Many of the regular readers understand that The Grateful Golfer is about positive golf talk. I try to encourage, suggest, recommend the great things about golf when I can. Well today, I was perplexed on the first hole and maybe you can help me out!

Osprey Links Hole 1

Today, I was in the second group out. We were on the first hole at Osprey Links Golf Course which is a par 5 dogleg to the right. The turn of the dogleg starts at about 250 yards out off the tee and on the right of this hole is a water hazard and two bunkers guarding the initial turn. This is a great starting hole, but I digress.

As Blair and I made our way down the fairway, the day was starting off great. We were following the first group of 3 players and everything seem as it should. But suddenly, as we made the turn towards the green, I spotted this black think sitting in the grass beside the two bunkers. I was perplexed to see this object just sitting there and started to ponder if it had any real use on the golf course. I was not sure, but I am confident that you, the reader, can help me out!

What is that black object!

I have seen these objects before (in various states of disrepair) and thought I understood their utility. But, after seeing the foot prints in the sand trap, I was not sure I fully comprehended their use. Of course the object in question is a rake!

It is a rake!

As you can see, the people playing their shot out of the bunker had no comprehension what a rake is used for. Not only did they step past it once (as seen by the foot prints on the right) they stepped past it twice!

The rake is important equipment at a golf course. It allows a player to fix the sand trap so that the people following behind have a fair opportunity to play out of the sand if required. Raking a sand trap is not difficult, but is a necessity from a respect and etiquette point of view.

Therefore, if you hit your ball into the sand, please rake the sand trap. Lets make sure that everyone has fun on the course by taking care of it and raking the sand traps!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!