Last issue, we discussed abnormal ground conditions where the rules of golf allowed a player to deviate from the underlying principles of playing the course as it is found and playing the ball as it lies. This month, we will continue this theme with a discussion of Rules 15.1 and 15.2. These cover when and how the player may take free relief from loose impediments and movable obstructions.
A fundamental first step to understanding the Rules of Golf is knowing the definitions of the associated terms. A loose impediment is defined as any unattached natural object such as: stones, loose grass, leaves, branches and sticks, dead animals and animal waste, worms, insects and similar animals that can be removed easily, plus the mounds or webs they build (such as worm casts and ant hills), and clumps of compacted soil (including aeration plugs). These natural objects cannot be moved if they are attached or growing, solidly embedded in the ground or sticking to the ball. It is important to note that sand and loose soil are not loose impediments, but may be removed from the putting green. Dew, frost and water are not loose impediments. Snow and natural ice (other than frost) are either loose impediments or, when on the ground, temporary water, at the player’s option. Spider webs are loose impediments even when attached to another object. A live insect on the ball is not a loose impediment.
A player may, without penalty, remove a loose impediment anywhere on or off the course, but the player needs to be careful in this removal near their ball off the putting green because there will be a one-stroke penalty if the action causes the ball to move. Additionally, if the ball does move, it must be replaced. Failure to do so will result in a two-stroke penalty for playing from the wrong spot.
With respect to Rule 15.2, a movable obstruction is defined as an object that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging it or the course. If part of an immovable obstruction or integral object (such as a gate, door or part of an attached cable) meets these two standards, that part is treated as a movable obstruction. This does not apply if the movable part of an immovable obstruction or integral object was not meant to be moved.
A player is permitted to remove a movable obstruction anywhere on or off the course and may do so in any way. If the player’s ball moves as a result of this action, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which, if not known, must be estimated).
If the ball is on a movable obstruction anywhere on the course except the putting green, the player may take free relief by lifting the ball, removing the obstruction and dropping the original ball or another ball in a relief area. This area is defined by establishing a reference point estimated to be right under where the ball was at rest in or on the obstruction, and measuring one club length from this point, no closer to the hole and in the same area of the course.
When the ball is in or on a movable obstruction on the putting green, free relief is taken by lifting the ball, removing the obstruction and replacing the original ball or another ball on the spot estimated to be where the ball was at rest in or on the obstruction. In all situations, failure to replace or drop in the correct location will result in a two-stroke penalty for playing from the wrong spot.
All of the rules that deal with free relief opportunities are a recognition that, during a round of golf, players can encounter conditions that are not really part of the challenge of playing the game.
Michael Grandinetti is the chair of the CDGA Championship Policy Committee and is a member of the CDGA Rules Committee. He has been affiliated with the CDGA since 1997, including a stint as president from 2016–17.