In addition to this basic goal, there are a few other things to keep in mind while raking that can help maintain the bunker and surrounding grass areas: Always enter and exit on the low side of a bunker – do not jump down or climb up steep faces, even if it might be a faster.
Full Answer
Who decides where rakes should be placed on a course?
Ultimately, it is a matter for the committee to decide where it wishes rakes to be placed. Jeremy Ellwood has worked in the golf industry since 1993 and for Golf Monthly since 2002 when he started out as equipment editor.
Where should you leave your rake on a golf course?
According to the course managers we spoke to, the ideal location to leave your rake is inside the bunker, as close to the centre as possible, with the rake pointing in a direct line towards the hole. From a greenkeeper's point of view, leaving the rake inside the bunker helps them speed up maintenance around the edge of the hazard.
Why do I need to replace my golf rake?
This is especially important following greenside bunker shots. Walking across the green after hitting a bunker shot can leave sandy footprints that cause playability issues for other golfers and may even damage expensive maintenance equipment. The final step is replacing your rake in the location preferred by the course.
Are there any golf rules in a hazard?
Yes, that includes the golf rules in a hazard. However, rules have recently changed (as in, as recent as 2019) for this situation. That being the case, it’s important to learn the changes so you can be more prepared out on the golf course. In today’s article, we will be talking all about golf hazards, as well as the types of hazards.
Where should you put the rake in golf?
The USGA recommends placing rakes outside of bunkers and away from where they are likely to interfere with play. Ideally, you don't want to place rakes across the line of play or in a location where they could trap balls in a difficult spot – e.g., within a bunker on a steep slope near the lip.
Do rakes go in or out of bunker?
And don't lay them in front of bunkers, because it could stop someone's ball from going into the bunker. “The recommendation is to leave rakes outside of the bunker,” says Pagel. “We always place rakes outside of the bunker and parallel to the line of play for USGA Championships.”
What happens if you hit the rake in golf?
The penalties are stiff. Merely carrying the club, and not using it, can cost him up to four strokes in stroke play and the loss of two holes in match play. And if he happens to make a stroke with his sandpapered club, he's disqualified.
Can you take a rake into the bunker?
0:541:52Rules of Golf - Rake in bunker - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey're gonna have to go outside of the bunker. And because of the placement of the rake they'reMoreThey're gonna have to go outside of the bunker. And because of the placement of the rake they're gonna incur a one stroke. One stroke penalty.
Can you take a drop out of a bunker in golf?
With the new golf rules, a golfer will not only be able to declare their ball unplayable in a bunker, but they will be allowed to take relief outside of a bunker in exchange for a two-stroke penalty. The relief will be taken using the new drop procedure, with the relief spot determined by back-on-the-line relief.
What are the new bunker rules in golf?
In a bunker, you must not touch the sand with either hand or club, or touch or move any loose impediments in the hazard. You are now able to touch or move loose impediments in a bunker and generally touch the sand with hand or club. However, you still must not deliberately touch it to test its condition.
Can you clean your golf ball on the putting green?
Cleaning golf ball: A player is allowed to mark, lift, clean and replace the ball on the putting green and anywhere else on the course that is within the rules of golf. A player can clean the ball in a manner convenient and appropriate to their own taste.
Are you allowed to clean your golf ball on the fairway?
A golfer cannot clean their ball in any other situation, including when the ball is in the fairway, when the ball is in the rough, when the ball is in a bunker.
Can you move your ball out of a footprint in a bunker?
“When a player's ball lies in a bunker the player may take free relief once by placing the original ball or another ball within 6 inches of the original ball, but still within the bunker and not nearer the hole.
Is a lost ball a 2 stroke penalty?
The correct method of play would be to return to the spot from which the original ball was last played, and under penalty of one stroke, continue play from there. Yes, that means that a lost ball is a stroke and distance penalty.
Can I ground my club in a bunker 2021?
Not allowed to ground your club in the bunker The main rule to follow in bunkers is you are not allowed to touch the sand with your club whether that be grounding it behind the ball, shifting sand on your backswing or having a practice shot in the sand.
Why is there a rake in or around the bunker?
1:444:03Should the Rake Be Placed Inside or Outside the Bunker? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMight cause a ball to careen out of the bunker. More likely though when a rake inside a bunkerMoreMight cause a ball to careen out of the bunker. More likely though when a rake inside a bunker influences the ball is the possibility that the ball will come to rest against or even on top of its
What does it mean when a golf ball goes in a bunker?
If the ball goes in the bunker, it should typically stay in there, forcing the golfer to hit from the sand. However, a rake in the bunker can also mean that the ball could be stopped from going to a worse position in the sand trap. That's not ideal. A bunker is a hazard, after all, and you can't ground your club in it.
Can you ground a golf club in a bunker?
That's not ideal. A bunker is a hazard, after all, and you can't ground your club in it. The argument for placing bunker rakes outside sand traps is also clear: Having the rake outside the bunker means that a ball can go any which way once it's in the sand trap. It could roll out. It could go to the worst spot imaginable.
