Hi Linda,
Our head golf professional told us that a player cannot
remove loose
impediments from the area of an intended drop. We have a lot
of wood chips in areas on the course as a drought solution. I think
these wood chips are loose impediments.
#1 Are wood chips loose impediments?
#2 Can loose impediments be removed from the intended area
of a drop?
And, maybe one additional question - can a player basically
sweep away three or so square feet of wood chips, to be sure that the
dropped ball is on a clear dirt surface? It's sometimes difficult to
remove the wood chips after the drop since there's a high risk that you'll
cause the ball to move.
Thanks,
Lou from Encino, California
Dear Lou,
It may be time for you and your buddies to chip in and buy
your pro a Decisions book.
• Wood chips are loose impediments [Decision 23/14].
• Players are permitted to remove loose impediments from the
area where the ball will be dropped [Decision 23-1/6].
• I see no problem brushing away three square feet of wood
chips, provided the player does not unduly delay play. The course might
appreciate your brushing them back after your shot.
Linda
Copyright © 2016 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
