The debate over where to place bunker rakes on a golf course has been ongoing for quite some time. Some courses prefer to keep the rakes inside the bunker to avoid potentially deflecting a shot away from the sand, while others prefer to have them outside the bunker so that a ball that lands in the sand isn’t interfered with by the rake.
However, what happens when you encounter a course with a specific bunker rake preference that is clearly outlined on the rake handles, and someone does not comply? For example, if a rake is mistakenly left on the bank and stops your ball from going into the bunker, should your next shot be played from the bank or the bunker?
According to Rule 15.2a, a bunker rake is considered a movable obstruction. This means that any obstruction that can be moved with reasonable effort and does not damage the course (such as garbage cans or broken tees) can be cleared out of your way. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if another golfer left the rake outside the bunker – your ball should be played from the spot where it came to rest.
If your ball then rolls into the bunker after the rake has been removed, you should replace it. However, if the ball does not stay in the spot where the rake stopped it, Rule 14.2e states that you must try to replace it again. If it still doesn’t stay in place, you must place the ball on the nearest spot where it will stay at rest, within certain limits. This spot must not be closer to the hole and must be in the general area (e.g. the fairway or rough).
Conversely, if the ball was initially at rest against a rake in the bunker and moved, the replacement of the ball after it moved would have to be in the bunker. It is important to adhere to the rules and regulations of the course regarding bunker rakes, as they are designed to maintain fairness and consistency in gameplay. Ultimately, it is crucial to follow the guidelines outlined by the course to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
