
So, it’s not unlikely that a bunker should catch your ball during a round of golf. If the rake is in the bunker it’s not unlikely that your ball may rest against the rake. Since this is a man made moveable object you may mark your ball, move the rake, and place the ball at your mark without taking a stroke.
What should I do if my ball landed on a bunker rake?
Rules Guy: My Ball Landed on a Bunker Rake! Ask The Rules Guy: My Ball Landed on a Bunker Rake! Dear Rules Guy: My opponent hit his approach into a bunker, where it ended up on top of a rake. He wanted to move the rake, let the ball come to rest and play it from there. I said he should simply mark the ball, move the rake and replace the ball. Help!
Are rakes allowed in bunkers in golf?
Bunker rakes are considered movable obstructions. Per Rule 24-1b, your opponent must lift the ball, remove the rake, and take a drop as near as possible to the spot beneath its original position, then play without penalty. Oh, and a quick rant: The discourteous dolts who leave rakes in bunkers in the first place aren’t penalized—but they should be.
How to avoid damage to a golf bunker?
When possible, golfers should also rake over footprints moving backward and out of the bunker at the lowest point possible, this will help avoid damage to the bunker.
Do you have to hit the ball when you putt?
There are two exceptions to this rule. If you’re on the putting green and your ball in motion is deflected or moved by an animal or other outside influence, the stroke does not count, and you must place the ball on its original spot and hit the putt again.

What happens if your golf ball hits a rake?
Objects used for the care of the course, such as rakes, are equipment only while they are being held or carried by you or your caddie., there is no penalty to any player.
Do you get relief from golf ball up against a tree in golf?
When a player's ball lies above the ground (such as in a bush or a tree), the player may take lateral relief by using the point on the ground directly below the spot of the ball as his or her reference point: The relief area.
Is a rake a moveable obstruction?
Bunker rakes are considered movable obstructions. Per Rule 24-1b, your opponent must lift the ball, remove the rake, and take a drop as near as possible to the spot beneath its original position, then play without penalty.
Should a rake be in or out of a bunker?
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 I get relief from tree roots in golf?
Is there any free relief, or is it just play it as it lies? Answer: The Rules of Golf stipulate that this is play it as it lies, similar to a ball being up a tree, or on top of a rock. If you don't wish to play it as it lies, then you can take an unplayable, which will cost you a one stroke penalty. .
Do you get relief from a tree stump in golf?
The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b. [But interference does not exist if the tree roots only interfere with the player's stance.] Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Local Rule: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a.”
Is a leaf a loose impediment in golf?
Loose impediments are unattached natural objects such as sticks, leaves, twigs, and blades of grass so long as they are not fixed or growing, solidly embedded in the ground, or sticking to the ball.
Can you brush sand off the green?
Yes. Sand and loose soil may be removed on the putting green (see Rule 13.1c(1)).
What is considered an immovable obstruction in golf?
Immovable obstructions are artificial objects that are on the course for a good reason but aren't meant to interfere with the playing of our game. If an immovable obstruction interferes with your lie, stance and/or swing then you're eligible for free relief.
Can you take a rake into the bunker?
Locate a bunker rake before you go into a bunker and go ahead and bring it into the bunker with you. There is no penalty if you lay the rake down in the bunker provided you do nothing to test the condition of the bunker. After playing from the bunker, go ahead and use the bunker rake to smooth the sand in the bunker.
How do you hand rake bunkers?
0:181:59Fore The Golfer: How To Rake A Bunker - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf deep depressions are left by your feet or from hitting the golf ball use the smooth side of theMoreIf deep depressions are left by your feet or from hitting the golf ball use the smooth side of the rake to fill them in then flip the rake over and use the other side to smooth the entire area.
What is proper golf etiquette?
Golfers should avoid distracting fellow golfers. Golfers should not run during play, but instead walk quickly but lightly during play and remain stationary while others play their shots. Players should be still and remain silent during a fellow player's pre-shot routine and subsequent shot.
What is a bunker rake?
Bunker rakes are considered movable obstructions. Per Rule 24-1b, your opponent must lift the ball, remove the rake, and take a drop as near as possible to the spot beneath its original position, then play without penalty.
Can you remove coquina stones from putting green?
But the Rules treat coquina fragments like gravel or stones, so per Rule 23-1, they can be removed without penalty , even when they lie off the green.
What are the rules for golfing with leaves?
Instruction. Rules you can use: The 9 rules every golfer needs to know for dealing with leaves on the course. One other potential scenario, albeit a far more unlikely one, is if your ball comes to rest on or against an animal. If this happens to you, and your ball is resting against the tail of a mongoose or in the mouth of a Florida gator, ...
What is the rule for playing the ball as it lies?
In this scenario, you simply play the ball as it lies, as directed by Rule 11.1. There are two exceptions to this rule. If you’re on the putting green and your ball in motion is deflected ...
What is the rule for a ball that is still in the fairway?
If your ball is resting still in the fairway when an animal decides to mess with it, you proceed under Rule 9.6 and replace the ball on its original spot (if you move the ball yourself, you will get penalized — cc: Billy Mayfair ). The rules are slightly different if your ball is in motion when it comes into contact with an animal, ...
When is the Nedbank Golf Challenge 2019?
November 14, 2019. A pair of mongooses mess with a pro's golf ball during the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa. @europeantour. The European Tour is in Sun City this week for the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Every year at the Nedbank the pros are treated not only to a scenic course, but also close encounters with the spectacular wildlife ...
Can you take relief from a golf ball if it is on an animal?
If your ball isn’t resting on an animal, but the creature is close by, and the animal has big teeth and/or venomous fangs, you are still allowed to take free relief under the “dangerous animal condition” exception. Now you should have all the information you need to contend with animals on the golf course .
Does a stroke count on a putt?
If you’re on the putting green and your ball in motion is deflected or moved by an animal or other outside influence, the stroke does not count, and you must place the ball on its original spot and hit the putt again. Instruction. Rules you can use: The 9 rules every golfer needs to know for dealing ...
Can you pet a gator on a golf course?
Now you should have all the information you need to contend with animals on the golf course. But remember, these rules only protect your score, they won’t protect your person. So be mindful of the wildlife on the courses you play, and if you feel the urge to pet a gator, or a mongoose for that matter, just say no and pet your headcover instead.
Why do you rake over footprints in golf?
When possible, golfers should also rake over footprints moving backward and out of the bunker at the lowest point possible, this will help avoid damage to the bunker.
Why do you use the feet in golf?
Using the feet is often easier because they are bigger than the club head. Golfers should remember to smooth the sand and walk backwards out of a bunker to avoid adding extra footprints. This method might take a few minutes longer but will gain plaudits from whoever visits the bunker next.
How to ensure you don't arouse someone's ire?
To ensure you don’t arouse someone’s ire, always try to follow the unwritten rules of golf, essential if you want to be thought of as a considerate player .
Can you rake smooth a bunker?
This means if a golfer enters a bunker to find thousands of footprints, they can’t do anything about them until they hit their own shot. The only time a golfer can rake smooth a bunker they are unfortunate to be trapped in is after they play their shot.
