if a ball lodges against a bunker rake outside the bunker, can the rake be removed (ball picked up, rake removed, ball replaced) without a penalty stroke?
Q. My ball lies against a rake in a bunker, am I entitled to relief?
A. Yes. A bunker rake is a movable obstruction (see Definition of "Obstuctions") which the player may remove in accordance with Rule 24-1.
If the ball is touching the sand in the bunker (or another part of the course) then the rake may be removed in accordance with Rule 24-1a.
If the ball is resting solely on the rake (i.e. not also touching a part of the course) then Rule 24-1b permits the player to lift the ball, remove the rake, and drop the ball as nearly as possible to the spot directly beneath where the ball lay on the rake (but not nearer the hole).
