"The ball is stuck on the bunker rake"..."What to do in this situation"

Golf Rule 15.2... Movable Obstructions
No penalty shot, replace ball if it moves after marking

Bunkers are disliked. This is because falling into traps created by golf course designers causes you to lose strokes. If you’re not careful, you might even receive a penalty. That’s why you need to play cautiously in bunkers.

If you know the rules well, you can wisely get out of a bunker. This is about the rule concerning the bunker rake. After a long time away from the field, you ambitiously aimed for the green, but the ball headed toward the bunker. Fortunately, it didn’t fall into the bunker, but the ball was caught on the rake. To continue play, you need to remove the rake. However, it’s on a slope. The moment you move the rake, it’s obvious the ball will roll into the bunker.

If the ball is stuck in the bunker rake, play continues without penalty. [Photo by Golf.com]

You carefully lifted the rake, but the ball fell into the bunker. You’re confused whether to continue playing inside the bunker or place the ball back in its original spot and hit it. There’s no need to worry. You can apply Golf Rule 15.2. The rake is a movable obstruction. If there’s a possibility the ball moves when you move the rake, place a marker behind the ball and remove the rake. If the ball moves during the removal process, replace it at the spot where the marker was placed and continue play. If the ball doesn’t move, just remove the marker.

Sometimes, you suffer because of the rake in front of you when taking a bunker shot. Weekend golfers often think they don’t need to remove the rake because of the loft of their club. However, this is a dangerous thought. In golf, you must prepare for the worst-case scenario. A shot from the bunker can hit the rake and bounce back into the bunker. Spend a little time moving the rake to the side before taking your shot.

Where is the correct place to put the rake that smooths the bunker? According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), there is no specific rule. You should not place it at the bunker entrance. This is considered an intentional act to block the ball from entering the bunker. Generally, one rake is placed on each side of the bunker and one behind it. After use, position the rake so it does not interfere with the fairway or the ball’s path.

The bunker is a “penalty minefield.” If your club touches the sand during address or practice swings, it’s a two-stroke penalty. It is also prohibited to intentionally test the sand or compact it to make your stance flat for the next shot. However, some actions are allowed in the bunker. You can place an unused club inside the bunker, and you can dig your feet into the sand to create a firm address. You may remove loose impediments such as stones or twigs. Although it is unsportsmanlike to angrily hit the sand after a bunker shot, there is no penalty for doing so.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.