Golf Rules: Can You Check the Sand in a Bunker?

Question
I hit a ball into the trap.  I walk in, adress the ball and dig in deep with both feet.  Before I swing, I decide to walk out and check my line again.  Did I commit a penalty by testing the sand ?

Answer
Dear Len, thanks for the question.  Golf is a game built so heavily on honor that many times, the intent determines whether or not a rule has been broken.  If your intent was not to test the sand, you have not breached the rule...and vice versa.  If you're simply checking your line and/or perhaps switching clubs, you have not tested the sand.  Good luck, thanks again for asking and remember...


Love the game,
skipper