Rake the Bunker
Etiquette
Explained Simply
After playing from a sand bunker, use the rake provided to smooth out your footprints and the hole made by your shot, then leave the rake outside the bunker.
Example
“After blasting out of the greenside bunker, pick up the rake, smooth the sand back to an even surface, then place the rake flat outside the bunker parallel to the fairway.”
Why it matters
An unraked bunker creates unfair buried lies for the next player. Raking is one of the most important and often forgotten pieces of golf etiquette.
Common beginner mistake
Leaving footprints or a crater in the bunker after your shot. Always rake — takes 20 seconds.
Related
beginner
Etiquette
Related
- Bunker (Sand Trap)A hazard area filled with sand. Can appear next to the fairway (fairway bunker) or around the green (greenside bunker). Often called a 'sand trap' casually.
- DivotA chunk of turf displaced when your club strikes the ground during a shot. You should replace it or fill it with the sand/seed mix provided.