SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/golf-rake-bunkers

After playing from a bunker, what should you do?

Rake the sand smooth so the next player gets a fair lie.

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  1. Rake the sand smooth ✔
  2. Kick sand into footprints
  3. Leave the rake buried in the bunker

Why: Raking removes your footprints and club marks. Rule 12.2b(3) lets you smooth the sand without penalty once your ball is out.

Huh, didn't know that: Where to leave the rake differs by course, so follow the course signs.

The dad joke
I rake bunkers so well that I could get a part time job as a zen gardener.
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References

Answer: Rake the sand smooth. Raking removes your footprints and club marks. Rule 12.2b(3) lets you smooth the sand without penalty once your ball is out.

  1. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 12 Bunkers www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-12
    Smooth sand in the bunker to care for the course without penalty
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 1 The Game, Player Conduct and the Rules www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-1
    Taking good care of the course
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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