USGA Rules and Descisions: 13-4/31 Touching Sand in Bunker During Backswing Q. A player playing a shot in a bunker accidentally touched the sand when making his backswing. What is the ruling? A. The player was in breach of Rule 13-4b when he touched the ground in the bunker with his club before making the stroke — see Definition of "Stroke." USGA Rule 13-3b 13-4. Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions Except as provided in the Rules, before making a stroke at a ball that is in a hazard (whether a bunker or a water hazard) or that, having been lifted from a hazard, may be dropped or placed in the hazard, the player must not: b. Touch the ground in the hazard or water in the water hazard Definition of Stroke: Stroke A "stroke" is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball, but if a player checks his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches the ball he has not made a stroke.