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Rules

Rule 13-4

Raking Bunker After Stroke - Ball Still in Bunker

Q. A player`s ball is in a bunker (at Point A) that runs approximately 20 yards along the left side of the fairway. He plays a stroke and the ball advances about 10 yards towards the hole and remains in the bunker (at Point B).

May he rake the bunker at Point A before playing his stroke at Point B?

A. Yes, the player may smooth the bunker at Point A as doing so would not improve the lie of his ball, his line of play, or his area of intended stance or swing for his next stroke (at Point B) -- Exception 2 to Rule 13-4 and Decision 13-4/36.

Note: This FAQ has been updated to reflect the 2008 Rules of Golf.


Below you can view videos related to this Rule.

Video
Club used to tap down an "irregularity in the ground."
Before playing his shot at the 2003 FBR Capital Open, Duffy Waldorf absent-mindedly used his club to tap down an "irregularity in the ground." The action cost Waldorf $150,000.		Windows Media Player
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Ball in an awkward lie beneath an overhanging tree branch
During the 2001 Memorial Tournament Scott Hoch found his ball in an awkward lie beneath an overhanging tree branch.		Windows Media Player
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Moving stones away by kicking them from within the water hazard
During the 1991 Doral Open, Paul Azinger moved stones away by kicking them from within the water hazard. According to Rule 13-4, a player shall not touch or move a loose impedi		Windows Media Player
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Play a shot out of a bunker
At the 1986 MONY Tournament of Champions, Calvin Peete prepared to play his shot out of a bunker. In doing so, he violated Rule 13-3.		Windows Media Player
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A player is entitled to place his feet firmly in taking his stance
In 1987, at the PGA's annual event in San Diego, Craig Stadler placed a towel beneath his knees to protect his pants from the wet ground. However, coming into play was Rule 13-		Windows Media Player
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