Bunkers - entering - raking - leaving

1. Find the best entry and exit point

Locate the lowest spot around the edge of the bunker that is convenient to your ball try not to walk down a steep face possibly damaging the turf edge, and leaving deeper footprints.

2. Enter the bunker with the rake

Carry the rake into the bunker if needed. Contrary to what some golfers believe, it is within the rules and can speed up play, be sure you do not allow the rake to touch or test the sand except when you drop it.  

3. Play your shot

Before playing the shot the rake should be dropped behind the area where you take your stance and not used to align the shot.

4. Smooth over the sand as you back out of the bunker

Begin raking over the signs of play, pull the tines of the rake towards you, but be careful not to pull too much sand backwards. Restore the surface without displacing too much sand. If you are pulling too much sand towards you push the tines away from you a few times. THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT.

5. Exit the bunker and complete raking

Step out of the bunker and make a final few passes. Should the Rake Be Placed Inside or Outside the Bunker? It's a common question among golfers, because no matter where you place that rake - inside or outside the bunker - it will still be in a position to influence golf balls rolling its way. So what's the rule? Well, there is no rule, which, of course, is what leads to the confusion. Each golf club makes a decision as to where they would prefer rakes to be placed. In our case please, replace the rake parallel to the line of play with just the handle on the surrounding grass. 

6. Check before continuing your round

When finished the sand surface should be even with no signs of divots or footprints and no excess sand having been pulled towards the bunker edge. There might be small furrows left by the tines of the rake.