"I’ve just been viewing the video of Eddie demonstrating his bunker technique. I notice that he took three illegal practice swings prior to his initial strike of the ball. He then took one more before his second effort. I take it these 4 strokes were reflected on his scorecard?"

D Evans

Handicapping Committee Initial Ruling:

Practise swings in the bunker ARE allowed, as long as you do not touch the sand. However, towards the end of the video, he appears to lean on his club in the bunker which may be a breach of Rule 13-4 prohibiting you from testing the hazard prior to your shot and incurring a 2 stroke penalty. As this dates from 2008, after further investigation we may have to deduct 2 shots from his handicap for 2010 to compensate.

Handicapping Committee Final Ruling:

While E Wright may technically be in breach of Rule 13-4, the Lawle Guby Handicapping Committee has decided that in view of the fact that Mr Wright had already taken three strokes in the bunker (therefore making it arguable that he was gaining an unfair advantage by testing the ground further at this stage) and the length of time since the alleged offence was committed, there will be no retrospective or future penalty imposed upon Mr Wright for this breach of the rules.

This matter is now closed.