Linda,
Can a leaf or leaves also become an outside agency?
What happens when leaves are blowing over the putting green,
and a large leaf knocks a players putt off the line?
Thanks,
Lou
Dear Lou,
Leaves can be both loose impediments and outside agencies.
On the green
When a ball at rest on a putting green is moved by an
outside agency (such as a leaf blown by the wind), there is no penalty and the
ball must be replaced [Rule 18-1].
When a ball in motion after being putted from on the putting green is moved by
an outside agency, the stroke is canceled and the ball must be replaced and
replayed [Rule 19-1b].
Off the green
The Rule changes if the ball in motion is not on the
putting green. In this case, if the ball in motion is moved by the outside
agency, it is a “rub of the green” and the ball must be played as it lies. However,
if the ball is at rest when it is
moved by the outside agency, it is replaced.
Reminder
Wind and water are not
outside agencies. If your ball is moved by wind or water you will play it from
its new position. There is a difference between the wind moving your ball and
the wind moving a leaf that moves your ball.
Linda
Copyright © 2013 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
