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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