Can you rake sand in a bunker?
And the odds of a ball hitting the rake, properly placed on the side opposite where balls would typically go in it, are pretty low. Keeping the rake outside the bunker is also good for actually raking the sand. A player is able to easily grab a rake before entering the trap, meaning they can also easily rake their way out.
Grant Peters, course manager, Parkstone (Dorset)
"At Parkstone we leave the head of the bunker rake inside the bunker with the handle resting on the lip. I feel that this saves time on maintenance as the operator doesn’t have to stop and move rakes while cutting around the bunker.
Dave Roberts, course manager, Saddleworth (Lancashire)
"We have our rakes stood up inside the bunker. The reason we do that is there are a lot of hidden bunkers on the course due to its topography and it gives a better indication to the golfers of just where these bunkers are.
Keith Burgon, course manager, Eyemouth (Berwickshire, Scotland)
"We leave the bunker rake in the middle of the bunker, pointing towards the green. That way, there’s less chance of it getting hit by a ball. That’s the same in fairway and greenside bunkers.
Rob Hay, course manager, Northamptonshire County (Northamptonshire)
"Over the years our members have requested a variety of different options, including rakes on stands so the handle is off the ground or the rake standing vertically in a tube, so a ball doesn’t come to rest against it. At the moment, we have the rake in the bunker with the handle sitting on the edge of the walk-in.
THE VERDICT
According to the course managers we spoke to, the ideal location to leave your rake is inside the bunker, as close to the centre as possible, with the rake pointing in a direct line towards the hole.
What is golf etiquette?
Golf Etiquette Is About More Than Just Manners. Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Etiquette is a word that's often heard in relation to golf, moreso than with any other sport. But it's not just about manners.
Why is golf etiquette important?
The guidelines for good golf etiquette are what they are for several very important reasons: Many of them relate to the safety of golfers, many relate to pace of play (which helps keep the game enjoyable), and other rules of golf etiquette relate to maintaining the quality of the golf course. In other words, golf etiquette is an essential part ...
How long should you wait to look for a lost ball in golf?
Do not spend too much time looking for a lost ball, particularly if there is a group behind you ready to play. If you insist on taking the full five minutes allotted in the rule book to look for lost balls, golf etiquette says wave up the group behind to allow them to play through.
When practicing your swing, do you swing in the direction of another player?
When practicing your swing, never swing in the direction of another player. There may be pebbles or twigs or other matter in the grass that could fly up and strike a playing partner. Do not hit the ball until you are certain that the group ahead of you is out of range.
Do you wait on other groups in a friendly?
You probably don't like waiting on other groups - don't make other groups wait on you. The player who is away hits first in a group. However, in friendly matches (as opposed to tournament play), this rule can be ignored in favor of "ready play" - players hit as they are ready.
Is it safe to throw a golf cart in anger?
Golf etiquette requires keeping your cart off the grass as much as possible. (see golf cart safety for more) Never throw clubs in anger. In addition to being rude and childish, it could also be dangerous. More golf safety tips.
What is a golf hazard?
So today, we are here to talk about golf hazards. A golf hazard is a part or area at a golf course which is essentially an obstacle. It can be one of two types: water hazards or man-made hazards. We’ll talk more about the types later.
What are the hazards in golf?
The first type of hazard is the bunker. A bunker is essentially a man-made obstacle or hazard that is on the golf course. It’s a depression near the fairway or the green, and it is usually filled using sand. Because of the way that bunker hazards are designed, it can be extremely difficult (especially for a newer golfer) to hit their play ball out of it. Therefore, a golfer that misses their target for their previous shot and lands their ball in a hazard is then “punished” for their shot.
What are the two types of hazards in golf?
Those two types are the bunker and the water hazard . Let’s have a chat about both of them, shall we?
What is the rule for golf ball in a danger?
Rule 25 Golf Rules in a Hazard. If your ball lies inside or touches a ground condition that is considered normal, if the condition affects your swing or stance, or if it’s in the line of your target when on the green, you get relief.
What is the rule for relief in golf?
Relief (Rule 26-1) First of all, if you are unsure whether the ball is in the water hazard, then you must proceed under a different rule: Rule 27-1. But, if the ball is literally known to have fallen into the hazard, you can then play under penalty – you will have to take a penalty of one stroke.
What are the different types of water hazards?
Just like bunkers, there are also more than one kind of water hazard. In fact, there are two different kinds. The first is called a lateral water hazard, and the second is called just a water hazard. Lateral Water Hazards – These are often marked using red stakes around the hazard’s perimeter.
How many rules are there in golf?
Now, the rules of golf have actually changed pretty recently – as recently as 2019. In fact, there used to be 26 rules to golf, and some of them were specifically written as golf rules in a hazard. However, now, there are only 24 rules left. Rule 25 and rule 26 were the ones that were specifically meant to deal with golf hazards.
What is golf etiquette?
