NWO Golf Links March 2017

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Sandcomes in a variety of
colors, textures, and styles, but
when it relates to golf the USGA
rules state three categories.
On the green
Sand is a critical component for
greens to grow and maintain
their firmness but when it’s
on the putting surface sand is
considereda loose impediment
and may be removed without
penalty .
That means you are allowed
to brush the sand away from
your line of play (or from
anywhere on the green).
But, while it may seem like
that second fine cut of grass
that borders the green is
an extension of the putting
surface, know that it is not. The
‘fringe’ is considered through
the green.Moving sand that
sits on the fringe will add two
strokes to your score.
Just ask Rory McIlroy, he
removed sand that was on his
line from the fringe and on the
green. This cost him the lead in
a tournament and lots of money.
Through the Green
This is a term for thewhole area
of the course except the teeing
ground and putting green of
the hole being played, and all
hazards on the course. Sand,
along with soil, is consider part
of the earth which comprises
the course being played and
can’t be moved. Doing so
could improve a player’s lie,
stance, or line and create an
unequitable condition. If you
move the sand in this situation
you will incur a two-stroke
penalty.
In a hazard/green-side bunker
Themost sacredofall sandtypes
is the granular particulates that
reside in a hazard. You cannot
touch, test, or move these bits
in the area prior to your shot
Therefore no
practice strokes, in which
your club touches the sand,
are allowed. Contact with the
sand before your stroke will
add a two-stroke penalty to
your scorecard.
Just ask Anna Nordqvist, who
lost the 2016 U.S. Women’s
Open, when she inadvertently
touched the sand prior to her
bunker shot and was assessed
a penalty.
When on the golf course,
know your sand and when
you can and can’t touch it!
When is
Sand Not Sand?
By Richard Todd
NWO Golf Links