Rules question · Rule 12.2b · Expert
Hit the bunker sand in frustration: is there a penalty?
Your ball is in a bunker. While you wait, you hit the sand with your club in anger at your last shot, a good distance away from the ball. What is the ruling?
Answer
No penalty, as long as it does not improve anything for your next stroke
Striking the sand in frustration is not a breach of the bunker Rule. What is prohibited is testing the sand or touching it with your club right next to the ball, in a practice swing or in your backswing. But if doing so improves your lie, stance or line of play, you get two penalty strokes.