Linda: I have a question on loose impediments versus
improving your line. Suppose a golfer is four feet off the green and wants to
putt the ball. But, there are clumps of mown grass between her/him and the
green. Is that a loose impediment and allowable to be swept aside or would that
be considered improving the line?
Thanks!
Lou from Colorado
Dear Lou,
Clumps of mown grass are loose impediments [Definition of
“Loose Impediments”]. You may remove them from your line of play.
When the Rules state that you may not improve your line of play, they are referring to such actions as
pressing a club on the ground; moving, bending, or breaking anything growing or
fixed; creating or eliminating irregularities of surface; etc. [Rule 13-2].
Linda
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