@Beckett
Wow, that was tough to get an answer! Thank you so much!
Blair said:
@Skyler
I know I can’t touch the sand near the ball, but does that apply even if I’m 4 feet away? I genuinely don’t know if it’s all the sand or just near the ball.
Yes, the rule applies to the entire bunker. You’re not allowed to touch any sand before hitting your shot.
People are just saying you can do whatever you want during a casual round. But if you’re in a match, touching the sand is definitely against the rules.
@Harley
Yeah, I get that I can do whatever I want, but thanks for telling me the actual rule.
Blair said:
@Harley
Yeah, I get that I can do whatever I want, but thanks for telling me the actual rule.
Looks like you got your answer now. Hope it helps!
Blair said:
@Skyler
I know I can’t touch the sand near the ball, but does that apply even if I’m 4 feet away? I genuinely don’t know if it’s all the sand or just near the ball.
The rule is meant to keep the sand consistent and not affect the playing surface. It’s not just about not moving your ball.
Blair said:
@Skyler
I’m just trying to understand the rules. Most practice swings aren’t full speed, they’re just to get a feel.
According to the rules, no, you can’t ground your club in the bunker you’re hitting out of, even if it’s a practice swing. It’s part of what makes bunker shots challenging.
Why can’t you touch the sand near the ball? Are you trying out for the PGA Tour?
Brooke said:
Why can’t you touch the sand near the ball? Are you trying out for the PGA Tour?
No need to post this in every thread. This person just wants to know the actual rules.
Brooke said:
Why can’t you touch the sand near the ball? Are you trying out for the PGA Tour?
No need to post this in every thread. This person just wants to know the actual rules.
Thanks, I just want a simple answer. I know it’s against the rules to touch sand near the ball, but does that apply to all the sand in the bunker too?
@Blair
Are you talking about USGA/R&A rules made for pros? You’re just learning the game. Why make it harder for yourself? Learn the basics and have fun—worry about all the rules later when you’re in a tournament.
@Brooke
I’m asking on this forum about the actual rules. I enjoy understanding them.
@Brooke
Every sport has rules. This question is about those rules. Whether or not you follow them while learning is a separate issue.
@Brooke
Golf rules apply to everyone, not just professionals. You can choose to play by them or not, but they’re the same for all.
Brooke said:
Why can’t you touch the sand near the ball? Are you trying out for the PGA Tour?
No need to post this in every thread. This person just wants to know the actual rules.
I gave an answer though. If he’s not on tour, why can’t he just touch the sand to see how firm it is? These rules were made for pros, and pushing them on beginners is what drives people away.
@Brooke
Maybe let people play how they want, by the rules or not—it’s not your business. How about that?
Pax said:
@Brooke
Maybe let people play how they want, by the rules or not—it’s not your business. How about that?
I’m just suggesting a beginner shouldn’t get caught up with all the rules. How does that sound?
@Brooke
Once you understand that the rules are part of the game, you’ll get why people are disagreeing with you.
@Brooke
I just want to know the rules. I know I can do whatever I want, but I enjoy knowing the actual guidelines.
@Brooke
A lot of us are okay with being bad at something and enjoying it anyway. Playing how you want is fine, but if you want to learn golf, it’s good to know the actual rules. Whether or not you follow them is your choice.
Some people take this game way too seriously.