Friday, August 31, 2012

Ask Linda #516-Rake bunker before drop


Linda
First - I very much enjoy your blog. Please keep it going.
When playing from a bunker, if the ball is hit OB can the player rake the bunker before making his/her drop? It appears rule 13-4 exception 2 provides the player this opportunity – “the player may smooth sand or soil in the hazard without restriction.”
Lou Lou

Dear Lou,

Yes. Once the ball is outside the hazard, the player is free to rake to his heart’s content. He may also take several practice swings that touch the sand. There are no restrictions on what you may do in the bunker after you hit your ball out of the bunker [Decision 13-4/37].

Linda
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