Friday, June 8, 2018

Ask Linda #1754-Are grass clippings loose impediments?

Hi Linda from the UK.
I understand that grass cuttings heaped for removal are ground under repair even if not marked. What is the situation regarding grass cuttings on light rough and fairways, when cut clumps are left behind? The grass at our club is now growing furiously. What is the situation regarding such cuttings finding themselves covering a ball or in front of a ball resulting in ball striking issues? Are they “loose impediments” as defined, being natural objects such as leaves and twigs, or are they treated differently because they are the result of cutting and are not to be cleared?
Best wishes,
Lou from the UK

Dear Lou,

We are experiencing the same furiously-growing grass here in New Jersey (due to excessive rainfall). Grass clippings are natural objects, and classified as loose impediments [Definition of “Loose Impediments”]. Any grass clippings not adhering to the ball may be moved (unless your ball and the clippings lie in the same hazard). If you move the ball in the process of brushing away the clippings, you will incur a one-stroke penalty and must replace your ball (except on the putting green, where there would be no penalty), so brush with care [Rule 23-1].

Linda
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