Why are bunkers raked for professional golf tournaments?
I don't like the fact that pro's are now trying to hit certain greenside bunkers in order to have easier shots and taking on Par 5's in 2, being content with getting it in the frontal bunkers.
I think something is not right about this strategy......
I think we should leave the sand alone, as an experiment for the professional, once again creating the correct definition of 'The Bunker' as 'A Hazard'. Water has the same definition I believe. I get the impression, professionals are not afraid of the bunker anymore.
I'm sure we have all heard of the pro's (for want of a better expression) 'bitching' about the depths of sand and the how shiny the sand is and whether the sand was off our favourite beach or whether it was imported from outer mongolia or not!!
Just stop it guys and start playing golf and start showing us a bit of skill which you're so richly blessed with..
Surely this proposal to golf course set up, will mean that a bad shot by the professional, will suddenly have a meaning, and they won't be guaranteed a perfect lie and a resulting straight forward bunker shot.
If you pin close to a bunker which is not raked, then surely more emphasis will be put on the quality of approach - the correct shot to play - and the professional will have to think once more... If they do take the shot on, and get it tight, then the plaudits will be far higher than before.
If they do indeed go in the bunker, they haven't lost a stroke have they, like a water hazard. They have a second chance to show their prowess and imagination!
Let me know whether I'm a sad ex professional trying to get my own back for not making it!
....or indeed whether you agree.