Hitting a golf shot into a bunker is not great. However, when you walk up and see your ball resting against the rake, things get more complicated.
If you’ve read even a page of the golf rules book, you know that you have to play the ball as it lies.
However, there has to be something different when it comes to bunkers and rakes. Right? Let’s look at what to do if you are pinned by a rake so you don’t lose any shots.
The Rule at Play: Movable Obstructions (Rule 15.2a)
The rule that comes into play in this situation concerns a movable obstruction. A rake is a movable obstruction. It can be moved with reasonable effort and is a manmade object.
When your ball is resting against or near a rake in a bunker, you are allowed to move it. However, there are some extra steps of precaution to take.
Start by marking the ball’s position
To start this process, it’s best to mark the ball’s position. If the ball happens to move, you can identify exactly where it was located.
Carefully remove the rake
If the ball stays in the same place, you can just play your shot as usual. This is the best-case scenario, so work slowly and ensure the ball stays in position.
Replace the ball if needed
If the ball moves from its original spot, you must replace it. This is why it’s good to mark with a tee so you know exactly where the ball needs to move. You cannot press it into the sand to make it stay.
If the ball won’t stay, place it
Make two attempts to place the ball in the original spot.
If it still rolls away, place it at the nearest spot, not closer to the hole where it will remain at rest. If the ball was originally in the bunker, the new spot must also be in the bunker.
Tips
Here are a few other tips for dealing with this situation and the golf ball being pinned by a rake.
- Do not push the golf ball into the sand to get it to stay; simply try and place it twice, and then, from there, find the closest spot.
- After using a rake, leave it in a location that won’t leave another golfer in this same situation; placing it halfway in and out is often the best practice.
- The rule is different if your ball is in an unplayable lie in a bunker. Check Rule 19 for unplayable lies.
Final Thoughts
Don’t make the mistake of taking a penalty stroke if a rake pins your golf ball. Simply mark it, move the rake, and put the ball back if it moves. This is a free relief situation that you should be taking full advantage of!