Look what we’ve encountered here – a group of burrowing owls. These animals nest in open, dry areas throughout North and South America, including this bunker, at TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, Fla. Under the Rules of Golf, they are considered to be burrowing animals, and a player who encounters interference from one of their holes can seek relief without penalty under Rule 25-1. Just be careful during the relief procedure – you don’t want to upset mama!
Why the white stake? We can’t say for sure. There’s a good chance the Committee may be warning the players of what lies just ahead, under the lip of the bunker.
(Photo: Florida State Golf Association/Joe Small)
Come across a Rules quandary or intriguing situation on the course?
Snap a photograph and send it to rules.newsletter@usga.org or tweet it to us @USGA!