Golf Etiquette – The Unwritten Rules Of The Game. The golf rule book has the title R & A, for Royal and Ancient. The game was played by the Gentry and Noblemen, not the peasants, and has a long history and tradition. Fortunately, we can now all play.
How long does a golf round last?
Most importantly to make sure everyone has an enjoyable time out there, as a round can last about 5 to 6 hours and you don’t want any external distraction or irritations.
How early should you putt before a golf game?
Starting before the game, know your tee-off time and ensure you are there at least 30 minutes early. Nothing is more irritating than delays on the first tee as it disrupts the whole field. You should also allow some time to warm up and try a few putts on the practice green.
How many strokes can you take in golf cart?
Seriously, especially if you at a course that you are not familiar with their advice could be invaluable, worth five or more strokes. If you choose to take a cart, obey the local rules. Some clubs do not allow you to leave the cart paths, where this is allowed, remember the 90-degree rule.
Do you talk on the first tee in golf?
On the first tee and throughout the game do not talk while another player in your four ball is addressing the ball. Cell phones are a hazard and should be on silent or preferably left in the change room.
Can you go up the fairway at full tilt?
Enter the fairway opposite the lie of the ball and exit back to the path at the same place, do not go cruising up the fairway at full tilt. When carrying your own bag, for the young, tough and confident only be aware of where you place the bag on the tee and around the greens.
Where should rakes be left in a bunker?
Some would argue that rakes should be left in, or lobbed into, the centre of a bunker, and if the rake is to be left in the bunker, then clearly there is some merit in this as bunkers tend to be concave so that is the spot to which rolling balls will typically gather, depending on the type and consistency of the sand.
What is the rule for replacing a ball in a bunker?
When the ball comes to rest on or against a rake in the bunker and the player must proceed under Rule 24-1, it may not be possible to replace the ball on the same spot or find a spot in the bunker which is not nearer the hole — see decision 20-3d/2.
What is the back of the bunker shot?
The ‘back of the bunker’ shot where the rear lip impinges on either backswing or downswing can yield some very interesting and costly results. At least from the grass downslope tee-side of the bunker you can usually advance it vaguely forwards, thus limiting the direct scorecard damage to a single shot.
Can a rake be placed outside a bunker?
It may be argued that there is more likelihood of a ball being deflected into, or kept out of, a bunker if the rake is placed outside the bunker. It could also be argued that if the rake is in the bunker it is most unlikely that the ball will be deflected out of the bunker. However, in practice, players who leave rakes in bunkers frequently leave ...
Should rakes be left outside bunkers?
Therefore, after considering all these aspects, it is recommended that rakes should be left outside bunkers in areas where they are least likely to affect the movement of the ball.
Pearson10M
The USGA and R&A, offer this: It may be argued that there is more likelihood of a ball being deflected into or kept out of a bunker if the rake is placed outside the bunker. It could also be ar
cpeck
the mower guy probably put them on to make his job a little easier, or he was running over to many and now they are out of his way. either way i don’t think i would like that anymore than them being placed in front.
Qqq123xx
I think the ends should be sharpened, then metal tipped, and stuck in the ground outside of bunker.
aenemated
I always put them outside the bunker, away from the fairway or green and opposite the reasonably expected line of play.
Z1ggy16
Outside, away from the most likely point of entry. It's likely better to have the rake stop a ball from going in to the bunker than it would be a ball to go in the bunker, then get caught up on the rake, leaving them with a terrible lie.
Why do golf courses use different rakes?
Courses choose different rakes for a variety of reasons including price, the type of sand they have, the type of playing surface they want, and the appearance of the rake itself .
How to maintain bunker grass?
In addition to this basic goal, there are a few other things to keep in mind while raking that can help maintain the bunker and surrounding grass areas: Always enter and exit on the low side of a bunker – do not jump down or climb up steep faces, even if it might be a faster.
What to do after raking a bunker?
After raking a bunker, the sand should be as smooth as possible. If using the “Aussie method”, use the back of the rake head to smooth the perimeter as you exit. When raking a bunker, do not leave piles of sand or depressions that might create a tough lie for someone else. Superintendents work hard to provide good bunker playability ...
What happens if you walk across the green after hitting a bunker shot?
This is especially important following greenside bunker shots. Walking across the green after hitting a bunker shot can leave sandy footprints that cause playability issues for other golfers and may even damage expensive maintenance equipment. The final step is replacing your rake in the location preferred by the course.
How to smooth the perimeter of a bunker?
If you find yourself in a bunker that has been prepared this way, flip the rake over and use the smooth side of the rake head – with the teeth facing up – to smooth the perimeter of the bunker where you enter and exit after raking your way out of the floor. When raking near the edge of a bunker, do not pull sand out of the bunker into the grass.
Can you climb steep grass?
Climbing steep grass faces can cause serious turf damage in an area where it is already hard to grow grass. Walking up and down sand faces can cause the sand to shift and collapse, which creates playability issues and a time- consuming repair job for the maintenance team.