Golf requires precision, patience, and respect for both the rules and the course. One simple but often overlooked responsibility is properly raking a bunker after your shot. While maintenance crews work hard to keep bunkers in good condition, it is up to golfers to help maintain them during play. Raking may seem like a small task, but it plays an important role in ensuring fair play and keeping the course well-maintained. Here is a quick guide to doing it right.
Why Raking a Bunker Matters?
Entering a bunker leaves footprints, club marks, and ball impressions that affect the sand’s surface. If not raked, these can create unfair lies for the next golfer. Raking shows respect, sportsmanship, and helps keep the course in top shape.
Step-by-Step: How to Rake a Bunker Like a Pro
1. Enter from the Low Side
Always enter the bunker from the lowest point. Avoid climbing steep faces to prevent turf damage and sand erosion.
2. Play Your Shot, Then Rake
After your shot, rake all disturbed areas including footprints, club marks, and the ball’s impact spot. Start with deeper spots and work outward.
3. Use a Gentle, Even Motion
Aim for a smooth, level surface. Use a light push-and-pull motion to blend the sand evenly. Avoid creating ridges or uneven patches.
Pro Tip: If the course uses the “Aussie method,” leave the sloped face smooth and only rake the base. Flip the rake to use the flat side on the slope.
4. Keep Sand Inside the Bunker
Don’t pull sand over the edge. This can damage surrounding grass and ruin the bunker’s shape.
5. Exit the Way You Entered
Leave the bunker from the same low side. Rake your way out to erase all footprints and minimize sand shifting.
6. Clean Your Shoes
Knock excess sand off your shoes before walking onto the green to avoid tracking sand across the putting surface.
7. Replace the Rake Properly
Place the rake where the course prefers. If unsure, leave it outside the bunker, parallel to play, and away from the line of shots.
Know Your Rake
Rakes vary in size and style depending on course conditions and preferences. No matter the type, always rake carefully, consistently, and thoroughly to maintain fair play.
Final Thoughts
Raking a bunker is more than just a rule. It shows respect for the course, the staff, and your fellow players. It takes less than a minute but makes a lasting difference. Take pride in leaving the bunker better than you found it.
After all, the only thing worse than landing in a bunker is landing in one that someone else didn’t bother to rake.
