I wasn`t sure what topic the Golf Cop should tackle this issue and then I got an idea, thanks to the starter at Cottonwood this last week. When we were getting ready to tee off he gave us some valuable information about the course and the golf courses policies which included where we should leave the rake after raking the bunker. It’s a common question among golfers because no matter where you place that rake – inside or outside the bunker – it will still be in a position to influence golf balls rolling its way.
So what’s the rule? Well, there is no rule, which, of course, is what leads to the confusion. If you are not made aware of the policy of where to leave the rake it is common sense to follow the placement where you found it or place rakes outside bunkers, parallel to the direction of play on that hole.
We’ve seen several golf courses addressing the question of rake placement in creative ways,. At one course, tubes were sunk into the ground outside its bunkers, and the rake was dropped down into the tube with the rake head lying flat against the turf. You may come across rakes which have a thin metal rod projecting from the tined end of the rake. When you’re done, you simply poke it into the ground, standing the rake up near the bunker. Many other courses simply attach rakes to the golf cart, though this is impractical on courses with a lot of walkers. Once we came across a unique solution there was a submerged container for the rake, the only problem was we at first didn`t realise that this is where the rake was.
Therefore, if there is no rule it is recommended that rakes should be left outside bunkers in areas where they are least likely to affect the movement of the ball. Most importantly always do your housework and ensure you have raked the bunker after hitting your ball.