Bunker rake rules query.

spoke2cun · 16-09-2016 01:11PM #1

Is it ok to use the bunker rake to clear leaves from the green before you putt?

bazzamac · 16-09-2016 02:01PM

No.only clean your line using your hand.

HighLine · 16-09-2016 02:02PM

spoke2cun wrote: »

Is it ok to use the bunker rake to clear leaves from the green before you putt?

Yes, it's ok provided you don't press down anything or roughen the surface.

Edit: Since the previous poster created doubt... I'll quote decisions.

16-1a/8 Loose Impediments Removed from Line of Putt with Cap or Towel
Q.A player touches his line of putt in brushing aside loose impediments with his cap or with a towel. Is this permissible?

A.Yes, provided he did not press anything down.

23-1/1 Means by Which Loose Impediments May Be Removed
Q.Worm casts are loose impediments. By what means may such casts be removed?

A.Loose impediments may be removed by any means, except that, in removing loose impediments on the line of putt, the player must not press anything down (Rule 16-1a).

WacoKid · 16-09-2016 04:47PM

bazzamac wrote: »

No.only clean your line using your hand.

Did a rule not come in a couple of years ago that you can use your golf towel also?

spoke2cun · 16-09-2016 05:10PM

Thank Highline. Some of our greens will soon be completely covered by leaves. It takes too long using hand, cap or towel. Using the rake, with teeth facing upwards, should speed things up for everyone. This idea just occurred to me recently but I wanted to check with you guys first. Thanks again.

Montgolfier · 16-09-2016 06:17PM

Dust buster is also legal

cgh · 19-09-2016 01:29PM

if you use the back of the rake and brush over a worm cast or spike mark, this is classed as pressing down on the green.
as you are not removing them but pressing them back into the green. which is not permissible

Russman · 19-09-2016 02:22PM

cgh wrote: »

if you use the back of the rake and brush over a worm cast or spike mark, this is classed as pressing down on the green.
as you are not removing them but pressing them back into the green. which is not permissible

How would you tell there was a spike mark present if the surface was covered in leaves ? Can't imagine trying to penalise someone brushing away leaves, by telling them they might have pressed on a spike mark under the leaves tbh. That's almost like telling someone they walked on a spike mark and pressed it down. AFAIK intent is key. Is there a rule or decision on this ? Curious to know.

Worm casts are loose impediments and may be removed by any means as long as nothing is pressed down. Decision 23-1/1.

fearruanua · 19-09-2016 03:49PM

bazzamac wrote: »

No.only clean your line using your hand.

Do ya have to use the back of your hand(not your palm) to sweep sand away?

Russman · 19-09-2016 04:21PM

fearruanua wrote: »

Do ya have to use the back of your hand(not your palm) to sweep sand away?

You can use whatever you like as long as you don't press anything down.

Bunker rake rules query.

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