Rules question about bunkers

[MisterJJ]

In a light-hearted manner...

I know the rules forbid grounding the club in a hazard before making your swing. But does that rule prohibit grounding your club in a bunker BEFORE your shot goes in a bunker? For example, "testing" the sand in a bunker on the first hole to see how the bunkers on the entire course are playing?

There's not much worse than ending up in a bunker where the sand looks wet and hard packed and not knowing how hard the sand is UNDERNEATH.

[Rockford35]

"The Rules do not prohibit a player from testing a hazard except when the ball lies in or touches the hazard. But if such testing improved the line of play, the player would be in breach of Rule 13-2."

Rule 13-2

R35

[dave.]

I've seen a guy chipping from the side of the putting green only to get dq'ed for practicing on the course!!! beware