C-1 Clarifying Edge of Bunker
Purpose. When it may be difficult to determine the edge of a bunker due to wear or when bunkers blend into areas of sand that are in the general area, the Committee may need to define the edge of the bunker.
No specific Model Local Rules are included in this section given the variety of options available, but some examples are provided below:
- The edge of the bunker to the left of [specify hole number] is defined by the outside edge of the [insert colour] stakes. The stakes are movable obstructions and are inside the bunker.
- The edge of the bunker to the right of [specify hole number] is defined by the [identify colour] line painted in the sand,
- Any areas of sand that have been raked are considered to be a part of a bunker.
See Sections 2D and 5B(3) for more information on bunkers.
C-2 Changing Status of Areas of Sand
Purpose. The definition of “bunker” specifies that a bunker is a “specially prepared area of sand”. However, if a Committee wants to define a prepared area of sand as part of the general area or define a non-prepared area of sand as a bunker, it may do so by Local Rule.
Model Local Rule C-2.1
Defining a prepared area of sand as part of the general area:
“The prepared area[s] of sand [detail holes or locations] are part of the general area and not bunkers.”
Model Local Rule C-2.2
Defining a non-prepared area of sand as a bunker:
“The area[s] of sand [detail holes or locations] are bunkers and not part of the general area.”
C-3 Clarifying Status of Material Similar to Sand
Purpose. Bunkers on a course sometimes contain materials similar to sand, such as crushed shells or lava dust. Such materials are treated as sand when applying Rule 12. (See the Definition of “Bunker”).
For consistency, the Committee can choose to treat such materials as sand everywhere else on the course as well.
Model Local Rule C-3
“The [identify material such as crushed shell or lava dust] used to fill bunkers is treated as sand both when in a bunker and everywhere else on the course.
This means that these materials are not loose impediments. A player must not improve the conditions affecting the stroke by removing these materials, except when they are on the putting green (see Rule 13.1c(1)).”
C-4 Declaring Practice Bunkers to Be Part of General Area
Purpose. When a course has bunkers within the boundaries of the course that are used for practising, they do not lose their status as bunkers by default. However, the condition of practice bunkers may be very poor as players frequently do not rake them. If the Committee wishes to provide relief for players, the bunker should be declared to be ground under repair and a part of the general area, which will allow players to take free relief outside the bunker.
Model Local Rule C-4
“The practice bunker located [insert details of where the bunker is located] is ground under repair and is part of the general area. Free relief is available under Rule 16.1b.”