The US PGA Championship returns to Whistling Straits this week for the first time since 2010.
Martin Kaymer won the event five years ago, after beating Bubba Watson in a play off, but the tournament is best remembered for Dustin Johnson. The American missed out on the play off after grounding his club on the final hole in a bunker which meant Johnson was penalised two shots.
Before the tournament took place, the PGA of America confirmed that any sand traps around the course counted as bunkers no matter how big or small they were.
This year they are hoping to avoid a similar situation, by reminding the players of the rules at every available opportunity, even when they least expect it.
Picture Credit: Geoff Shackelford
Golf Digest's Geoff Shackelford has reported that the urinals in the players locker room show the rules regarding bunkers for the week.
The PGA notice which is titled "Notice to Competitors - BUNKERS" states:
" 1. All areas of the course that were designed and built as bunkers, filled with sand, will be played as bunkers (hazards), whether or not they've been raked. This will mean that many bunkers positioned outside of the ropes, as well as some areas of bunkers inside the ropes, close to the rope line, will likely include numerous footprints, heel prints, trash and tire tracks during the play of the Championship Such irregularities of surface are a part of the game and no free relief will be available from these conditions. All bunkers inside the ropes will be raked each morning prior to play as normal.
2. Stones in bunkers are movable obstructions (Rule 24-1 applies)."
Hopefully the players will now get the message and there wont be a repeat of Dustin Johnson's mistake in 2010.
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