Ask Linda #156-Raking while still in bunker

Hi Linda,
How about if a player hits a long bunker shot in a very large bunker and the ball lands in another section of the large bunker. Is the player permitted to rake the section of the bunker where the original shot was played before playing the next shot from the bunker?
Thank you,
Lou Lou

Dear Lou Lou,

Yes. Exception 2 to rule 13-4 allows you to rake the sand where you played your first shot even if your ball is still in the bunker. However, your raking must not improve the position or lie of your ball, the area of your intended stance or swing, or your line of play.

If your opponent were to claim that you are testing the consistency of the sand by raking while your ball still lies in the bunker, such a claim would be invalid [Decision 14-3/36].

Linda

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