Phil Mickelson says amateur golf has developed a ‘huge problem’ even at the best courses in recent years

Add as preferred source on Google

Golf has enjoyed a huge boom in popularity over the last few years but Phil Mickelson has admitted that it’s come with a major problem at the same time, especially in the amateur game.

With the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and YouTube golf all being massive sources for fans to consume golf, more and more people have taken up the game, including a wealth of celebrities.

Of course, the pandemic also allowed for people to take up golf, with the sport being one of the first to fully open its doors to the public again.

• READ MORE: Rory McIlroy continues his bizarre behaviour since winning The Masters as latest move leaves him open to even more criticism

However, as with any sport attracting new players, there are going to be issues.

And according to the legendary Phil Mickelson, golf has inherited a big problem thanks to the recent uptake.

Phil Mickelson names the big problem golf is currently seeing at amateur level

Never one to shy away from an opinion in person or on social media, Phil Mickelson has been on X today responding to a comment from Lou Stagner about raking bunkers once you’ve used them.

Raking the bunkers has always been seen as good etiquette and on the PGA Tour, the caddies usually make sure it’s done.

However, on the amateur side of things, people can often forget, or, they simply don’t know the etiquette.

And according to Mickelson, it has become a big issue in golf.

Given the state of some bunkers on local courses, the lack of raking after taking a shot is inexcusable really and simply disrespectful to those playing the course.

• READ MORE: Ryder Cup 2025: United States team standings

What the rules say about raking bunkers

There are no actual rules which dictate a bunker must be cared for and raked after a shot has been taken, this is more a common courtesy that is just accepted as the norm in golf.

There are, however, rules around bunkers and raking which specify when you can and can’t rake a bunker.

The R&A rules, in section 12, cover bunker play and in there they state that you can actually rake a bunker prior to taking your shot, as long as you don’t improve your lie.

Their rules state the following:

2) When Touching Sand Does Not Result in Penalty. Except as covered by (1), this Rule does not prohibit the player from touching sand in the bunker in any other way, including:

• Digging in with the feet to take a stance for a practice swing or the stroke,
• Smoothing the bunker to care for the course,
• Placing clubs, equipment or other objects in the bunker (whether by throwing or setting them down),
• Measuring, marking, lifting, replacing or taking other actions under a Rule,
• Leaning on a club to rest, stay balanced or prevent a fall, or
• Striking the sand in frustration or anger.

So, while there is no actual rule to say you MUST rake a bunker after a shot, it does seem that if you don’t then you’re in the minority and definitely frowned upon by the professionals.