2015 PGA: Everything with sand in it will be considered a bunker
PGA Championship

2015 PGA Championship: Everything with sand in it will be considered a bunker

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The same rules that defined what was -- and what wasn't -- a bunker at the 2010 PGA Championship will apply this time around, too, at Whistling Straits.

PGA of America officials have already posted supplementary rules describing that any space filled with sand will be considered a bunker and, therefore, a hazard.

Here's the full text of the rules:

1. All areas of the course that were designed and built as bunkers, filled wth sand, will be played as bunkers (hazards), whether or not they have been raked. This will mean that many bunkers positioned outside of the ropes, as well as some areas of bunkers inside the ropes, close to the rope line, will likely include numerous footprints, heel prints, trash and tire tracks during the play of the Championship. Such irregularities of surface are a part of the game and no free relief will be available from these conditions. All bunkers inside the ropes will be raked each morning prior to play as normal.

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

Now, here's an excerpt of the language used in the 2010 notice, which was posted in the players' locker room:

1. Bunkers: All areas of the course that were designed and built as sand bunkers will be played as bunkers (hazards), whether or not they have been raked. This will mean that many bunkers positioned outside of the ropes, as well as some areas of bunkers inside the ropes, close to the rope line, will likely include numerous footprints, heel prints and tire tracks during the play of the Championship. Such irregularities of surface are a part of the game and no free relief will be available from these conditions.

There are a few differences in the two statements, though they're fundamentally sharing the same messages: If you land in sand at Whistling Straits, don't ground your club.

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Ryan Ballengee

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