Bunkers are part of the fun and challenge of golf, but they’re also shared spaces. A well‑raked bunker helps everyone play fairly, protects course conditions, and keeps rounds moving. Here’s a friendly refresher on good bunker etiquette and raking technique.

Why it matters

• Fair lies for everyone: Footprints and furrows can turn a good shot into a struggle for the next player.
• Course health: Consistent sand depth and smooth surfaces reduce erosion and maintenance costs.

Simple step‑by‑step raking

• Enter and exit from the low side
• Use the lowest, safest edge to avoid damaging faces and to minimize deep footprints on steep slopes.
• Smooth your footprints and ball marks
• Both push and pull the rake toward you with light, even strokes; avoid digging.
• If you created deep impressions, use short cross‑hatch strokes to level them, then finish with a few long strokes to blend.
• Look back: would you be happy to play from what you’ve left?

Rake position after use

• Please place the rake fully inside the bunker, parallel to the edge, with the handle pointing toward the teeing ground. This reduces tripping hazards and keeps rakes out of mower paths. If your group or competition uses a different convention, follow that consistently.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving trenches from the rake tines; finish with light, smoothing strokes.
• Forgetting to rake the shot divot and only raking your steps and stance.
• Dropping clumps of sand on the lip; spread and blend them back into the bunker.

Quick visual checklist

• Smooth surface? No footprints, no furrows, no clumps.
• Even finish? Light, blended strokes, especially near edges.
• Rake stowed? Inside the bunker, neat and parallel to the edge.

Thank you for helping keep our course in great shape. A little care in the bunkers goes a long way to ensure fair play and an enjoyable round for every member.

​Ian Cox​​
Director of Golf