Did Michelle Wie just test the sand on #15?

[starbuxinvestor]

Rules Question

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.

:crazy: me if im wrong.

[300_yard_drives]

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]

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 !