Changes to bunkers and rough at The Open impact gameplay
The bunkers at Royal St George’s have been modified for this year’s Open Championship, featuring a new sand that poses greater difficulty for players. Additionally, the rough surrounding the bunkers has been extended, increasing the challenge of retrieving errant shots. These alterations are part of the R&A’s effort to enhance the strategic nature of the course, testing players’ abilities and potentially influencing the outcome of the tournament.
Golf’s governing bodies have deemed the use of a Stimpmeter to be a breach of Rule 4.3a, which states that a player must not receive advice or information on playing the course during a round. Players are allowed to read a green’s slope and firmness before playing, but measuring its speed could be considered receiving advice. Ultimately, determining whether using a Stimpmeter is legal is up to each tournament or club.