Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A bunker is a specially prepared sand area intended to test a player's ability. A ball is in it when it touches sand inside the edge, or lies inside that edge where sand normally would be, including on an object touching the sand.
How it matters in match play
A bunker does not change the basic match-play scoring unit: the hole is still won by the side with the lower score, or halved if scores are equal. It does change what the player may do before the stroke. Rule 12 restricts testing the sand and touching it near the ball, in a practice swing or in the backswing; a breach is normally loss of hole in match play.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Bunker |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf Rule 12.1 and Rule 12.2; Rule 3.2c(1) |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Stroke, Penalty Stroke, Free Relief, Playing the Ball as It Lies |
Worked example
On a par-4, Alex takes 5 strokes from a bunker and Ben takes 6, so Alex wins the hole and goes 1 up; the bunker affects the strokes and permitted actions, not the match-play value of the hole.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 12.1 and Rule 12.2; Rule 3.2c(1)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
When is a ball considered to be in a bunker?
It is in a bunker when any part of the ball touches sand inside the bunker edge, or when it is inside the edge and rests on ground where sand normally would be, or on an object touching that sand or ground.
Can I touch the sand in a bunker?
Sometimes. You may touch or smooth sand for permitted reasons such as caring for the course or taking actions required by a Rule, but before the stroke you must not deliberately test the sand or touch sand near the ball, in a practice swing or in the backswing.
What happens if I breach a bunker restriction in match play?
The general penalty for a breach in match play is loss of hole. The exact application depends on the act and the relevant Rule, so a player should obtain a ruling rather than assume every touch is a breach.
Does a bunker give a match-play handicap stroke?
No. A handicap stroke is allocated by the applicable handicap method and Stroke Index, not because a hole contains a bunker. The bunker is a course feature governed by Rule 12.
Can I take unplayable-ball relief from a bunker?
Yes. Rule 19 provides unplayable-ball options. The one-stroke back-on-the-line and lateral options normally require the ball to be dropped in the bunker, while a two-stroke back-on-the-line option can take the ball outside the bunker.
Is every sandy area a bunker?
No. The Committee's definition and marking of the course matter. Rule 12 applies to a bunker as defined, and a non-prepared sandy area may instead be part of the general area under the applicable Committee procedures or Local Rule.