From Nationalclubgolfer · Steve Carroll · · 50s
Raking Bunkers: When Can You Touch Sand?
Golf rules clarify when raking sand in bunkers won't penalty your score.
In brief
Golf rules clarify when raking sand in bunkers won't penalty your score. Golfers can rake sand in bunkers without penalty if actions improve ball position, stance, or swing without creating advantage. Originally reported by Nationalclubgolfer.
Bunker Raking Rules
Golfers can't touch sand in a bunker with club, hand, rake, or other object to test sand condition.
When Raking Is Allowed
Raking sand improves ball position, stance, swing, or line of play without creating advantage.
Avoiding Penalties
Raking sand won't penalty score if actions don't improve conditions affecting stroke or line of play.
Examples of Safe Raking
Smoothing footprints in front of ball on line of play for short shots over smoothed area is safe.
The takeaway
Golfers can rake sand in bunkers without penalty if actions improve ball position, stance, or swing without creating advantage.
