3/23/2012 12:03 PM
In reality, it doesn't much matter where you place them because as soon as golfers go through they are going to throw them somewhere else. However...my thinking is to place them inside the bunker because it makes it easier for maintenance to cut around the bunkers. When my guys rake bunkers they have to get off the machine to rake the edges, anyhow, so having rakes in the bunker does little to slow them up. But it is a lot easier on my mowing crew if they don't have to get off the machines (or run over the handles!). Rules of golf make provisions for balls coming to rest against a rake in the bunker, and they don't deflect shots INTO the bunker like a rake outside may do. We do try to make sure rakes are placed running parallel to the line of play so that we minimize, as much as possible, the chances for them to be hit. Bottom line, though, is that it is a preference rather than a rule. As to rakes on carts, waste of time. Golfers won't remember to take them with them and won't go back to the cart and then return to rake a bunker. Plus, walkers won't have any way to rake.
Steve Ravenkamp, CGCS