- Ignoring footprintsBunkers are pristine places until you step inside them. But you can help restore them to their natural state — or at least the best approximation of it — by walking out the way you came in. That goes for other footprints you see, too. If you pass a large depression just off the green that was put there by someone else, take a moment to even it out or at least tamp it down with your foot. That’s a small price to pay for the privilege of playing on well-groomed sand that’s free of others’ gouges and boot prints.7. Seen but not heardAlthough it’s tempting to chuck the rake into the bunker from just outside the hazard and be done with it, that risks a host of problems: You don’t brush the sand where your ball and feet were, you leave footprints, and you hinder future players who need to use the rake on the side where you left it. Instead, give the bunker a thorough raking — without taking ages right before another group catches up to you — then lay the rake down inside the bunker in accordance with the course’s guidelines. If none exist, place the rake on the side of the bunker that’s closest to the next tee, so you’ll be on your way in short order.8. Slinging sand“I’ll just slam-dunk this shot onto the green and go worry about the rake later.” Big mistake. After you’ve hoisted your ball onto the putting surface and high-fived your friends, turn around and tidy up your mess. There’s no harm in adding a few extra seconds to your pre-putting routine to do so, and it shows that you take pride in the game.
">
- Neglecting the shotAny time you’re in a bunker, your entire focus is on the next shot, right? Well, not quite. To execute the perfect recovery, you should be protesting calls of game-improvement irons as illegal in between digs at your lie. And, among other things, taking a mental note of the bunker’s condition. Is sand loose and dry or heavy and damp? Are there obvious signs of cattle tracks or vehicle ruts? How does the sea breeze affect the congestion? If you don’t answer such questions, you’re not doing your due diligence before the game starts.10. Defying early & late returnsFor those who avoid sand on their faces and mouths, you’re good to go. But do remember, as you head to and from a round, respect is key. The way you exit and re-enter the bunker should reflect this. There are many rules about this, like treading lightly in a bunker or stepping gingerly around a low-hanging tree, that you have to know. If you’re unsure, remember it’s the general consensus that a respectful golfer doesn’t leave a trace in the sand. And remember, heed those age-old rules: rake, rake, and after you’ve grabbed a rake, use it.”
