BAD SAND TRAPS
If after talking with the Course Pro, Shooter deems that the course’s sand traps are "GOOD", he will NOT make any announcement and the regular USGA rules regarding sand traps will apply for the round. In addition, however, the TTA rule expressed in the TTA Procedures would also apply:
"Sand Traps: We run into bad sand traps all the time. If your ball is in a bad spot, you can “Lift, rake, and hit”. If there is no good spot in the entire trap, remove your ball, put it in front of the trap, and swing away without a penalty stroke."
If after talking with the Course Pro, Shooter deems that the traps are "BAD", he or a TTA Official will make an announcement to that effect that:
· players in any trap can lift the ball, rake the spot, and then hit out without penalty AND
· players can also remove the ball from the trap, place the ball in the grass at the closest point that keeps the trap between the ball and the cup without penalty
So, as we gather to head out onto the course, pay attention and listen in case the “bad sand traps announcement” is made.