Hi there,
Here is the dilemma: Your ball comes to rest at the base of
a tree. There are some tiny branches between you and the ball, making it
somewhat difficult to have a clean shot at the ball. Is it therefore
permissible to hold back these branches while striking your ball, without
incurring a penalty for this action?
Respectfully,
Lou from Barbados
Dear Lou,
Absolutely not. You may not move anything growing in order
to improve the area of your intended stance or swing. The penalty for doing so
is two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play [Rule 13-2].
Linda
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