Rules of golf: The most important tips for the Bunker

For many golfers, bunkers are the most feared obstacles on the course. Their special nature not only requires a special shot technique, but also stricter golf rules. A small mistake here can quickly lead to an unnecessary penalty shot. In this article, we explain the most important rules in bunkers so that you can avoid the most common mistakes and get out of the sand safely.

Bunker on the golf course: rules and definition

A Bunker is a specially prepared area that is often a depression in the ground. It consists of sand or similar material that serves to challenge the game. It is classified as an obstacle. It is important to know the difference to mere sandy areas in the Rough, as these are not covered by the special Bunker rules.

The most important golf rules in the Bunker

The biggest source of error in the Bunker is touching the sand. As a general rule, you must not check the sand for its condition before hitting the ball. This means that you must not touch the sand with your hand or poke the sand with your club to get a feel for its depth or firmness. It is also forbidden to place the club on the sand during a test swing or when addressing the ball. Violation of this rule is punishable by two penalty strokes.

However, there are important exceptions:

• Accidental contact: if you accidentally fall into the sand or brace yourself with the club to avoid a fall, there is no penalty.
• Loosening your stance: You are allowed to dig your feet into the sand to gain a firm footing. It is permitted to loosen the sand.

You are allowed in the Bunker:

• Remove loose obstacles, such as leaves, stones or small branches. In the past, this was not permitted, but the new 2019 Rules of Golf have changed this.

Unplayable ball in the Bunker

If your ball in the Bunker is so deep in the sand or in an impossible place that it is unplayable, you have three relief options:

1. Hit and distance loss: you go back to the spot of the last shot and play a new ball from there.
2. Drop back on the line: You drop a ball on the line between the hole and the place where the ball was in the bunker - as far behind the bunker as you like. The same applies here: no closer to the hole.
3. Lateral drop (in the Bunker): You drop a ball within two club lengths of where the ball was, but no closer to the hole. This drop must still take place in the Bunker.

There is a fourth, less well-known option: you can drop the ball outside the Bunker with two penalty strokes. This is particularly helpful if the ball is unplayable in a very unfavorable position in the Bunker and you do not want to use any relief options inside the Bunker.

Frequently asked questions & mistakes

• What if I have the stance in the Bunker but the ball is outside? Even in this situation, you must not place the club on the sand before hitting the ball. This is still prohibited.
• Can I smooth the sand after the shot? Yes, after the shot has been played, it is even good etiquette to smooth the Bunker with a rake to get it back in good condition for the following players.

Conclusion

The rules of golf in the Bunker are strict but logical. Remember the golden rule of not touching the sand before hitting to check it or to set it down when hitting. By knowing the exceptions and relief options, you can avoid most penalty shots and tackle the challenge of the Bunker with more confidence.