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Rule of the Month - Bunker play

Information regarding bunkers

Loose Impediments – 15.1

You can move Loose Impediments from anywhere in a bunker, including right next to your ball or on your line of play.  If the ball moves when removing a Loose Impediment, it must be replaced for a one stroke penalty

Movable Obstructions – 15.2 (includes rakes, other clubs etc)

You can move Movable Obstructions from anywhere in a bunker, including right next to your ball or on your line of play.  If the ball moves when removing a Movable Obstruction, it must be replaced without penalty.  If the ball will not stay when replaced, the player must follow the procedures in Rule 14.2e

Touching the sand in front of your ball, Rule 8.1b (4) prohibits touching sand right in front of or behind the ball.  (It then refers you to 12.2b(1), which clarifies what “touching” means – touching with hand, club, rake or other object.)

You are permitted to rake the sand in a bunker before you play your shot, when your only intention is to care for the course, but not immediately behind or in front of your ball.  The intention to care for the course means that your intention is not to test the sand. 

Bunker rakes – please leave them in the bottom of the bunker facing the direction of the fairway.

Thank you

Match Committee