Sand traps

According to the rules of golf, a player is not allowed to ";ground"; the club in any type of hazard. This means that as you are getting ready for your shot, you cannot allow the club to touch the ground, sand, water, or anything else during a practice swing. You are allowed to thrash as much sand, water, etc., as necessary during your actual shot.

Always enter and exit a bunker from the low side. After you have made your shot, rake the sand smooth again to leave a fresh surface for the next person. They deserve a fair chance too, and not to be doubly stuck in someone else's mess. Normally, the rake should be replaced alongside the bunker, not inside it.

One other important rule: Loose impediments inside hazards cannot be touched or removed. Sticks, grass, leaves and the like must remain. Trash and other debris, cigarette butts, cans, can be removed and discarded. Should your ball have landed in a puddle within a bunker, it is permissable to move the ball to a dry area of the bunker, provided it is not moved closer to the hole.

Finally, think about the pacing of your game. If you have tried two or three times to get your ball out of the sand and failed, surrender to the hazard. Pick up your ball and either drop it outside the bunker or give it a good toss in the direction of the hole. This would never work during a tournament, but during regular play your fellow golfers will thank you.