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Can I rake a bunker while my ball is still in it?

Golfers often hesitate when it comes to raking bunkers, fearing rule violations even when the game allows it. According to updated regulations, players cannot deliberately touch sand with a club, hand, or rake to test conditions or improve their stroke—meaning no smoothing footprints directly in front of or behind the ball unless it’s to remove an obstruction.

However, Rule 12.2b(2) permits raking for course maintenance, as long as it doesn’t alter the lie, stance, swing, or relief area. Striking the sand in frustration is also exempt, but clarity remains on what constitutes a ‘potential advantage.’ For example, smoothing a small footprint near a short shot on the green could be penalized, while raking footprints yards ahead on a long approach shot likely wouldn’t be.

The 2019 and 2023 rule changes aimed to simplify these nuances, yet confusion persists among players about where the line is drawn—especially when judging distances like a few feet versus 20 yards.

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