Golf Rule 197 is a set of updates to the rules of golf that relate to relief in bunkers. It includes three specific updates that provide options for players to take relief in bunkers in order to improve their chances of making par.
The first update allows players to take back-on-the-line relief in the bunker, which means they can move their ball back a little on an imaginary line between the ball and the hole in order to escape the bunker. This option incurs a one-stroke penalty.
The second update allows players to take lateral relief in the bunker, which means they can move their ball a few feet to either side of its original position within one club length of their ball. This also incurs a one-stroke penalty.
The third update pertains to back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker. In this scenario, players have the option to either take stroke and distance relief, which means they can play from where their previous shot was made for a two-stroke penalty, or they can opt for back-on-the-line relief. This means they can draw an imaginary line. The line is between their ball and the hole. Then go back on that line to drop their ball outside the bunker for a two-stroke penalty. This option can be useful for players who have a more favorable attack angle from outside the bunker.
Relief Options in Bunkers
| Relief Option | Explanation | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Back-on-the-line Relief in the Bunker | Allows player to move ball backwards on an imaginary line between ball and hole to escape bunker | 1 stroke |
| Lateral Relief in the Bunker | Allows player to move ball a few feet to either side within one club length of original position | 1 stroke |
| Stroke and Distance Relief | Allows player to play from where previous shot was made | 2 strokes |
| Back-on-the-line Relief Outside the Bunker | Allows player to go back on an imaginary line between ball and hole to drop ball outside bunker | 2 strokes |
Back-on-the-line Relief in the Bunker
Back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker is a relief option that is available to players who find their ball in a bunker and wish to improve their position. It allows the player to draw an imaginary line.
The line is generally between their ball and the hole. Then go back on that line to drop their ball outside the bunker for a two-stroke penalty. This option can be useful for players who have a more favorable attack angle from outside the bunker.
This relief option is different from stroke and distance relief, which allows players to play from where their previous shot was made for a two-stroke penalty. Players must decide which option is best for their situation based on their score, the difficulty of the hole, and their ability to hit a good shot from either location.
To take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker, the player must first determine the point where they would like to take relief. They can do this by drawing an imaginary line between the ball and the hole and selecting a spot on that line that is outside the bunker. The player must then proceed as follows:
- Mark the spot where the ball is currently located.
- Place a ball marker at the spot where relief is being taken.
- Lift the ball from its original spot and place it on the ball marker.
- Drop the ball from shoulder height, without allowing it to bounce, at the spot where the ball marker is located.
The penalty for taking back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker is two strokes. This means that the player will add two strokes to their score for the hole when they take this option.
It is important for players to consider the penalty when deciding whether to take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker, as it may not always be the best option depending on the player’s score and the difficulty of the hole.
Lateral Relief in the Bunker
Lateral relief in the bunker is a relief option that is available to players who find their ball in a bunker and wish to improve their position. It allows the player to move their ball a few feet to either side of its original position within one club length of their ball. This option incurs a one-stroke penalty.
To take lateral relief in the bunker, the player must first determine the point where they would like to take relief. They can do this by selecting a spot within one club length of their ball that is outside the bunker and to the side of their original position. The player must then proceed as follows:
- Mark the spot where the ball is currently located.
- Place a ball marker at the spot where relief is being taken.
- Lift the ball from its original spot and place it on the ball marker.
- Drop the ball from shoulder height, without allowing it to bounce, at the spot where the ball marker is located.
The penalty for taking lateral relief in the bunker is one stroke. This means that the player will add one stroke to their score for the hole when they take this option. It is important for players to consider the penalty when deciding whether to take lateral relief in the bunker, as it may not always be the best option depending on the player’s score and the difficulty of the hole.
Back-on-the-line Relief Outside the Bunker
Back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker is a relief option that is available to players who find their ball in a bunker and wish to improve their position. It allows the player to draw an imaginary line between their ball and the hole and go back on that line to drop their ball outside the bunker for a two-stroke penalty.
This option can be useful for players who have a more favorable attack angle from outside the bunker.
This relief option is different from stroke and distance relief, which allows players to play from where their previous shot was made for a two-stroke penalty. Players must decide which option is best for their situation based on their score, the difficulty of the hole, and their ability to hit a good shot from either location.
To take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker, the player must first determine the point where they would like to take relief. They can do this by drawing an imaginary line between the ball and the hole and selecting a spot on that line that is outside the bunker. The player must then proceed as follows:
- Mark the spot where the ball is currently located.
- Place a ball marker at the spot where relief is being taken.
- Lift the ball from its original spot and place it on the ball marker.
- Drop the ball from shoulder height, without allowing it to bounce, at the spot where the ball marker is located.
The penalty for taking back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker is two strokes. This means that the player will add two strokes to their score for the hole when they take this option.
It is important for players to consider the penalty when deciding whether to take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker, as it may not always be the best option depending on the player’s score and the difficulty of the hole.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about Golf Rule 197 that we have not yet discussed:
- Can I take relief from a bunker if my ball is not in a playable position?
Yes, players are allowed to take relief from a bunker if their ball is in a position that makes it difficult or impossible to play. This could include instances where the ball is buried in the sand or otherwise buried in the bunker, or where there is an obstruction (such as a rake) that makes it impossible to play the ball. Players can use the relief options described in Golf Rule 197 to improve their position in these circumstances.
- Do I have to take relief from a bunker if I am not comfortable playing the shot?
No, players are not required to take relief from a bunker if they are uncomfortable playing the shot. If a player feels that they can successfully play the shot from the bunker, they are allowed to do so. However, players are also allowed to take relief if they feel that it will give them a better chance at making par or improving their score on the hole.
- Can I use a different club to take relief from a bunker?
Yes, players are allowed to use a different club when taking relief from a bunker. For example, if a player’s ball is buried in the sand and they feel that using a sand wedge will give them a better chance at getting out of the bunker, they are allowed to use a sand wedge to take relief. Players are also allowed to use any other club that they feel is appropriate for the shot.
- Can I take relief from a bunker if my ball is on the edge of the bunker?
It depends on the specific circumstances. If a player’s ball is on the edge of the bunker and they feel that they can play the shot without entering the bunker, they are allowed to do so. However, if the ball is partially or fully in the bunker, the player must take relief in accordance with Golf Rule 197.
Conclusion
Golf Rule 197 is a set of updates to the rules of golf that pertain to relief in bunkers. It includes three specific updates: back-on-the-line relief in the bunker, lateral relief in the bunker, and back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker.
These options provide players with the opportunity to improve their position in the bunker and give themselves a better chance at making par, but they also come with a cost in the form of penalty strokes.
It is important for players to understand and follow the rules of golf in order to play the game fairly and to the best of their ability. This includes understanding the different relief options that are available and deciding which one is best for their situation. Some tips for deciding which relief option is best in different bunker situations include:
- Consider the penalty strokes: Different relief options come with different penalty strokes, so it is important to weigh the cost against the potential benefit.
- Think about the difficulty of the hole: On a difficult hole, it may be worth incurring a few extra penalty strokes in order to have a better chance at making par. On an easier hole, it may be better to take a less favorable shot in order to avoid penalty strokes.
- Consider your own strengths and weaknesses: If you are a good bunker player, it may be worth trying to hit a shot from the bunker rather than incurring a penalty stroke. If you are not confident in your bunker play, it may be better to take relief and accept the penalty stroke.
- Look at the options available: Sometimes, one relief option will clearly be the best choice given the circumstances. Other times, you may have a few different options to consider. Take the time to assess each option and decide which one is best for you.
By understanding Golf Rule 197 and following the rules of golf, players can make informed decisions and play to the best of their ability.
