Bunker Rake Protocol

[C. Squier]

From pop-up rakes to suspensions for not putting them in the correct place?  Holy cow, it's no wonder ballmarks aren't fixed, we have too many things to think about.  As long as your footprints where you dig in to hit a shot and your divot is smoothed over by foot, you can levitate the rakes for all I care. 

I can't even think of the last time my ball hit a rake.  When it last did, I can't imagine getting upset....after all, I hit it crooked and rub of the green can do as it may.

[Forrest Richardson]

Clint — There are many variables to why one cannot recall the last time his ball hit a rake.   

[Jim Sweeney]

For daily play, I like the rakes in the bunker lying flat because it is easiest for the maintenance crew, saving time and money. Players should be schooled in placing them where they are least likely to interfere with play. For tournament play, outside the bunker is best for the reasons John VB mentioned.

[C. Squier]

Clint — There are many variables to why one cannot recall the last time his ball hit a rake.   

True, true.  I look at it this way, it's like sitting next to someone who has no idea how to play Blackjack and the dealer has an auto-shuffle.  Even if the clown next to you is hitting in 16 w/ dealer showing 5, it may screw you or help you on your next card.  No sense getting bent out of shape and lecture the guy on how to play.....just take fate as it comes.  Over a lifetime, I'll get some bad bounces off a rake and some great ones.  It just doesn't happen enough to have any statistical relevance. 

[Eric Olsen]

They should not be where they were on 18 today on Pacific Dunes, in front of the left front bunker.   Blocked my brother's approach away from the bunker and onto the green instead of the bunker.   

Played Old Macdonald Thursday.  Going to be the best of the bunch, imho. 

[Carl Johnson]

They should be left in the maintenance shed and never put out at all.

I'll buy that.

[Robin Doodson]

Depends on the course. When i worked at Turnberry all rakes were left outside bunkers  away from the line of play. Any parkland course - rakes in middle of bunker parallel with line of play. Usually dictated by the method of mowing round bunkers. hard to get a guy to get of his machine up to 100 times in one day just to move rakes. i can guarantee by the end of the day there will be a few mangled ones.

robin

[Sean_A]

Well, if we have to have rakes they should go in the bottom of the bunkers because that easiest for the grounds crew, it looks better and it effects play the least.  I spose the problem can be that guys just chuck the rake back in the bunker when they are done, but that isn't a placement problem - its a people problem.  I have seen them leaned against the inside of bunker walls when they are deep enough.   

Ciao

[rjsimper]

Why not hand everyone a small rake, the size of a fly swatter, and apply the "oiled-sand greens protocol" to designated sand traps....no rakes on the course and allow the player to rake his lie.

Count me amongst those that think that the "no rakes" solution is anything but.  Things weren't always better just because that's the way they used to be, or that's the way they do it at Pine Valley.

For my part, I try to return the rake to wherever that particular course puts them.  Seems that in the US this is a big question.  I recall an article in Golf Digest maybe 10 years ago discussing the topic, the argument for in, out, Stanford, or those pop-up things (which I agree get slimy, and sometimes the lids jam)

[Ron Kern]

http://www.usga.org/turf/green_section_record/2005/jan_feb/Where.html

[Forrest Richardson]

Is that an endorsement? Would anyone here agree with the USGA ... just because it's the USGA? or, are their recommendations to be challenged?

[David Botimer]

Once, and I don't remember where, the rakes were placed into a PVC sleeve set in the turf outside the bunker, with the tines up.  Has anyone else ever seen this?

Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert has that on both courses.

[Bill_McBride]

Once, and I don't remember where, the rakes were placed into a PVC sleeve set in the turf outside the bunker, with the tines up.  Has anyone else ever seen this?

Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert has that on both courses.

David, how far up in the air did the rake project? 

How did you like that concept?

How many were there at each bunker?

Thanks.