When we see a bunker not raked, we know that it is either someone who has not been taught the etiquette of the game or someone who does not care about others on the course or the course itself.

Here are a few simple etiquette points to remember about playing from a bunker and what you need to do afterward. 

• Generally, you should always enter a bunker from the “low side” of the bunker. That is usually the side furthest from the putting green. This will help the to maintain the bunker faces.
• Find a bunker rake before you go into a bunker and take it into the bunker with you. There is no penalty if you lay the rake down in the bunker provided you do nothing to test the condition of the bunker.
• After playing from the bunker, use the bunker rake to smooth the sand in the bunker.  Use the smooth side of the rake to even out the sand, then rake the sand to the centre, and use the back of the rake to smooth the face. the bottom should look raked, and the sides smooth (so the ball rolls to the flat of the bunker)
• Try to make it look like no one has disturbed the sand.
• Exit the bunker on the “low side” of the bunker; the same way you came into it.
• After exiting the bunker, remove the excess sand from your shoes by lightly tapping the sides of your shoes with a club or gently stomping on the ground. This will prevent sand from being “tracked” onto the putting green.
• Place the bunker rake back into the flat part of the bunker, near the centre, parallel to the direction from tee to green, head closest the direction of the hole.
• Make sure it is closer to the low side of the bunker or the side away from the putting green.

Here’s another tip for you the next time you have to drop in a bunker: Watch where you stand or walk. The last thing you want to do is to create a bunch of footprints that your ball may end up in after you drop.

Remember, knowing and following the Rules of Golf can assist you in avoiding unnecessary penalties and help you to enjoy this great game of golf even more.