101 12.1 When Ball Is in Bunker A ball is in a bunker when any part of the ball: • Touches sand on the ground inside the edge of the bunker, or • Is inside the edge of the bunker and rests: » On ground where sand normally would be (such as where sand was blown or washed away by wind or water), or » In or on a loose impediment, movable obstruction, abnormal course condition or integral object that touches sand in the bunker or is on ground where sand normally would be. If a ball lies on soil or grass or other growing or attached natural objects inside the edge of the bunker without touching any sand, the ball is not in the bunker. If part of the ball is both in a bunker and in another area of the course, see Rule 2.2c. 12.2 Playing Ball in Bunker This Rule applies both during a round and while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a. 12.2a Removing Loose Impediments and Movable Obstructions Before playing a ball in a bunker, a player may remove loose impediments under Rule 15.1 and movable obstructions under Rule 15.2. This includes any reasonable touching or movement of the sand in the bunker that happens while doing so. 12.2b Restrictions on Touching Sand in Bunker (1) When Touching Sand Results in Penalty. Before making a stroke at a ball in a bunker, a player must not: • Deliberately touch sand in the bunker with a hand, club, rake or other object to test the condition of the sand to learn information for the next stroke, or • Touch sand in the bunker with a club: » In the area right in front of or right behind the ball (except as allowed under Rule 7.1a in fairly searching for a ball or under Rule 12.2a in removing a loose impediment or movable obstruction), » In making a practice swing, or » In making the backswing for a stroke. See Rule 25.2f (modification of Rule 12.2b(1) for players who are blind); Rules 25.4l (application of Rule 12.2b(1) for players who use an assistive mobility device). Rule 12
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