[starbuxinvestor]

Don't kill the messenger but does anyone know the rule for sure in this situation?

Michelle Wie got in the fairway bunker on 15, dug her feet in, took a practice swing, then exited the bunker to change clubs. Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought once you dug your feet in you had to hit the shot or you are considered to have tested the sand and it's depth. I am I wrong, I swear I have seen this rule explained before.

[MBuckler]

i dont believe that is correct. i am 90% sure, but i think she's ok there.
me if im wrong.

[UCRgolfer11]

if digging ur feet into the sand is considered testing the sand, then it would result in a penalty

[vthokie1157]

no i dnt think so, i do know that you arent supposed to just dig around in the sand testing it but if she took a prac swing and then went to change clubs it wouldnt be a penalty, though its easy to be tricky with that one

[Shortknocker]

Its only a penalty if she then flattens the sand out again and digs in again completely.

[starbuxinvestor]

Here it is found the 2 relevant rules.

13-4/25 Taking Firm Stance in Bunker Some Distance from Where Ball Lies in Bunker to Simulate Next Stroke


Q. While waiting to play a bunker shot, a player went to another part of the bunker, took a firm stance and simulated the bunker shot, with or without using a club. Was he in breach of Rule 13-4?

A. Yes. The player tested the condition of the bunker in breach of Rule 13-4a. (Revised)


13-4/26 Taking Stance in Bunker and Then Changing Clubs


Q. A player takes his stance in a bunker and firmly places his feet in the sand. He then leaves his position to change clubs and thereafter takes his stance a second time. Is the player considered to have tested the condition of the hazard, contrary to Rule 13-4?

A. No. Rule 13-3 allows a player to place his feet firmly in taking his stance in a bunker or elsewhere. There is nothing in the Rules to prohibit changing clubs or taking a stance twice in a bunker.

[stickman]

starbuxinvestor, on Jun 10 2006, 08:38 PM, said:

Here it is found the 2 relevant rules.

13-4/25 Taking Firm Stance in Bunker Some Distance from Where Ball Lies in Bunker to Simulate Next Stroke


Q. While waiting to play a bunker shot, a player went to another part of the bunker, took a firm stance and simulated the bunker shot, with or without using a club. Was he in breach of Rule 13-4?

A. Yes. The player tested the condition of the bunker in breach of Rule 13-4a. (Revised)


13-4/26 Taking Stance in Bunker and Then Changing Clubs


Q. A player takes his stance in a bunker and firmly places his feet in the sand. He then leaves his position to change clubs and thereafter takes his stance a second time. Is the player considered to have tested the condition of the hazard, contrary to Rule 13-4?

A. No. Rule 13-3 allows a player to place his feet firmly in taking his stance in a bunker or elsewhere. There is nothing in the Rules to prohibit changing clubs or taking a stance twice in a bunker.

thanks !