[Golini Etiquette④] "As It Is, Even Outside"

In the bunker, "Play the ball as it lies," 1-stroke penalty for 'Bunker Drop,' 2-stroke penalty for 'Relief Outside Bunker,' and removal of loose impediments allowed

In the bunker, you take the shot with the ball as it lies. If escaping is difficult, you may take a two-stroke penalty and proceed.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] There is an obstacle that ‘Gorini (Golf + Children)’ fears the most.

It is the bunker. Strangely, whenever they get stuck in a bunker, the first worry is ‘Will I be able to get out properly?’ Negative thoughts arise first, so the results cannot be good. It is even more desperate if the ball is caught on the bunker lip or is in an egg-fry lie. It is important to have a positive mindset even in difficult situations. Golf is a sport with clear principles. The rule is to "Play the ball as it lies."

When stuck in a bunker, companions often say, "Play from a bad lie," or "Play from outside the bunker." It is better to try especially in tough situations. That way, you develop your own know-how to get out of the bunker. If you absolutely cannot escape, you can confidently take relief. You can take a one-stroke penalty for ‘unplayable’ and drop inside the bunker. Alternatively, you can return to where you took the previous shot.

However, this is a huge disadvantage. It is the same as Out of Bounds (OB). According to the golf rules revised in 2019, you can come out of the bunker entirely. However, a two-stroke penalty is imposed. In professional tournament courses, bunker maintenance is perfect. After a player’s shot, a professional caddie smooths the sand. This is to ensure all players compete under the same conditions. Golf courses used by amateur golfers are different.

Sometimes the sand is roughly smoothed. The ball may even be in someone else’s footprint. This can be infuriating. The probability of connecting to a good shot decreases. In a bunker, it is permissible to smooth footprints left by others. At this time, it is necessary to have the sense to inform your companions. Clearly express your intention by saying, "I will smooth the footprints before playing." The newly revised golf rules have also relaxed various conditions within bunkers.

You can remove movable obstructions called Loose Impediments. This includes stones, leaves, twigs, pine cones, and animal carcasses. When removing them, be careful not to move the ball. Unless it is a sand test, it is okay if the golf club touches the bunker. However, during the setup process, you cannot put the golf club down. Some golfers lightly mark the spot where they will strike with the club before taking a bunker shot.

This is a violation of golf rules. Even if you make a good shot, you may feel guilty. If you picked up the ball to check if it was yours, you must return it to its original position. If you are caught subtly placing the ball in a better lie, it is embarrassing. ‘Tank’ Choi Kyung-ju (51, SK Telecom) is a master of bunker shots. When there is long rough around the green, he deliberately aims for the bunker. The bunker is better for putting spin than the rough. A good bunker shot is a shortcut to lowering your score.