Few things in golf stir up anxiety quite like watching your ball splash into a bunker. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding how to navigate these sandy hazards is crucial—not just in terms of skill, but also rules. Break one of these rules, and your scorecard could take a hit before you even take a swing.
Here are six essential bunker rules that every golfer should know to avoid penalties and keep the game fair (and fun).
1. Don’t Ground Your Club Before the Shot
This is bunker rule number one for a reason. You’re not allowed to touch the sand with your club before you make your stroke. That means no grounding the club behind the ball and no taking practice swings that touch the sand.
Why? Because testing the condition of the sand gives an unfair advantage—and golf is all about integrity.
Penalty: Two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play.
2. Loose Impediments? You Can Move Them (Carefully)
Here’s some good news: since 2019, the Rules of Golf now allow players to remove loose impediments from bunkers. That means you can clear out leaves, stones, and other natural debris before you hit your shot.
Just one catch: Don’t move your ball in the process. If it does move, you’ll face a penalty unless it’s something you’re allowed to do under the rules.
3. Relief Is an Option—For a Price
Stuck in an awful lie or embedded ball? You have relief options:
- Free relief: Only if the ball lies in abnormal course conditions like temporary water.
- Penalty relief: You can drop the ball outside the bunker, keeping the point where it lay between you and the hole—but it’ll cost you one stroke.
This rule can be a lifesaver when your only shot out is backward or sideways.
4. Accidental Contact with Sand Is OK
This rule trips up a lot of golfers. While intentional contact with the sand before your shot is penalized, accidental contact usually isn’t.
Examples of allowed contact:
- Leaning on your club for balance (away from the ball).
- Falling and touching the sand.
- Brushing the sand while removing loose debris—not during your backswing.
Basically, be mindful, not paranoid.
5. Always Rake the Bunker After Your Shot
Technically, raking isn’t in the rulebook—but it’s a matter of etiquette and respect for your fellow players.
Always rake your footprints and divots, and leave the bunker in better shape than you found it. Be sure to enter and exit from the low side to avoid damaging the bunker edges.
A well-raked bunker = good golf karma.
6. Play It As It Lies
Unless you’re taking relief, you must play the ball exactly where it lies. That means no smoothing the sand around it, no improving your stance in a way that changes the lie, and definitely no fluffing it up.
This rule keeps play fair and ensures no one gets an easier shot than they deserve.
Final Thoughts
Bunkers are tricky, no doubt about it. But knowing these six rules will give you a major edge—mentally and strategically. Plus, you’ll avoid those frustrating penalties that can derail an otherwise solid round.
So next time your ball lands in the sand, don’t panic. Know the rules, take your stance, and swing with confidence.
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