How to Rake Bunkers

This is advice on how golfers can help us to maintain our bunkers to a consistanty high standard.


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. Replace the rake parallel to the line of play with just the handle on the surrounding grass.This is a local requirement at Newark Golf Club.
6. Admire your work 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.

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