playing out of a bunker

Question
I recently played in a local comp in the UK, the guy i was playing addressed his ball and on his back swing he brushed the sand then proceeded with his swing which sent the ball to within 3ft of the hole! Should the shot have been subjected to a penalty. Thanks Chris.

Answer
Hello and thank you for asking.  You are NOT allowed to touch the bunker/sand with ANY part of your equipment before the impact zone during the real swing.  It doesnt matter if it is intentional, on backswing, on setup, whatever... that is a two shot penalty or loss of hole in match play. [Rule 13-4b]

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