Rule 15: Removing loose objects
What this is about
This rule explains when you may remove small, loose objects from the golf course. These are objects that aren't part of the challenge of the game. You can usually remove them without penalty.
What you need to do
You may remove loose impediments, such as leaves or small stones, anywhere.
- If your ball moves as a result of removing such an object, you get one penalty stroke. Replace the ball where it was. This doesn't apply on the putting green or on the teeing area.
- You may also remove loose, man-made objects, such as a rake or an empty bottle. This is allowed anywhere.
- If your ball moves while you're removing a man-made object, you get no penalty. However, you must replace the ball.
- Is your ball lying in or on such a man-made object? Then you may lift the ball. Remove the object and drop the ball within one club-length of the nearest spot of relief. This is always without penalty.
Common mistake
A common mistake is thinking that you always get a penalty if your ball moves. This isn't true. If you remove a loose, man-made object, your ball sometimes moves. In that case you get no penalty, but you must replace the ball. So the difference between natural and man-made objects is very important.
Example
Your ball lies right next to a pile of autumn leaves. You brush the leaves away with your hand. By accident, your ball then rolls a small distance. You get one penalty stroke and replace the ball. But what if your ball is lying in a plastic bag? Then you lift the ball, remove the bag, and drop the ball without penalty.
Practise this rule with real exam questions in the free app.
15.1 Loose impediments
15.1a Removing loose impediments
Anywhere on the course and outside it, you may remove loose impediments (such as leaves, twigs, stones and loose divots) without penalty. You can do this in any way: with your hand, foot, club or other equipment.
There are two exceptions:
- Before a ball is replaced, you may not remove a loose impediment that would likely cause the ball to move. Penalty: one penalty stroke.
- You may not remove a loose impediment to influence a ball in motion (Rule 11.3).
15.1b Ball moved when removing a loose impediment
If the player's ball moves because a loose impediment is removed, the ball must be replaced on its original spot. If the ball was not on the putting green or teeing area, the player also gets one penalty stroke.
15.2 Movable obstructions
15.2a Taking relief from movable obstructions
You may remove a movable obstruction (an artificial object that can be moved) anywhere without penalty. Exceptions apply to tee-markers in the teeing area and to deliberately moving something to affect a ball in motion.
If your ball lies in or on a movable obstruction that isn't on the putting green, you may lift the ball, remove the obstruction, and drop the ball within one club-length of the point right below where the ball lay in the obstruction. On the putting green, the ball is replaced on its original spot.
15.2b Ball not found in a movable obstruction
If it's reasonably certain that the ball came to rest in a movable obstruction but can't be found, you may take relief. The reference point is the estimated spot where the ball crossed the edge of the obstruction.
15.3 Ball or ball-marker helps or interferes with play
15.3a Ball on the putting green helps the play
If a player believes that a ball on the putting green could help another player's play, they may mark the spot and lift the ball. In stroke play, a player may also play first instead of lifting their ball.
15.3b Ball interferes with play
If a player believes that another player's ball interferes with their play (blocks their stance, swing, or line of play, or lies close enough to be distracting), they may ask the other player to mark and lift the ball.
15.3c Ball-marker helps or interferes with play
If a ball-marker helps or interferes with play, a player may ask for the marker to be moved. The marker is moved one or more club-lengths to the side.