You can now move loose impediments and touch sand away from the ball in a bunker, but grounding near the ball or testing the sand is still a 2-stroke penalty.
Can you ground your club in a bunker?
No — grounding your club in the sand right behind or in front of the ball is still a 2-stroke penalty. But most other things (moving loose impediments, touching sand away from the ball) are now allowed.
Allowed vs not allowed
| Action | Penalty? |
|---|---|
| Move loose impediments (leaves, stones, twigs) | No penalty |
| Touch sand with hand or club away from the ball | No penalty |
| Ground club right behind or in front of ball | 2 penalty strokes |
| Test the sand (e.g., drag feet to feel texture) | 2 penalty strokes |
| Touch sand during practice swing or backswing | 2 penalty strokes |
The new unplayable-ball option
If your ball is unplayable in a bunker, plus a new option under Rule 19.3b: drop outside the bunker back on the line from the hole for two penalty strokes.
What counts as a bunker?
A bunker is an area of prepared sand designed as a hazard. Areas of natural sand (waste areas) are not bunkers and the restrictions don't apply.
Quick answers
Can you ground your club in a bunker? No. Grounding your club in the sand right behind or in front of the ball is a 2-stroke penalty (Rule 12.2b).
What is the penalty for touching the sand in a bunker? Two penalty strokes if you ground the club near the ball, take a practice swing touching sand, or test the conditions.
Can you take relief from an unplayable lie in a bunker? Yes, standard options cost one stroke, plus a new escape option for two strokes (Rule 19.3b).
Is a waste area a bunker in golf? No.