|
Click -->> BETTER GOLF SWING
Loose Impediments - The Golf Rule
© Copyright Golf-Tip.us
No Reproduction Allowed
|
One of the rules of golf is the "loose impediment" rule. Under this rule, natural objects that interfere with game can be removed from the course. Originally, under the 1744 Rules, loose impediments were removable only when they were on the "the fair Green" and not more than a club-length from the ball. However, this condition has been removed. However, when it comes to what can be considered a "loose impediment" and removed accordingly, there are a few things that need clarification.
This rule defines "loose impediments" as "natural objects such as stones, leaves, twigs, branches and the like, dung, worms, and insects and casts or heaps made by them." This rule also differentiates between natural objects and man made ones. Manmade ones are called "obstructions" and covered under Rule 24. Natural objects to fall under the category of "loose impediments" need to be movable, i.e. a tree growing on the course cannot be sawed off because it's in the way. So, natural objects that aren't fixed to the ground,, growing on the course, embedded or adhering to the golf ball fall under the category of "loose impediments" and therefore removed.
Though, it's quite easy to identify the objects that fall under this category, whether they can be removed or not without the risk of a penalty, isn't that easy. If something sticking to the ball can easily be removed with the "finger test", then it can be considered a "loose impediment". To pass the finger test, the embedded object should be easily removed, without any prying or digging. Also, objects like sand and loose soil fall under the category of loose impediments. But, with one condition: they will be considered so, only on the putting green. If they happen to be on the fringe, then tough luck.
Another aspect of the rule is that players cannot remove an impediment, even if it qualifies as a loose impediment, if it and the ball touch a bunker or water hazard. So, stones and pinecones. Otherwise removable, can't be removed from bunkers or water hazards. This is because, the hazard is meant to be one and the player will have to suffer the consequences of coming into contact with it while playing.
Another thing to remember is that if the ball moves, while removing a "loose impediment", the player will be penalized one stroke, under Rule 18-2c. This is, if the ball is not on the putting green when this happens. If the ball happens to be on the putting green, then the ball or the ball marker can be replaced and the player isn't penalized, provided the ball moved because the impediment was removed. So, the important thing to keep in mind is to be extremely careful when moving loose impediments. It becomes all the more tricky when there is a large stone that needs to be removed. But, there is hope. Under Decision 23-1/3 the golfer can get help to remove a large loose impediment.
All this is possible if the ball is stationary. A loose impediment that comes in the way of the ball while it's moving cannot be removed, even if it influences the movement of the ball.
© Copyright Golf-Tip.us
No Reproduction Allowed
Click -->> GOLF STORE ONLINE
|
|
|
|
