Golf is based on two fundamental principles: play the ball as it lies and play the course as you find it, although certain situations allow for exceptions.

When a player steps into a bunker and finds rocks, leaves, or twigs near the ball, Rule 15 permits the removal of loose impediments around the ball, provided the ball is not moved, and the club is not grounded in the sand. 

A player may remove a loose impediment without penalty anywhere on or off the course, including in penalty areas and bunkers. These impediments may be removed by using a hand, foot, club, or other equipment. 

However, there are exceptions to this rule that must be followed.

Exception to the rule 1: Removing a loose impediment when a ball must be replaced

Before replacing a ball that has been lifted or moved from any area of the course except the putting green, a player must not deliberately remove a loose impediment that, if moved while the ball was at rest, would likely have caused the ball to move.

 If the player removes such a loose impediment, a one-stroke penalty applies, but the loose impediment does not need to be replaced. 

This exception applies during a round and while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a, and does not apply to a loose impediment that was not present before the ball was lifted or that is removed as part of marking, lifting, moving, or replacing the ball.

Exception to the rule 2: Removing a Loose Impediment That Affects a Ball in Motion

A player must not deliberately remove a loose impediment or alter conditions to influence a ball that is moving, as provided in Rule 11.3.

 If the player takes such an action to affect where a ball may come to rest, the general penalty applies.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu