Rules · Tip
What You Can and Can't Touch in a Bunker
Part of our rules programs. Build a program with it
Rule 12.2b limits touching the sand. Don't touch it on purpose to test it. And don't touch it with your club right in front of or behind the ball, in a practice swing or on your backswing. You can still move loose natural things and movable objects. You can lean on a club to rest or set your clubs down in the bunker. The easy habit is to hover the club at address. Take practice swings outside the bunker. Breaking the rule costs two strokes in stroke play.
Step by step
- Walk in from the low side.
- Hover the club at address.
- Practice swings outside the bunker.
- Keep the club off the sand going back.
- Rake when you're done.
Why it works
Sand is a hazard-like area where the condition of the sand is part of the challenge, so the rules stop you from testing it or improving your lie. If your club is above the sand at address and on the backswing, you learn nothing about the surface and you change nothing near the ball. A hovering club also makes a steadier set-up, because your hands and weight stay where they will be at impact.
Common mistakes
- You let the club rest on the sand right behind the ball at address.Hold the clubhead just above the sand and keep your grip pressure light so it stays up.
- You take a practice swing in the bunker and the club brushes the sand.Take your practice swings outside the bunker, where touching the ground costs nothing.
- You drag the club on the backswing and it touches the sand behind the ball.Start the takeaway with the clubhead clear of the sand and lift it slightly as you move back.
How you'll know it's working
- The clubhead stays visibly above the sand from address until the downswing starts.
- You enter from the low side without leaving deep footprints near your ball.
- The sand behind the ball is undisturbed until the club comes through at impact.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice the hover in a flat, firm bunker with the ball on a clean lie so you can focus only on keeping the club off the sand.
Harder: Practice from a downhill or uneven lie in the bunker, where keeping the club off the sand at address and in the backswing takes more control.
Common questions
Can I lean on my club in a bunker?
Yes, you can lean on a club to rest or keep your balance. You can also set your clubs down in the bunker. Just don't touch the sand right in front of or behind your ball with the club that you are about to hit.
What is the penalty for touching the sand in a bunker?
The penalty is two strokes in stroke play. The rule is 12.2b, and it covers testing the sand and touching it right in front of or behind the ball.
