bunker/sand shot

Question
Who hits first? There are 2 balls approx 12" apart one in front of the other.  My understanding is that the person furthest from the hole hits first but in a tournament 2 weeks ago Ernie Els shot his ball first and he was closest to the hole.

What is the rule? Thank you so much!
        Jan

Answer
Jan,

You're right about the person furthest from the hole typically goes first. In this case if the player furthest from the hole had taken a stroke he may have moved Ernie's golf ball and certainly would have changed the surroundings to his ball. Ernie would have then recreate the situation the best he could. This way they both decided that Ernie play first. This is perfectly legal.

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional