I hit a rock in the bunker---what action to take???

Question

While golfing this evening I landed in the center of bunker when I went to hit it out I drove my wedge straight into a huge rock that was buried in the sand directly below my ball. No kidding, the rock was a good 4x4x8" It killed my hands and shot my ball into oblivion but what I'm most ticked about is that it put a ding right on the blade of the wedge (brand new this winter). I took the rock and club to the guy at the counter and he said the course director would call me tomorrow. What I want to know is what do I demand for reimbursement as well as what legal grounds do I have to support those demands. The ding isn't terribly bad, but from my point of view that is complete irresponsibility on behalf of the course and they at least owe me the value of my club $100.

Answer 1

It's likely that the course has it posted that they are not responsible for equipment damages or injuries sustained on their property.  I do find it a bit odd that you discovered a rock of that size in the bunker - with the number of teenagers playing now, many of whom will do c**p like that to be funny (even though it isn't) - I join with another answerer in wondering if someone planted it there.

You'll be lucky to get a free round out of the deal - but you have no legal case against the course.  Sorry.

Answer 2

Sorry Charlie!! You have no case !! One plays the course as he finds it. If there are hidden boulders in the bunkers and you hit one( I have ) that is called the " Rub of the green". One can hit a boulder or rock anywhere here in New England. Get a file and take out the ding.

Answer 3

its people like you that has made this world what is it. having to have waivers for EVERYTHING. every ones worried about being sued.  Suck it up.

   The Knights who say NI! ... couldnt have said it better..  Thank You.

Answer 4

Dont expect much.  If it happened at my course,  I might throw you a free round, but thats about it.  It would be your tough luck more than anything.  I know thats not the answer you're looking for but.....

Answer 5

Not much you can do, you play at your own risk and rocks in bunkers (regardless of size) are common.  I would however suggest that perhaps you patronize a different course.

Answer 6

You will be at the discretion of the course director. No legal ruling will be made. Tact might be your best friend.

I understand your concern but that's just one of the hazards(no pun intended) of the game. We've all damaged clubs. We've all skyed a tee ball with our new driver and marked the top of the club. S**t happens and you move on.

Answer 7

you are going to have to take this one on the chin.  Sorry about your wedge.  You can probably grind and buff out the gouge.  The course management isn't obliged, but may offer something if you are a good customer/member.  I have played some municipal courses where the sand in the bunkers was more like asphalt than sand.  Those are the breaks.

Answer 8

Suck it up and quit your whining.  

It is a hazard of the course.

You should apologize for being anass

Edit:  It is no worse than hitting a hidden root, stepping in a deep puddle.

You are hacked because you blew the shot and are willing to blame the course rather than yourself.  By not being aware of your environment, you blew out your club.

tuffnuggies   get over it

Answer 9

Man......what a tough crowd.  I sympathize with you.  A rock that big hidden under the sand in a bunker???  Makes me wonder if some a*****e planted it there to be "funny" and raked the sand over the top of it.