Underground Rake Caddie

Q. Why does my course need the Rake Caddie?

A. Your course needs the Rake Caddie for the following reasons:
1. Bunker Rakes are a hazard.
2. Bunker Rakes are unsightly.
3. Bunker Rakes interfere with fair play. (Golf and Golf rules are all about fair play.)
4. Golfers get fiberglass slivers from bunker rakes. No longer with the Rake Caddie.
5. No rake controversy, i.e., in or out of the bunker.
6. Bunker Rakes will always be in the same place.
7. Bunker Rakes will not interfere with course maintenance crews. No more stopping the tractor, getting off, moving the rake, getting back on the tractor, mowing or raking the sand trap, stopping the tractor, getting off, and moving the rakes back into position, and getting back on the tractor. This is very time consuming and very expensive.
8. You will no longer need to replace rakes or rake handles every two years.

Q. Will golfers put the rake back into the caddie after raking the trap? (The most frequently asked question at the GCSAA show in San Diego)

A. Yes is the resounding answer. Based on our experience at courses that have the rake caddie installed, most of the courses have not had any rakes left out of the units, while several have had only one or two. We encourage you to call one or more of the superintendents on the calling list and ask them this question.
Golfers understand very quickly golfer benefits resulting from installation of the Rake Caddie. They relate to the concept of fair play for the golfer and the time saved by maintenance mowing and bunker raking crews. The golfer will put the rake back in the unit because the rake now has a home. It is critical that the units be spaced no greater than 16 yards apart (preferably 14 yards) so that the rake is convenient and the golfer does not need to walk more than 8 yards to obtain a rake and put it back.
Our experience has shown that over 98% of golfers will use the rakes and put them back in the caddie.

Q. Where are the units installed and how many will I need for my golf course?

A. Generally the units are installed outside of the trap no closer to the trap than 12 inches and no further from the trap than 24 inches. The Rake Caddie units should never be installed inside of the trap.
As stated above, the units should be no further apart than 16 yards. Therefore, the number of units required will depend upon the size of the trap and the number of traps. On the average it appears that most golf courses will need between 200 and 250 Rake Caddie units.

Q. Can we try out the units before purchasing?

A. Yes, we have a 120-day demo program, which we encourage you to take advantage of. We recommend that the course install enough units to properly cover the bunkers around one green so that golfers and the maintenance crews can truly evaluate all the benefits of the Rake Caddie. Please call 801-944-3794 for additional details.
Many courses have taken advantage of this limited time offer.

Q. How will golfers know how to retrieve and replace the rakes?

A. The Rake Caddie was designed so that golfers never need to bend over to retrieve or return a rake. (Please see the video for product demonstration.)
We recommend that a sign be placed on the first tee box that shows the golfer how to use the unit. In addition, we recommend that the golf course give to golfers the ‘User Instructions’ sheet that we give to the course. After one use the golfer will know how to retrieve and replace the rake. It is important that the golfer understand that it is not necessary to bend down and operate the unit by hand.

Q. Will the Rake Caddie accommodate the rakes that we are currently using?

A. No. We developed our own rake for two reasons; first, to help keep the rake handle dry, and second, to make it easy to insert the rake into the Rake Caddie. It was important that it did not make a difference, which way the rake was returned to the Rake Caddie. In addition, we believe that we have made a better rake.

Q. How does the rake handle stay clean and dry?

A. Previous attempts by others failed to accomplish this. We have been successful because we have solved the condensation issues and have provided appropriate drainage around and under the unit. Water will condense inside PVC piping that is under the ground. We have provided air pockets to keep condensation away from the rake handle. There is adequate drainage inside the Rake Caddie and during installation it is recommended that pea gravel be inserted under the Rake Caddie and at the bottom of the piping in the ground. The rake handle will stay clean and dry.

Q. Will the Rake Caddie hold up to the abuse from grounds equipment and golf carts?

A. Yes. We have constructed the Rake Caddie so that grounds equipment and golf carts can run over it and it will not break. That being said, some equipment that has spikes or other sharp objects for piercing the ground will make holes in the Rake Caddie. The Rake Caddie is installed level with the soil so that mowers and other grounds equipment can function around and over the unit and will not damage it. If the rake is kept in the unit except when in use, the rake head and handle should last well in excess of 5 years.
If a unit does malfunction, it is easy to replace. The unit is installed inside of a 6-inch sleeve inserted into the ground. Therefore, just pull out the malfunctioning unit and insert a new one into the sleeve in the ground.

Q. What is the warranty period?

A. The Rake Caddies are warranted against manufacturers defects for a period of six (6) years.

Q. How and what is needed to install the Rake Caddie?

A. See the tab ‘Installation Instructions.’ Also see tab for ‘Assembly Instructions.’