The Course > Bunkers

• Definition: Bunker
• A bunker is a specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil was removed. Definition
• Bare walls, stacked turf, and lips are not part of a bunker. Definition
• Loose impediments may be removed from bunkers. 15.1a
• A player may not touch (test) the sand in the same bunker that the player's ball is in, unless in anger, for balance, measuring, or leaning on a club. 12.2b(1), 12.2b(2)  
• A player may touch (test) the sand or take a practice swing in another bunker. 12.2b(1)
• When a player's ball is buried in a bunker, the player is allowed to remove enough sand to see part of the ball. 7.1b
• Once the ball has left the bunker, the player may rake and touch the sand without restriction. 12.2b(3)
• The player make rake a bunker prior to their shot in care for the course, but not if the shot may go in the bunker. 8.1b(9)
• The lie of the ball may be improved when "fairly" removing a loose impediment or movable obstruction from a bunker. 8.1b(2)
• The lie of the ball may be worsened (and not repaired) when marking a ball or searching for a ball in a bunker. 8.1d(2) and 8.1d(2)/3
• Practice strokes after the hole is completed are not allowed from bunkers. 5.5b