Embedded Ball in Bunker face

Question
If the ball is embedded in the face of a bunker, AND the face is hollowed out so that using verticality of bunker, the ball is not technically IN the bunker, what would be the relief ruling for an embedded ball?

Answer
Hello Fred:  Not long ago, the margins of a bunker extended vertically upward so that one would get relief from an embedded ball if it were situated as you describe.  That was changed (not sure when) and the rule can be found in the definitions of a bunker, to wit: "Bunker
A "bunker" is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like.

Grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker, including a stacked turf face (whether grass-covered or earthen), is not part of the bunker. A wall or lip of the bunker not covered with grass is part of the bunker. The margin of a bunker extends vertically downwards, but not upwards.

A ball is in a bunker when it lies in or any part of it touches the bunker."

The rules of golf can be accessed online at www.usga.org.

Fairways and Greens,

John
www.golfnutts.com