Hi Linda,
I hit my drive to the left of the fairway. It sits on
hardpan amongst small twigs, stones and acorns. I want to clear away the loose
impediments behind the ball so I can make solid contact. I'm pretty sure I
understand this rule.
The question I have is this: Instead of using my fingers to
pick up a twig or two, I used my foot to brush away the twigs. The ball does
not move. Is it allowable to use your foot as long as the ball remains in its
original position and does not move?
Lou from South Carolina
Dear Lou,
Yes. There is no restriction on what you may use to move
loose impediments. However, if they are close to your ball, it might be prudent
to use your hands – you will incur a one-stroke penalty if you move the ball in
the process of removing loose impediments, except on the putting green [Rules
18-2 and 23-1]. Don’t forget that you may not touch or move a loose impediment
when both your ball and the loose impediment lie in the same hazard.
Linda
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