but that relief spot was found .
While neither player was penalized for his poor shot out of the bunker , the
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free relief didn ’ t exactly help . Both had extremely difficult shots and stances and eventually made double bogey on the hole . But hopefully having the procedure take place in front of a captive national audience will help you if you encounter a similar situation in a weekend round at your club . |