Rules question · Rule 12.2b · Hard
Ball still in the bunker: can I smooth my marks already?
Your bunker shot fails and the ball stays in the bunker. May you now smooth the marks of your stroke?
Answer
Yes, as long as it does not improve your next stroke from the bunker
Smoothing the sand to care for the course is allowed even while your ball is still in the bunker. But if it improves your lie, stance, swing or line of play for the next stroke, you get the general penalty.